Rolfing's ten session series is designed to uncover a structural ease and kinetic balance that is unique to each client. Rather, it is a process of education in which a Rolfer seeks to help a client discover the most efficient way of using his or her body, given the limitations, liabilities, and virtues of that body. In effect, the plan of each group of ten lessons must be created anew for the needs of the particular person seeking help. However, there are certain guidelines and landmarks which every Rolfer follows in each program of sessions, and it is to these basic tenets that we must turn to complete our description of the treatment process. Some lengthening of the trunk up and out of the pelvis is also anticipated, as well as a relaxation of the legs below the hip joint.
Most people appear to be jammed into the pelvic structure from both above and below.
After the initial session, clients usually feel longer and experience freer movement in the pelvis. The breathing pattern of the client is also affected by this session. Most of us employ only the upper rib cage when we breathe instead of using the bottom of the cage and the diaphragm. By skillfully working with the superficial fascia as it spans the ribs, shoulder joint, and costal arch, a Rolfer can help fashion a breathing pattern which uses the diaphragm and front, sides, and back of the rib cage to create one smooth, bellows like motion. As breathing becomes deeper and easier as the sessions go on, more oxygen is available for metabolic and catabolic activities, and the client feels and increase of energy.