What is connective tissue?
How can I be sure Rolfing is for me?
Does Rolfing hurt?
Does Rolfing Last?
What if I'm already seeing a chiropractor?
What about massage?
Does insurance cover Rolfing?
What happens after I have finished the Basic 10-Series?
Can children receive Rolfing?
What about sports performance?
What about Rolfing and Yoga?
Can I exercise during Rolfing?
How long are the sessions? How far apart should they be?
How are Rolfers trained?

What is connective tissue?
Connective tissue, or fascia, is the strong, tough, fibrous tissue that acts as the support system for our body. It completely surrounds every muscle, bone, joint, and organ; reaching through all body elements like a three-dimensional spider web. It is the connective tissue, more so than the bones and muscles, that determine the shape of the body and the way it may move. (top)

Connective tissue is made of the protein collagen, and accounts for half the protein in the body. No tissue in the body is as abundant as connective tissue. It binds cells into tissues, tissues into organs, connects muscles and bones, wraps every nerve and vessel, laces all internal structures into place and envelopes the body. When tightly bundled together it forms tendons and ligaments; around muscles and organs it is thin and often transparent; in the low back and outer thigh it forms large, thick white sheets that are amazingly strong. All these linings, wrappings, cables, and moorings are continuous, connecting everything to everything else.

For example, every individual muscle fiber is encased in a thin layer of fascia, as is the entire muscle. At the end of the muscle, the muscle fibers end and all the fascia continues, coming together to form the muscle's tendon. The tendon then attaches the muscle to the bone by becoming the outer layer of the bone itself, the periosteum. So as you can see, everything is truly connected to everything else in the body.

Healthy and balanced connective tissue is flexibile, elastic, and resilient. The tissue absorbs and responds to the earth's gravitational force, illness, injury, emotional trauma, and everyday stress. Any of these factors will, over a period of time, cause an imbalance in the tissue system. When imbalance exists, the system's healthy characteristics are affected. The imbalance is identified as a shortening, thickening, dehydration of the tissue which impairs joint mobility and muscle function. This is usually felt in the body as chronic pain, stiffness, or decreased flexibility and impaired movement.

The fact that fascia changes shape as a body deteriorates indicates it possesses "plasticity," a quality that can also be used to restore a body to balance. Connective tissue, unlike muscle tone, changes very slowly. Under the sustained and careful pressure of the Rolfer's hands, the tissue can be loosened and lengthened to bring balance back to the body. (top)

How can I be sure Rolfing is for me?
Discuss your concerns with your Rolfer. If you are still not sure, try one session. This will give you a pretty good idea what the work is all about, what it feels like, and whether or not you connect with your practitioner. In general, most people will know whether Rolfing will benefit them by session three. This session provides a good stopping point for people who decide that Rolfing is not appropriate for them. Most people, however, find that Rolfing is very beneficial. (top)

Does Rolfing hurt?
It is interesting that most people who have the opinion that Rolfing is extremely painful have never experienced the work firsthand. Much of the reputation for pain came from the early days when Rolfing was first gaining public recognition. As far as the actual experience is concerned, the area being worked will vary in sensation and feeling depending upon the severity of chronic stress, injuries, and other factors specific to your body.

Sometimes it feels like energy is flooding into an area, or that contracted, tight tissue is softening and releasing. At times it feels like the nervous system is engaged, processing and discharging built up stress and trauma. Sometimes there are interesting sensations throughout the body, and at other times the feeling is more intense. The goal is to make your experience one of self-empowerment. The process is yours, and the work flows in harmony with your unique physiology. Nothing is forced, and the work will never feel sharply painful or invasive. Any discomfort or soreness experienced when working chronically contracted and distressed tissue should feel good, like something your body wants and needs. (top)

Does Rolfing Last?
Yes! Photographs taken of clients years after the Basic 10-Series show that changes are still present, and often the structure is improved. Modification to our body use patterns, such as the way we sit, stand, and work, also go a long way towards keeping our new structure. Keep in mind, however, that life changes, and bodies change in response. Injury, illness, and emotional stress may necessitate additional work. (top)

What if I'm already seeing a chiropractor?
Rolfing is very different than chiropractic work, but the two types of work can enhance each other. Chiropractic seeks to move bones back to their proper place and restore joint function. Rolfing seeks to align your body with gravity by manipulating not muscle or bones, but the connective tissue that binds everything together and gives the body its shape. Rolfing work balances the soft tissue around the bones so they stay in place. Receiving chiropractic adjustments during your Rolfing series is fine. To avoid overwork, adjustments should not be received on the day of a Rolfing session, however. (top)

