Most Common Questions About Rolfing® SI
For whom is Rolfing appropriate and helpful?
Rolfing can help people of all ages. Its goal is to improve body structure, posture, and movement. This is why it is possible to apply Rolfing for all types of discomfort that have their origins in these areas. It can treat…
- Back pain
- Neck tensions
- Headaches
- Problems with the hips, in the knees, or with the feet.
After accidents and operations Rolfing can help dissolve relieving postures and help those affected gain freer movement.
Athletes who want to achieve more efficient movement sequences benefit from Rolfing as well. This is also true for people who want to expand their body awareness and possibilities of expression, such as musicians, dancers, and actors.
Additionally, Rolfing is also suitable for anyone who wants to make lasting improvements to their health and wellbeing. (Benefits)
How can I tell if a Rolfer has completed his training with the European Rolfing Association?
Rolfing is the branded Structural Integration Method developed by Dr. Ida P. Rolf. Only those who have completed their training at the Rolf Institute® of Structural Integration (RISI) in Boulder, USA or at a partner organization are allowed to call themselves Rolfer™ (Certified Rolfer™, Certified Advanced Rolfer™).
The European Rolfing Association e. V. (ERA) is the only school in Europe that offers training licensed by the Rolf Institute. The same is true for the Rolf Movement® Practitioner. (Becoming a Rolfer)
What is special about Rolfing?
Rolfing® is holistic, process oriented body work. Dr. Ida Rolf called her work “Structural Integration” and developed a series of ten sessions that build upon one another systematically.
The Rolfer always takes the entire body, as well as structural and functional relationships into account. During 10 sessions (10-session series) the entire fascia network of the body is addressed – with the goal of aligning it ideally in relation to gravity.
Rolfing differs from other methods because it takes gravity and its importance for our wellbeing into account.
Ida Rolf recognized early on that gravity plays an essential role as an organizing element for body structure, movement coordination, special perception, and even human expression. (About Rolfing, Rolfing and Fascia)
What happens during a Rolfing session?
Every session begins with a short observation phase. The Rolfer asks the client to stand, to breathe deeply, to walk a few steps, or to sit down, for example. Then the client lies on a padded table, similar to a massage table.
The Rolfer delicately works on the fascia in a specific body area while applying precise pressure.
The client supports the effect through active movements and thereby also learns new movement patterns. Old habits that have a lasting effect on wellbeing are thus slowly eliminated.
How many sessions do I need?
This depends on your personal goals. To release specific tensions at least temporarily, 1 to 3 sessions can suffice.
However, if you want a lasting change in your overall wellbeing, the European Rolfing Association e.V. (ERA) recommends the classic 10-session series that Dr. Ida Rolf developed, in which each session builds upon the progress achieved in the previous one.
Are the benefits of Rolfing sessions long-lasting?
If you ask individual clients about Rolfing, it depends, among other aspects, on how well they can engage with their own body and the changes.
Apart from the manual work with the fascia, Rolfing is also about refining the client’s body awareness and replacing unhealthy movement patterns through healthier ones.
The newly refined body awareness allows clients to quickly identify and correct returning old patterns, even after the series have been completed.
Does Rolfing make sense for children?
Rolfing can also help young people with a variety of problems. Sessions for children are usually shorter and time between sessions are longer.
Are there contraindications?
If you feel ill, of course you should consult your general practitioner. Rolfing is not suitable for certain conditions, such as inflammations and tumors.
How can I find a Rolfer near me?
You can find a list sorted by name and postal code for certified Rolfers in Europe under “Find a Rolfer”.
How much does one session cost?
The costs vary according to region and country, and depend on whether the Rolfer is a Certified Rolfer™ or an Advanced Rolfer™.
In Germany, fees vary between 80 and 120 Euros per hour. Due to the different wage levels in European countries, a session costs around 60 Euros in Eastern Europe and up to 180 Euros in Switzerland.
Please inquire with your health insurance, whether costs are covered. In some countries and some health insurances, this is possible.