This is not the easiest question to answer as Rolfing SI is a complex modality to describe and explain to someone who has never heard of it. Let me assure you, it is not what you did in college after you had one too many drinks! Here is my formal description: Rolfing SI is a hands-on form of bodywork that works by lengthening and freeing the wrappings around the muscles, known as connective tissue. With soft tissue manipulation and movement education, Rolfing SI systematically works to organize and align the body’s structure within the field of gravity. Unlike traditional massage which focuses primarily on relaxation, Rolfing® SI strategically affects the whole body’s structure and function, producing lasting changes over the long-term. Typically performed in ten sessions spaced one week to one month apart, Rolfing SI focuses on different parts of the body, with each session building off of the last until final integration.

Yes and no, it depends—let me explain. In years past, Rolfing® Structural Integration has had the reputation of being painful. Original students of Ida interpreted her direction to go deeper as to dive in and go really deep, really quickly, versus easing into the tissue. Painful Rolfing SI encourages us to gasp and hold our breath, making us contract, which is counter-intuitive to the goals of length and ease in the body. It’s important to utilize the breath; to breathe into areas that are tight. I consider myself to be a sensitive Rolfer® and always check in with my clients to ensure that we are at a comfortable depth. Certain areas of the body may be more intense than others, namely the IT band, and pain is a very individual thing, as everyone has a different pain threshold. We can still achieve and accomplish great things without making you want to leap off of the table. If anything, my clients say it “hurts so good.” Remember, you are always in control. I will never go beyond your comfort zone.

Yes. Rolfing® SI can leave you feeling less stressed and more at ease in your body as it creates a higher level of integration and order in the body. As the body approaches more balance, it becomes more comfortable. As a result, physical and emotional stress diminish. Many of my clients leave feeling relaxed.

In general, Chiropractic seeks to change the relationship of the bones through direct manipulation and usually limits the focus to the spine. Rolfing® SI recognizes that the soft tissue (muscles and connective tissue) directly influence the position and movement of the bones. If you get adjusted and the tissue that surrounds the spine is tight, it will pull you out of alignment. Rolfing SI works on the soft tissue, so that adjustments can last. Rolfing SI and Chiropractic actually work very well together. Once the soft tissue is in balance, adjustments will be easier and will last longer, requiring fewer adjustments and providing quicker resolution of your discomfort.

Massage is effective for loosening tight tissue, reducing stress, and promoting relaxation, but it does not balance the body in gravity. Dr. Rolf once said, "Anyone can take a body apart, very few know how to put it back together." The true genius of her method is the art and science of reshaping and reorganizing human structure according to clearly defined principles in a systematic and consistent manner. Rolfing SI does, however, feel like deep-tissue massage, though it really is its own separate modality. We are focused on connective tissue/fascia, rather than muscles, and the results are longer lasting.

Physical therapy is great for providing exercises and movement post an injury or surgery. The limitation falls in that the focus is generally too narrow, as the emphasis is mostly on the ailing muscle/bone/joint. Rolfing SI, on the other hand, addresses the whole body and is more of a hands-on approach, as we are manipulating the fascia.

Chiropractic, Acupuncture, yoga, and Pilates all work well in conjunction with Rolfing SI. At home therapies include The MELT method with a soft foam roller, and Yoga Tune-up balls.

Yes. Changes from the 10-series are still present years after the series is complete. In fact, the body continues to change and integrate 6 months after receiving the last session. On the other hand, as bodies change and people have further injuries, accidents, or stressful times, additional work may be useful. Beyond the 10-series, we can do spot-work sessions that focus on further addressing any long-standing patterns.

I charge $180 per session with discounts on prepaid packages:
• 3-series for $500
• the 10-series for $1,600
I accept cash, check, Venmo, major credit cards, as well as HSA cards. Payment is due at the time of visit.

Most Rolfers® do not take insurance, and I am one of them. I can, however, accept most health savings cards. If you are paying by cash or check, I can issue you a receipt with which you can try and seek reimbursement. Some flex plans allow for Rolfing® SI, but you are going to want to check with your provider on that one.

Sessions are 75 minutes in length. With each session, 15 minutes is spent checking in and doing a structural analysis which includes walking, knee bends, and other various movements to assess your structure. Sixty minutes is spent on the table. Sessions always end with neck work and a pelvic lift which serves as closure and integration of the work received.

First and foremost, it’s important that you feel comfortable. With each session, we start with you standing in your bra and underwear for a structural analysis. This allows me to read your structure and take note of imbalances. Other options for what to wear: men can wear boxers/briefs, swim trunks, or running shorts. Women can wear a two-piece bikini, bra and underwear, or sports bra and shorts. Some sports bras can make neck work and upper body work difficult, so try to wear one that doesn’t cover the upper spine too much.

Yes—but these are completely optional. About half of my clients choose to do these. I do not share these pictures, so they are for your eyes only. They serve as a visual tracking of the progress made with the series. For some, the visual results are apparent in the pictures, while for others, the changes experienced are more internal. At the end of the 10-series, I print them off and give them to you in a folder.

Not necessarily. Spot-work sessions are available for clients interested in more of a "quick-fix" solution to immediate discomfort. These sessions focus specifically on the areas of discomfort and are effective, though not as long-lasting as the series. Some clients prefer to start with a spot-work session and then proceed with the series.