What about massage?
Massage is a wonderful stress-relieving way of tuning into your body and letting go of the stresses of everyday life. Regular massage, at least once a month and preferably more often, is highly recommended after your Rolfing series for keeping the kinks out and maintaining a sense of awareness and well-being. With regular massage and an occasional Rolfing tune-up session, you will be well along the way towards feeling great in your body for life! (top)

Does insurance cover Rolfing?
Rolfing work may be covered by your health insurance. Many times a prescription is required from your doctor or chiropractor. It is best to check with your insurance company to find out what their requirements are. "Deep-tissue massage" or "myofascial release" are terms they may be more familiar with than Rolfing. I will be happy to supply you with a receipt, although I am not set up to bill insurance companies directly. (top)

What happens after I have finished the Basic 10-Series?
When the Basic Series is finished, I recommend a client allow some time to pass before scheduling more work. This allows time for your body to integrate the work it has received, as well as the new body use patterns you have adopted. Afterwards, clients may return for more advanced work or "tune-up" sessions, dealing again with balance, movement and awareness. For some clients still changing and receiving benefits at then end of a series, it is acceptable to keep going with regular sessions until the time seems right to take a break. (top)

Can children receive Rolfing?
Absolutely! Children of all ages love receiving Rolfing work. The work can assist children and adolescents with many ailments including: growing pains; scoliosis; poor posture; leg imbalances such as knock-knees and pigeon-toes; fascitis; club feet; headaches; and many others. Even very young children carry neck and back tension that can be relieved before it affects their posture. Work on children is gentle, and always within the comfort level of the child and the parents. Sessions for children are usually shorter than for adults, and the 10-Series is usually not received until adolescence. (top)

What about sports performance?
Many people receive Rolfing to enhance their performance in their chosen sport. Many professional athletes such as Brian Orser, Mario Lemieux, Charles Barkley, Quadry Ismail, Elvis Stojko, Michelle Kwan, Tom Seaver, and many others have received Rolfing work to enhance and extend their careers. Balance and coordination are improved, and the body moves more efficiently. Rolfing also assists in coming back from injuries. Runners, tennis players, golfers, and all athletes benefit. (top)

What about Rolfing and Yoga?
A regular yoga practice in concert with Rolfing sessions is one of the best ways to access and address the restrictions, chronic stress and holding that lives in our bodies. Many clients report a much improved and deepened yoga practice following Rolfing work. Flexibility, balance, range of motion, and presence are often improved. (top)

Can I exercise during Rolfing?
Regular exercise is usually fine, but it is best not to perform extremely rigorous workouts or other activities during or immediately after your series. Balance and coordination can be temporarily affected as your structure changes, and time is needed to integrate the changes. Hard workouts the day of your session should also be avoided. Going for walks or taking light workouts during your series is a healthy, gentle way to get some exercise and assist in integrating the changes from session to session. (top)

How long are the sessions? How far apart should they be?
Sessions usually last approximately 75 minutes. Usually we will do some movement education at the end of the session. This may consist of working on a supported sitting posture, refining the walking gait, working on specific stretches, or other activities. Sessions can be spaced anywhere from one week to one month apart, depending on schedule and financial considerations. More important than the interval between sessions, however, is establishing a rhythm associated with regularly scheduled sessions. The client who commits to a regular schedule of appointments is usually happier with the results obtained. (top)

How are Rolfers trained?
Rolfers receive their training through the Rolf Institute of Structural Integration, headquartered in Boulder, Colorado. The training program focuses first on the physical understanding of the body and requires advanced knowledge of anatomy, physiology, and kinesiology. Students are then trained in the art of working with the soft tissues of the body - sinking in, listening, and following the release using the Rolfer's tools that include his hands, arms, and elbows. Rigorous training is then received regarding seeing the strengths and imbalances in a client's body, and working to unwind and balance that person's body in gravity. Specific techniques such as spinal mechanics and joint mobilization techniques are also learned. Further training in ethics, hygiene, and client-practitioner relationships are also received. Students typically train for one to two years to achieve certification by the institute. Following certification, ongoing continuing education is required to maintain active status in the Institute. (top)

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Contact Craig Ellis

Craig Ellis, Certified Rolfer & Craniosacral Therapist
Email • Tel: 713.320.7481

Copyright © 2002, 2003, Craig Ellis