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Rolfing FAQ

What is Rolfing?

Why do people want to get Rolfing Structural Integration?

Surely there is no greater beauty, or luxury, than to stand effortlessly upright, and move with grace!

The number one reason is usually postural.
It doesn't matter how many times you tell yourself to stand up straight, if your body structure cannot support you in that posture. Structural integration helps your body to rest more effortlessly in an efficient posture by reorganizing the myofascial structure itself. It doesn't matter how much you spend on your tan or your nails and hair, if you do not have healthy posture, your impression is still not as good as it could be.

Another reason is to find a solution for chronic pain. There are many things Rolfers can do for back pain, carpal tunnel, plantar fasciitis, shinsplints, hip pain, neck pain and whiplash, and other problems, but as one practicioner says, we don't stop there.

The great pianist Leon Fleischer is one example of a Rolfing success, in conjunction with medical treatment.

Often the body's structure has set it up for a certain pain or problem, and without addressing the overall situation, this problem will either return, or migrate to another part of the body. A good example is the chronic shoulder pain of many desk and computer jockeys.

Treating the trigger points on the back of the scapula and skull may feel good and provide temporary relief, but until the tightness in the front of the shoulder girdle, chest and neck is resolved, the pain will keep returning. This is the shortcoming of most massage and physiotherapy: it is only symptomatic and does not address the cause of the problem. As a former massage therapist, I know the frustration. This is why I became a Rolfer.

People also come for help recovering from injuries. Scar tissue becomes tighter over time, and can cause patterns of compensation and contraction throughout the body. Broken bones, sprains and falls, whether we seek treatment at the time or not, leave impressions in the body. If you are under a doctor's treatment, please talk to your doctor before you seek Rolfing sessions. I am always available to talk to your doctor and explain what I am doing, or even pay a visit and demonstrate what I am doing for them.

Can I use my health insurance, FSA or HSA?
I keep my certifications in massage so that my clients can use their insurance and get referrals from doctors. Depending on your insurance, Rolfing can be billed as manual or myofascial therapy. Talk to your doctor about a referral. Most osteopaths, chiropractors, sports medicine doctors, and natural health practicioners know about Rolfing. I cannot take direct insurance payment, but I can write a bill and provide a list of my qualifications for you to get reimbursed. You can use an HSA or FSA for many things, check your fine print.

Do I have to do all 10 sessions? Can't I just have one appointment and you can fix my problem?
"Problems" tend to have systematic causes. Additionally, a physical problem may express itself in one place, but have its cause in another.
Modern medicine is focussed on symptomatic treatment and "magic bullets" to make pain, and complaining patients, go away.
The systematic progression of Rolfing is designed to help the whole organism function better. The problem may in fact not go away, but the overall function may be so improved that the "problem" isn't so much of a problem any more. Philosophically, Rolfers are more interested in the total wellness of a person, rather than any specific dis-ease. We like to live in the solution, not in the problem.

Practicioner FAQ

Are you German or American?
I actually get this question sometimes. My husband was working on an Army post in Bavaria, where I started the Grafenwoehr Training Area Massage Program. I was lucky to find out about the European Rolfing Association in Munich, and be able to travel there for my Rolfing certification. It was a wonderful adventure!
I am American, born and raised in Texas. We loved Bavaria. I do speak some German, and if you speak it as well, I would love to practice with you!.

How long have you been doing bodywork?
In 2000, I started massage school in Austin, Texas. I continued when I moved to Indiana to be with my husband, and passed the National Therapeutic Massage Board exam shortly before we left for Germany in May 2002.
In Germany, I discovered that I could enter training to be a Rolfer, was accepted and became certified in May 2006. I am continuing my training in visceral manipulation and osteopathy with the Munchner Gruppe (Dr Peter Schwind & Christoph Sommer). In December 2006 I attended their seminar with Dr. Alain Croibier on whiplash, trauma, and manipulation of cranial nerves. It was enlightening, fascinating, delightful, and I look forward to further trainings.