UPDATE: While most of this information is still appropriate, I have since stopped employing massage techniques during my sessions as I have found Rolfing to be more effective with less strain on my body. "Fix-it sessions" are now just 60 minute Rolfing sessions and are appropriate if you have a site-specific issue you want to work on (think strained shoulder, neck, etc.) Please feel free to contact me with any further questions.
I've had a few people tell me they'd like to book a session with me, but are unsure which option to choose: Rolfing or Fix-it. Hopefully this article will help you choose which type of session is right for you.
In addition to being a certified Rolfer, I am am also a licensed massage therapist and work almost exclusively with worker's comp rehabilitation cases for a medical massage clinic. In order to attend to the needs of these individuals, I developed some hybrid techniques using Rolfing and massage. These individuals get "prescribed" massage visits to help with their injury recovery. Eventually their prescription runs out and insurance stops paying for these visits. Many of my workers comp patients began asking me if they could come see me after their case was closed. I wanted to be able to give these clients a similar session like they had been receiving so I came up with these "fix-it" sessions.
At it's best, Rolfing will correct structural and function imbalances in the body and ameliorate chronic pain. At it's worst, it will deepen the relationship you have with your body.
I generally recommend Fix-it Sessions for:
Acute neck pain, low back pain, etc., or headaches
Soreness or pain from overexertion.
Working in a physically demanding job or repetitive stress injuries.
Acute mild injuries
Help with stress management
General wellness
I generally recommend Rolfing sessions when the issues at heart are more chronic or when a deeper connection with the body and mind is desired. At it's best, Rolfing will correct structural and functional imbalances in the body and ameliorate chronic pain. At it's worst, it will deepen the relationship you have with your body.
Fix-it sessions use more effleurage and petrissage--those classic Swedish massage techniques--and address "knots" in the muscles. Rolfing sessions do not use those techniques and focus more on tendons and ligaments. In a Rolfing session, you can expect me to sink into your tissue and wait for change.
Fix-it sessions will leave you feeling better, relaxed, and will assist you on recovery. Rolfing sessions will leave you feeling better, changed, and assist you on your path to structural and functional empowerment.
