Frequently asked questions and answers for Connie Karas, New-Orleans and Baton Rouge based Certified Rolfing® Practitioner.
What conditions can Rolfing help you with?
You may expect general improvements for various conditions after going through a series of Rolfing sessions. The chief goal of Rolfing is overall structural improvement, posture, and movement. Any lack of wellness that relates to these issues can benefit from Rolfing. The process of improvement of structure through the Rolfing technique is designed to benefit the body as a whole, and is not designed as therapy for specific medical conditions.
How many sessions should you take?
This depends on your particular goals. For general relief of a specific discomfort, anywhere between one to three sessions may be sufficient to result in improvement. For long term change, 10 sessions spaced approximately two weeks apart are recommended, and each session will build on the one before it, focusing on specific goals per sessions that work on different areas of your body.
What happens during a session?
I will begin with a brief period of evaluation/observation in which you will be asked to perform various activities such as standing, walking or sitting. When observation is complete, I will ask you to lie on a padded table, much like a massage table. Using the Rolfing technique, I will apply sensitive and precise pressure to specific areas of the your body. Parts of the treatment may involve sitting or standing. You may even discover new ways of moving, and you will be eased out of old habits or movement patterns that are negative to your body.
What should you know before a session?
Rolfing is usually done clothed in either underwear, a swimsuit, or a sports bra.
Don’t eat a big meal right before the session.
Sessions are about 75 minutes, but can vary.
What long-term benefits can you expect from Rolfing?
Many mind-body factors affect how Rolfing is received and perceived by each person. Therefore, the long term effects are entirely individual. How well a client is able to engage with their own body and how great their individual capacity for change, will influence the initial outcome and long term benefits. The key objective of Rolfing is always improved structure and optimised function. Optimising function is personal. A small improvement for one client may represent a significant personal achievement for another.
Can my child receive any benefit from Rolfing?
Yes! Young people experiencing misalignment issues can experience positive benefits from the Rolfing technique. It is an excellent way to educate them about taking preventative steps to keeping their body in good condition. Rolfing Sessions with children are usually shorter, less frequent and designed around the young person’s specific needs.
Can Rolfing help my illness/specific condition?
If you are ill or have a specific medical condition, you should consult your general practictioner, as there are a number of specific medical and bodily conditions that may not be suitable for Rolfing.
