What is Rolfing®?

Rolfing is a type of manual therapy which focuses on optimizing function and ease of the whole body by working with the nervous system and balancing the connective tissue system (Fascia) that wraps the muscles, bones, and organs. Rolfing often addresses the causes of pain or restricted movement versus limiting work to areas which are expressing symptoms. Rolfing aims to reorganize the body, to use gravity as a supportive tool versus a force which depletes vital energy and breaks the body down over time. Rolfing also can increase one’s awareness resulting in more efficient movement and offering a truer sense of self.

Is Rolfing painful?

This is a common question and the answer is, “Rolfing shouldn’t hurt.” Traditionally, Rolfing had the reputation of being painful, but this is changing with the advancement of fascial research and understanding of how the central nervous system (the brain and spinal cord) sends and receives information with the body. While the pressure used during a session can be anywhere from light to intensely deep, the Rolfer™ calibrates the intensity of sensation to a manageable level. Depending on the individual, very light pressure can cause an intense response while deep pressure may not feel very deep or vice versa. One vital benefit of Rolfing is the ability to work with how the brain perceives different areas of the body through the sensation of touch and movement, helping recalibrate and hone these connections so the brain has a clearer view of the area being worked with, commonly normalizing sensation and tone which equals less pain and tightness.

What should I wear to my Rolfing appointment?

Please either wear full coverage underwear under your clothes to your appointment or bring them with you to change into. (This means either boxers or briefs for men or full coverage bra and underwear or two piece bathing suit for women. Crossed back sports bras are difficult to work with; standard bras work best.) The reason for this attire is so I can assess your walking gait and see how the connective tissue (fascia) moves with your body. I also commonly work with clients seated or standing. (It is important you feel comfortable; please contact me if you have any questions or concerns regarding attire.)

Are there medical conditions that contraindicate Rolfing?

Yes, this is the reason I have each client fill out a detailed health history and have an intake interview prior to the first session. Certain health conditions make Rolfing unadvisable and others are okay if approved by a doctor. If you have questions regarding the safety of Rolfing for yourself, please contact your doctor. With certain health conditions, a doctor’s written approval may be necessary before beginning treatment. Please notify me at the beginning of each session if you have had any changes in your health history. (new medications, injuries, hospitalizations, injuries, surgeries, etc.)

If I have a common cold, can I still come to my Rolfing session?

No. If you are coming down with, have, or are having any symptoms of sickness, please reschedule you appointment, giving me 24hrs notice, if possible. Bodywork increases the body’s metabolism, often causing the symptoms of the virus to worsen after treatment, causing your cold to feel worse. I would appreciate not being exposed to it, as well.




“When a body is in pain or discomfort, whether physical or emotional, the unconscious response is to tighten and shorten in an effort to “get away” from the pain. Rolfing focuses on lengthening and balancing the body in order for the tightened tissues to have some place to go after the release.” – Dr. Ida P. Rolf


“If you can imagine how it feels to live in a fluid, light, balanced body, free of pain, stiffness and chronic stress, at ease with itself and the gravitational field, then you will understand the purpose of Rolfing.” – Jeffrey Maitland, PhD