How many Rolfing® sessions will I need?
Rolfers® consider Rolfing to be holistic, that is a process designed to create balance throughout the whole body. To accomplish this Rolfers® ask clients to consider committing to ten sessions of Rolfing®. Some people will require fewer sessions some more, but ten is a good estimate of sessions needed to accomplish the Rolfer’s® goals. People will often commit initially to one to three sessions to see if they like the work and feel it is meeting their needs.

How frequently should sessions be scheduled?
Sessions can be scheduled anywhere from weekly to monthly. Bodies often begin the process of change within the session and continue that process between sessions. At the very least, the body needs time to integrate changes before another session is done. Every body integrates at a different rate, so the Rolfer® and client will schedule sessions based on how that particular client assimilates the work.

How long are sessions?
Sessions usually last 60 to 75 minutes. About 50 minutes is work done on the table. The Rolfer® will take time at the beginning and end of the session to hear the client’s feedback and to do an assessment that includes such things as observing the client standing and in motion.

How much does Rolfing® cost?
Today Rolfers® charge between $85 and $125 a session, depending on their location and experience.

Does insurance pay for Rolfing®?
Rolfing® is sometimes covered by medical or auto insurance. Generally, if a policy covers massage therapy, it will also cover Rolfing®. All Washington Rolfers® are licensed as massage therapists. Some insurance policies require a referral from a doctor (or other licensed health care practitioner) for Rolfing® to be covered. Insurance companies vary greatly on coverage so it is always best to check with your company to see if your particular policy covers Rolfing®.

How does Rolfing® differ from other forms of bodywork?
Rolfing® differs from other forms of bodywork in at least two important ways. The first is the medium through which Rolfers® work in the body. Rolfers® work with fascia or connective tissue. This allows the Rolfer® to actually sculpt or reshape the body. Secondly, Rolfing® differs from most other forms of bodywork in its holistic approach. Rolfing® is not symptom-oriented, but rather, an intentional process of reorganizing the body in gravity. This does not mean that symptoms or problems are ignored; but rather they are considered and addressed within the context of the reorganization process.

I keep hearing that Rolfing® is really painful. Does it hurt?
In my experience as a Rolfer®, I have seen clients who fall on a continuum from those who experience some discomfort with every session, to those who seem a little disappointed that it doesn't hurt at all. I have never had a client who found the work so uncomfortable that they had to exit the process. There are many techniques that can be used during moments of discomfort, such as working with the breath, imagery, or focusing attention. There are also the options of taking breaks or having the Rolfer® vary her approach. The important thing to remember is that Rolfing® is not a "pain game" and as the client you are in control.

Will I have to do anything special outside of sessions?
In general during a Rolfing® series one can attend life without interruption. Sometimes, the Rolfer® will ask the client to forgo strenuous exercise on the day of a session or for a few days following a session. Otherwise, all that is necessary for most people is good, practical self care i.e. getting enough rest, fluids, etc.

Once I am Rolfed, what’s to prevent my body from reverting to its old patterns and the shape it was in?
Bodies are constantly changing and adapting to what happens to them. The Rolfing® process can move a body toward a more balanced state. The more balanced a body is the more resilient it is, and the more likely it will seek and return to a balanced state. So, just the organizing process itself goes a long way to producing a body that stays in balance.
Rolfing® also enhances a person’s awareness of the body. Consequently, people who have been Rolfed tend to notice patterns of tension or misuse that might eventually generate imbalance.
The Rolfer® is also trained to notice habitual movement patterns that might generate present or future imbalances. The Rolfing® process addresses these patterns, and helps the client find more balanced options.

Is the ten session Rolfing® series all that is available?
Once a person has gone through the ten session series there are a number of options for further Rolfing®:
i. A person may do a "tune-up" session or two (usually only necessary every year or so) to be sure that the balance achieved in the ten series is maintained.
ii. A person may want to come in for a session (or sessions) after an injury, serious illness, or surgery.
iii. A person may choose to further the process by doing a three or five session advanced series of work.

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