Rolfing Ten-Series

 

“Start at the outside and work in.  Most manipulative therapies start at the inside, at what they say is the ‘cause.’ ...But I say you can’t start there.  You’ve got to start where you can unwind the trouble.”                   Ida Rolf, PhD., Founder of Rolfing




Rolfing® is a process of integrating the body, usually accomplished by a ten-session series.  Each session focuses on accomplishing specific goals which enable the body to create the support necessary to sustain on-going change. 


How this works can vary greatly from person to person.  For most folks, in terms of frequency, anywhere from once a week to once a month works well.  Because everyone has varying structural patterns and needs, an individual session might differ a little from one person to the next, but will still be focused on achieving the goals of that session.




A brief overview of the ten sessions:


Sessions 1, 2, and 3 are the basic, or “superficial” sessions of the body, where the outer layers are organized.  These sessions are preparations for the deeper work that is to follow and provides a framework for lasting change.


  1. 1. Session One creates a sense of “lift” of the thorax (chest) off of the pelvis (hips), frees the restrictions of the ribs in order to enhance breathing, and makes the hips more horizontal. 

 

  1. 2.Session Two focuses on the feet and legs, creating the “foundation” for the body. It also lengthens the extensors of the back and helps the alignment of the hips.


  1. 3. Session Three works on the outer (lateral) line of the body, focusing on the area between the neck and the hips and is concerned with the relationship of the front of the body with the back of the body.  Work with the shoulders and related structures is included.




Sessions 4, 5,6, and 7 are the “core” sessions, where the deeper tissues are addressed and organized.


  1. 4. Session Four is about the inner line (medial) of the body and is the first session to directly address the core space, specially the pelvic floor.  Work on the hips and inner legs (adductors) is featured, with corresponding work on the upper back.


  1. 5. Session Five highlights the abdomen and the deep hip flexors (psoas).  It is concerned with lengthening of the front line of the body and in harmony with the middle back. 
    It often contains work on the arm and hands.


  1. 6. Session Six addresses the deep rotator muscles of the hips (muscles under the “glutes”), the sacrum (base of the spine) and the whole extensor compartment of the back.



  1. 7. Session Seven is the head and neck session.  Structures of the thoracic inlet, shoulders, upper back and jaw are addressed.  There is a concentration of work in the mouth, neck and head.




Sessions 8,9,and 10 are the “integration” sessions, where the preceding work is organized to work together. Movement work is often used to provide harmony between the structures.


  1. 8. Session Eight and nine can be alternated.  Session eight usually concentrates on integrating the structures of the lower body and freeing the lumbar-dorsal hinge area (lower back).


9.  Session Nine usually concentrates on integrating the structures of the upper body and freeing the mid-dorsal hinge   (middle/upper back). 


10. Session Ten is an overall integration of the body. Traditionally, it begins at the feet and continues up to the head, coordinating the work of prior sessions and balancing all areas of the body, according to individual need.



All sessions contain some amount of movement education, where clients learn how to use their body in a manner that helps prevent future strain.  They are also empowered to work on themselves through imagery, simple movements and increased body awareness.






 

1850 Lee Road, Suite # 108, Lee World Center, Winter Park, FL 32789        407-645-2309        robynrolf@gmail.com

MM15585    MA25820