A Typical Rolfing Session

Sessions begin with a discussion of your history of injury, pain or limitation. The Rolfer will then observe your structural alignment in standing, before working to release restrictions in the fascial network.

Deep strokes are performed slowly, waiting for the tissue to soften, lengthen or release. You might play an active role in the sessions, performing different movements to aid in the release of specific areas. You might be asked to participate by breathing into different areas as a stroke is applied, or to change your position  to help your tissues lengthen and relax.

During sessions, you might be treated in areas that you may not think are related to your condition. The Rolfer however, has a thorough understanding of the fascial system and will release the fascia in areas he or she knows have a strong "drag" on your area of pain and/or injury. For example, restriction in the shoulder can pull on and cause pain in the wrist. The Rolfer may therefore work from the neck to the fingers, and assess whether there is adequate support for the shoulder girdle via the ribcage and pelvis. This "whole body" approach helps maximise the effectiveness of treatments and longevity of results.