FAQ Written by Jake Mcburns    Wednesday, 12 May 2004 What is the series? The basic Rolfing series consists of 10 sessions. The practitioner starts by evaluating the client's structure through visual observation, testing and movement patterns. The client is then asked to lie on a table as the practitioner applies pressure where the fascia is restricted. The client is often asked to participate in releasing the restrictions by breathing into the area or making synchronized movements. The work is done in a complex arrangement to promote lasting changes as the body reorganizes to a more balanced state. Each session builds upon the results of the previous one, so the results are cumulative. Rolfers also work with rhythms of respiration and other responses of the body. We educate the client in ways of using the new-found freedom and suggest movements the client can do on their own to further the process. Specific patterns: For those not interested in the series. Only the specific problem that the client comes in with is addressed. Usually in 2-4 sessions the problem can be taken care of (depending on the severity of the problem). Advanced work: After the initial series, clients periodically receive sessions to help further enhance what was started in the series. Frequency of the post series work depends on life style and history of injuries and trauma. Some chronic patterns may take. What are specific problems Rolfers address? Rolfers are trained to work with many different physical problems such as: * Carpal tunnel syndrome * Neck * Lower back * Spinal curvature * Joints * TMJ * Headaches * Sciatica * Visceral position and tissue restrictions * Many types of feet problems Does Rolfing last? Yes. Photographs show that changes of the basic series are still present many years after the series is complete. On the other hand, as bodies change, and people have further injuries, accidents or stressful times, additional work may be useful. How are Rolfers trained? To be fully licensed and certified, Practitioners must complete 2 years of comprehensive study at the Rolfing Institute. This is followed by a 5 year continuing education program before advanced certification. Areas covered are Behavioral and Biological sciences, Rolfing Theory and extensive supervised clinical work. Does Rolfing Hurt? When Rolfing was first developed over 30 years ago, the methods were less refined than they are today. In the early days of Rolfing, practitioners tended to work very deep to get at the restrictions often causing discomfort to the client. Today, practitioners are trained to pay close attention to the reactions of our nervous system and work to the level of availability in the tissue. Many new indirect procedures have also been developed to make Rolfing a more pleasant experience. During the work there will be an occasional transitory discomfort but it will be very brief and is often followed by a pleasant sensation of release. What is Movement Instruction? Rolfing movement integration is a separate system of work that forwards the same goal as Rolfing. Where Rolfing works with structural patterns, movement education is focused on re-educating the body's movement patterns. Life is motion. When we are unable to meet life's demand to move in certain ways, tension results. Familiar symptoms of this kind of tension are low energy, aching muscles and stress. Clients may also notice they carry habitual blocks in there walk, stretches or work habits. The practitioner works to guide the client in replacing binding tension patterns with free and well-integrated movement. Movement work can be done for its own value or as a powerful aid to the manipulation work. Often, the Rolf practitioner will include movement education in the structural sessions to further release certain patterns and educate the client on how they may be able to move more efficiently with less effort. Will my insurance cover the treatments? This depends on your insurance company. Some companies will cover treatments. You should check with your insurer and it helps to have a referral from your Chiropractor or Physician. If they have any questions, please feel free to have them contact me directly. Are there Psychological Results from Rolfing? While Rolfing is primarily concerned with structural changes, any change in the physical body affects the whole person. A human being is comprised of many aspects including; attitudes, emotions, behavior, and structure. They are all related to each other. Rolfing clients often report positive changes in their outlook on life and in their ability to handle emotional changes. Last Updated ( Tuesday, 13 May 2008 )