Frequently Asked Questions

How is Rolfing different from massage?

Rolfers are trained to evaluate structure and function in ways that massage therapists are not. Therefore, the intention behind the hands-on work is completely different. During the initial assessment, the Rolfer gathers information about the particular patterns expressed by the client in standing and in motion and uses that information to direct the work. Also, in most massage sessions, the client’s entire body is touched each time–a “full-body” massage. This is not the case in a Rolfing session. While the entire body is addressed, in the sense of maintaining an awareness of how the work being done connects into the whole, the hands-on work is limited to whatever will accomplish the goals of each particular session, allowing the Rolfer to apply more comprehensive attention to tense, restricted areas. Rolfing sessions seek to create positive change in bodies, not just temporary relief of symptoms.

Is it painful?

In the course of a Rolfing session, it is common to directly contact areas that are tight and restricted, which are often experienced by the client as tender and sore. While this can result in discomfort, the Rolfer communicates with the client to keep the level of discomfort manageable, establishing with each client his/her personal range of sensation and learning together how much pressure results in a feeling of “hurts good” and how much might go beyond that into “hurts bad”. When something “hurts bad”, it is natural to resist. If a client is feeling the need to resist the input, he/she is then working at cross purposes with the Rolfer, rendering the work ineffective and needlessly uncomfortable. Good communication prevents this. Most Rolfing clients I’ve worked with are pleasantly surprised by how much they enjoy the process as well as the results of the work.

What is the “10 Series”?

The 10 series is a series of sessions that were designed to accomplish a set of goals that ultimately re-organize the body into its healthiest expression of alignment and ease. It is still the best way to experience the benefits of Rolfing, as it applies the principles of Rolfing in a time-proven, systematic fashion. However, it is possible to receive the work and its benefits without committing to the series.

How often should I get work?

This is of course different for everyone and is often driven by financial and scheduling concerns. The optimal interval in the beginning is approximately 1-2 weeks. Receiving work more often can hamper the client'lsquo;s ability to assimilate the work; less often tends to result in habitual patterns of tension regaining lost ground. I will work with each client to find the balance that suits his/her individual circumstances.

Why CranioSacral Therapy?

CranioSacral Therapy (CST) is a very direct way to access the central nervous system and dissipate accumulated stress. Experiencing trauma will often leave a person with his/her nervous system on high alert. A hyper-responsive nervous system tends to perceive everyday stimuli (i.e. noise, light, physical contact, etc.) as threatening and will react accordingly, activating the fight-or-flight mechanism and increasing the level of internal stress. It can be extremely beneficial to help the body reset its response to these events. Because the level of tone that soft tissue manifests is ultimately a function of the nervous system, CST is often useful as an primary intervention to help the body relax and receive hands-on bodywork more readily and effectively. It can therefore be a very useful adjunct to Rolfing.

Do you take insurance?

No. I can provide a basic receipt for a client to submit to his/her insurance company, but all paperwork and interaction with insurance companies is the responsibility of the client.

General information

My schedule is not completely set and can vary. Please call or email me to set up a session and discuss payment. At this time I do not accept credit cards; payment must be in the form of cash or personal check. You can use [this form] to contact me via email or phone. For quickest response, or if you need to cancel a session, please use the telephone. I do have a 24 hr cancellation policy. Clients who do not call to cancel within 24 hours will be charged the full session fee.