Many of us have one body part we think of as our “problem”; stiff neck, aching lower back, chronically tight shoulders, etc.

That symptom, like a piece in a jigsaw puzzle, is part of a larger pattern, and lasting relief can only occur if the whole pattern changes. In the ten basic sessions of a Rolfing® series, we work through the body systematically.

Each series is tailored to the individual, but there are many common goals: realigning the legs for better support, de-rotating the pelvis, and decreasing tension in the back and neck. Strain accumulated through injury, habit, and emotional holding is addressed, even in such commonly ignored areas as hands and face.

The Rolfer’s touch ranges from surface to deep, depending on what layer of fascial restriction is being worked on.

(Fascia is a fibrous connective tissue found throughout our structures, encasing and penetrating muscles. External and internal stresses cause the fibers to thicken and form adhesions. Having constricted fascia is like wearing a pair of too-tight jeans.) I work very slowly; sometimes you will feel a stretching sensation similar to what you experience during yoga, as I correct vectors in your body that have been pulled out of line through the stresses of life.

There is often an immediate feeling of relief as long-held tension is released. At the end of the session, the Rolfer™ will help you find a straighter posture in sitting and standing, so you can consciously make use of your body’s increased movement potential. Other movement issues can be addressed, according to the client’s needs. Rolfing® results include increased flexibility, improved movement skills, decreased tension, balanced posture, and diminished pain. Release of emotion, either in the moment or in the aftermath of a session, is also commonly reported.

Common reasons for GETTING ROLFED:

Back and neck pain
Joint pain
Poor posture
Repetitive stress syndrome
Injuries
Carpal tunnel syndrome
Fibromyalgia

Lack of flexibility
TMJ
Feeling “out of touch” with body
Constricted breathing patterns
Improve Sports Performance

Covid -19 precautions

Clients and practitioner wear masks.
Please wash your hands upon arrival, and do not arrive earlier than 10 minutes before your session.
Social distancing in waiting room.
Your temperature will be taken before entering treatment room.
Surfaces are santized before and after each session.
If you have body aches, fever, sore throat or loss of taste and smell, please cancel your session. There will be no cancellation charge for that!

FAQ

Who gets Rolfed?

People of all ages and walks of life. Even young children may have structural problems that can be helped through Rolfing®. Though many people think Rolfing® is designed for athletes and dancers, and this technique is certainly useful for them, a large proportion of my clientele suffers mainly from too many hours at a computer.

I hear that Rolfing® hurts. How bad is it?

The sensations experienced during Rolfing® vary. If we are working in an area that is already painful, there will be tenderness when it is touched, and the depth of work can be adjusted according to your tolerance. The experience of having long-held tension released from the body is often pleasurable, and many people tell me that they have been looking for that sensation for a long time. Because of the slow, specific nature of the Rolfing® touch, even when portions of the session are painful, the result is deep relaxation.

Why would I need a Rolfing® session?

Few of us do not have areas of tension, contracture, and stress, as well as imperfect posture, all of which can be helped by Rolfing®. Many of those who come to me also have sports injuries, post-surgical pain, or congenital structural problems.

If I do yoga, do I still need Rolfing®?

Rolfing®and yoga are compatible but not redundant. Yoga and stretching are ways that you can preserve and increase the flexibility you gain from your Rolfing® sessions.

Can Rolfing help scoliosis?

Rolfing® can help with many of the symptoms and compensations surrounding scoliosis. Improved flexibility and range of movement, decrease in pain, and postural improvement are all common results. In many cases, lost height is regained, and further progression of curvature slowed. Do not expect that Rolfing® will completely correct the scoliotic curves.

If I complete the ten-session series, do I ever need to get Rolfed again?

After completing the basic Rolfing® series, optimal maintenance depends on the individual. An advanced series of three to five sessions can be done yearly, and it is always possible to come in for work on a specific body issue. Those of us who overwork, over-exercise, have stressful work or home situations, or past injuries may need more frequent care. I often recommend specific movement practices to help you to need less work from me.

A sampling of before and after pictures of Beth Franzese’s Rolfing® clients