What to wear for a Craniosacral, TAG Method or Sourcepoint session
A pair of loose-fitting, short, cotton gym shorts, or yoga-type stretchy shorts, are all good options.
What to wear for a Rolfing, (as well as a Scar Work, Scoliosis or Visceral Manipulation) session
Most clients receive these types of work in their underwear. Briefs are preferable to boxers for men; traditional panties and bra work well for women. If you're not comfortable with this stage of undress, a pair of loose-fitting, short, cotton gym shorts, or yoga-type stretchy shorts, are all good options.
We can work with a variety of clothing, just keep the following in mind for Rolfing sessions:
You must be comfortable. Unlike massage, Rolfing requires you to get up from the table and walk around periodically.
Clothing should not pinch or bind. If you can lie on the table and pull one knee to your chest without resistance, you’re in good shape.
Clothing should allow us to view and work around your upper legs, mid-back, and neck. Sports bras are difficult to navigate around the mid-back.
Avoid heavy lycra. Bicycle shorts, girdles, and other garments containing lycra are nearly impossible to work through.
It’s also a good idea to bring some work-out clothes (shorts and a tee-shirt) if we want to incorporate movement .
What to expect during the first Rolfing session
Upon your arrival, we’ll discuss Rolfing theory and practice, your health history and concerns, and your goals and expectations for the work. Next, we'll begin the ongoing process of getting to know your structure, posture and movement patterns.
After a postural evaluation, you’ll be asked to lie on the table. Sessions usually begin with neck work to help us tune into what’s going on in your system. Your neck may feel tight due to long-standing holding patterns, or short-term anxiety over a problem at work. Both cause tension in your neck and shoulders, but feel very different in your tissue. Ongoing attention to this area, combining Rolfing manipulation and heightened body awareness, helps you tune into the session and goes a long way toward improving overall results.
Session one focuses on freeing the torso to allow the possibility of more breath. I’ll work toward this goal by working superficial tissue, which affects the breathing mechanism—predominantly areas around the ribcage, shoulders, arms, and hips. During the session, I’ll ask you to breath into areas being worked and move your body in various directions. In addition to facilitating the lengthening, freeing, and repositioning connective tissue, this participation allows your system to explore unfamiliar movement patterns and refine body awareness. All factors allowing us to significantly affect posture and balance.
Throughout the session, you’ll get a chance to walk around, evaluate your experience, note changes, and provide input for continuing the process. Neck and back work is included at the end of almost every session to balance and integrate the work into the body. Time is also dedicated to movement education and training in the form of body awareness techniques, healthy sitting, standing, and walking practices. Movement homework is often provided.
After the session, it is recommended to not partake in strenuous exercise or hard work. Taking a walk with some time to reflect is ideal.
Session frequency
The amount of time between sessions varies and is determined on an individual basis. Most clients schedule sessions about a week to two weeks apart.