SERVICES : House for Wellness

Frequently Asked questions

What is Rolfing?

Rolfing is a form of bodywork also known as Structural Integration. It was given the nickname "Rolfing" in response to the successful work of its creator Dr. Ida P. Rolf. Rolfing utilizes a variety of hands-on and perceptual interventions directed towards improving an individual's posture and relationship to gravity. In involves a systematically direct and indirect application of pressure to fascia surrounding muscles, bones, joints, and ligaments as well as movement education intended to help someone further break out of patterns of restriction in his or her daily activities.

What is The 10 Series of Rolfing: Structural Integration?

Due to its holistic approach Rolf sessions cover a lot of territory in order to get to the issues in the tissues and many sessions are organized into a series of ten separate sessions, commonly referred to as "The Ten Series" or "Ida's Recipe". This approach helps reorganize, realign, and reintegrate the body so that it will be able to move with minimal pain and optimal efficiency. Sessions 1, 2, and 3 are commonly referred to as “sleeve sessions” as they address the body’s superficial musculoskeletal areas and primary gravitational relationships through breath and balance. Sessions 4, 5, 6, and 7 are commonly referred to as “core sessions” that explore the deep fascial network surrounding the axial body (i.e. the spine, ribs, neck, and cranium). Sessions 8, 9, and 10 are “integration sessions” intended on promoting better working relationships between different areas of your body. This includes more integrative movement activities which will help you maintain the changes made during the 10 Series long after your series is finished.

Do I have to do a 10 Series?

No, you do not have to undergo a 10 Series in order to receive work. You may come in for a single session to get help on an acute or chronic issue. However, series work is highly recommended for those newer to structural integration as it gives both you and the therapist permission to work on your body in its entirety without getting lost chasing after symptoms. Many visitors come for one session at a time or go through a mini-series of 3 to 5 sessions based on individual goals, needs, and preferences.

Is Rolfing painful?

Rolfing has a reputation for being a “firm and direct” style of manual therapy. It can sometimes be comparable to deep soft tissue manipulation used in massage therapy, physical therapy, and chiropractic care but it’s not always the case that hard pressure will be used for fascial realignment. Some sessions can be very relaxing. That said, making any changes in yourself that are difficult to come are almost always uncomfortable at first. This can’t be any more true than making changes in your body. The discomfort though should be comparable to an uncomfortable workout in that it’s stressful in a good way. The important thing to note is that it’s not painful. Pain may be distinguished by involuntary withdrawal from pressure applied and resistance to any movement. You and your practitioner will have an open dialogue throughout the session so techniques are always best adjusted to suit your body’s needs.

How do I prepare and what do I wear for a session?

Please come to your session well rested, nourished, and hydrated. There may be a lot of contact with hands and feet so it is preferred that those areas are clean as well. Though you may remain fully clothed to receive work being able to make contact with skin makes things a lot more potent for the recipient and improves the ability for the practitioner for feel changes in his or her hands. For Rolfing sessions men often just wear shorts while receiving work on the table. Women often also wear shorts and a sports bra or tank top for bodywork sessions.

How often should I get Rolfed?

The frequency of visits varies depending on how you respond to the work and your readiness for the next session. Once a week or twice a month is normal for people receiving a 10 Series yet others have received sessions as frequently as twice a week or as far apart as once a month. If you elect to do a series then you should consider keeping your sessions consistent throughout the entire course of the series so as best to optimize the effects of the work. After finishing a series you may find need to continue with the work and an additional series of 3-5 sessions may help in addressing some larger projects. You may also come in as needed and receive tune-ups from normal stresses related to your everyday demands or unexpected life events.

What should I do after a session?

REST!!! If you can, try to schedule your appointment at the end of your day or ensure you have nothing left to do after your session. This will leave you with plenty of opportunity to soak in the changes and be with your body. Drink plenty of water, eat healthy food, and taking relaxing strolls are other things that are highly recommended people do after a session.

You may go back to regular activities the next day but be mindful that you may be sore from receiving work or from your body working differently. Give your body at least 48 hours of rest before going back to taking on any new and/or challenging physical demands.

How is your practice different?

My practice is different in that I use whatever I learned from my training as a fitness coach, a yoga teacher, a yoga therapist, a stretch therapist, and as a massage therapist. No technique or practice I have experience with working in is off limits in the contexts of my sessions. Based on your needs and goals we may do any combination of things for your session including, but not limited to, hands-on soft tissue manipulation, assisted stretching, guided postural exercises, movement education, strength training exercise, yoga posturing, and therapeutic dialogue. I hope to continue adding more skills and techniques to my practice so it will continue to be unorthodox in its delivery of services. You will receive work from primarily the lens of a Rolfer however which has a particular set of principles which help keep me in alignment with the practice of structural integration.

What is yoga therapy?

Yoga therapy is an individualized practice that utilizes the principles, tools, and techniques of yoga in order to address one’s physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual well-being. Since it is a growing field of interest in promoting physical and mental health it is somewhat difficult to define yoga therapy. The practice is best summed up in the following by TKV Desikachar:

“Yoga therapy is a self-empowering process, where the care-seeker, with the help of the Yoga therapist, implements a personalized and evolving Yoga practice, that not only addresses the illness in a multi-dimensional manner, but also aims to alleviate his/her suffering in a progressive, non-invasive and complementary manner. Depending upon the nature of the illness, Yoga therapy can not only be preventative or curative, but also serve a means to manage the illness, or facilitate healing in the person at all levels.”

Who do you primarily work with?

I work with people of all ages, genders, and backgrounds. I have experience working with teens as young as 12 and adults as old as 92. The majority of my visitors have been introduced to me through my work in the fitness industry so there is a high number of people visiting my practice who are within an active to athletic demographic.

Do you work with injuries?

Yes, I can help you with injuries that have happened years ago or one’s that just happened yesterday. The only caveat is that most acute injuries need some time to heal before they can benefit from extra manipulation. If you have recently injured yourself, please seek medical attention first if you feel it may be required. Depending on what stage you are in the healing process we will adjust what we do for the session.

Do you have packages available?

Yes, I offer 10 and 3 session packages of any service and a monthly membership option. Please contact to discuss the best plan for you!

Do you offer payment plans?

Yes, the investment for a 10 series or even 3 sessions can be a big cost up front for anyone. I'm happy to work with you on finding a payment plan that works with you and your financial needs.

How long is a session?

Sessions are typically 75 minutes in duration.

Do you accept insurance?

Unfortunately, licensed massage therapists and bodyworkers can not file for insurance in South Carolina unless they are supervised by a medical professional such as an Physical Therapist or Chiropractor. However, clients have successfully paid for sessions with their FSA/HSA account cards and we are able to provide any documents necessary for you to seek reimbursement from your insurance provider because they may cover this service for you.

Do you offer online sessions?

Yes, I offer personal fitness training, yoga therapy, or guided self-myofasical release/stretching sessions at a reduced cost ($50.00 per hour) on platforms such as Zoom or FaceTime.

Do you offer personal training?

Yes, but only for one session at a time or for a 4-6 week training period. There are a few other highly qualified trainers on our staff that may be able to assist you more regularly.

Do you offer bodywork/training combinations of packages and services?

Yes, some people enjoy a bodywork session after a training session whether its weights, yoga, or other challenging activities. How this is done is completely up to you and what we together decide is the best course of action.