...serving greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky...

 
Sharon Madden, M.S.
Certified Rolfer
(859) 282-7176
Rolfer@cincyrolfer.com

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Rolfing® hurt?

No. A sensitive and skillful practitioner can change long-standing patterns with little discomfort. In the early days of Rolfing, there was less emphasis on partnership between practitioner and client, and a narrower range of touch skills. Today, Rolfers have a broad range of touch skills and work within their client's comfort zone, at a depth and pace that prompts welcome tension release rather than uneasy withdrawal. My goal as a Rolfer is to work with you to create greater ease and freedom in your body, not increase stress and discomfort.

What's the difference between Rolfing, massage and chiropractic care?

Massage eases muscle tension, improves circulation, and is relaxing -- Rolfing can achieve those goals as well, but in the larger context of organizing the entire body.

Chiropractic care primarily addresses spinal movement and stability; a Rolfing session can relax connective tissue so that chiropractic adjustments are more effective. Rolfers work with the entire network of connective tissue -- bones, muscles, ligaments, and tendons -- to balance the entire body, bone and soft tissue alike.

Rolfing integrates changes throughout the body for permanent gains in flexibility, range of motion, balance, and body awareness. Movement education is an important component in this process - we address transitions in lying down, sitting, standing, walking and daily activities.

Why does it take 10 sessions?

Each session works with a different myofascial area, and builds upon gains achieved in previous sessions. Sessions 1-7 work through each area of the body, differentiating muscle groups and functions; Sessions 8-10 integrate those changes into a smoothly functioning whole.

What if I just want to try it?

It's best to try Sessions 1-3 to see how your body responds to Rolfing, and decide at that point whether or not to continue. Once you enter Session 4, dealing with core structures, you'll want to continue through the rest of the series so everything is balanced and integrated.

How frequently should I have a session?

Sessions can be done every week to every three weeks. It's best to complete Sessions 4, 5, and 6 a week apart, as they deal with core structures. Integration of the work continues for 4-6 months after the 10th session.

Depending on one's age, physical history, fitness level, and body awareness, you may need more or fewer sessions to attain your goals. I offer tune-up sessions (normally 6 months after the 10 sessions) and series of 1-3 sessions to address new conditions, injuries, or goals.

Where do Rolfers train?

The Rolf Institute of Structural Integration in Boulder, Colorado, is the sole certifying agency for Rolfers. Ida P. Rolf, Ph.D., developed the philosophy, science and art of organizing the body in gravity through fascial manipulation and movement education. More information about the agency is at their website, www.rolf.org.

What does training include?

Training includes anatomy, physiology, kinesiology, Rolfing theory and practice, indications and contraindications, clinical and therapeutic skills, and ethics.

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