Those over 40 may begin to call it old age. To the extent that these imbalances distort the true alignment of the body, one can be said to be at war with gravity. A typical first visit to a Rolfer would begin with filling out a health questionnaire and then a structural evaluation of the client's body patterns from the perspective of Rolfing. The client may feel a localized or general burning sensation, as if the skin were being stretched too far. This only lasts while the tightened tissue areas are releasing.
Clients report greater ease in movement and breathing, as well as improved balance and stability.
Initially, clients receive a basic 10-session sequence of Rolfing. This gives the Rolfer an opportunity to work systematically and comprehensively in releasing the bound-up and inefficient muscular patterns in a person's body. Many clients elect to return six months to two years later for follow-up sessions that focus more closely on specific structural and movement problems. The results of Rolfing differ from person to person. As the joints gain freedom, the major segments of the body rotate and hinge more freely on one another.