Frequently Asked Questions about Rolfing® Structural Integration
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What should I wear for a Rolfing session?
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What happens during a Rolfing session?
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Do I need to complete the 10-session series?
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Rolfing vs. Deep Tissue Massage & Myofascial Release: What’s the difference?
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How is Rolfing different from chiropractic?
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How much does Rolfing cost?
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Is there any valid criticism of Rolfing?
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Is Rolfing covered by insurance?
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Is Rolfing better than massage?
What should I wear for a Rolfing session?
Wear what you're comfortable in. A t-shirt or tank top with shorts works well. That said, extra layers can make it harder to work directly with the body. Natural fibers are preferable, while thick, tight sportswear leggings are discouraged. Leggings made from natural fibers that aren’t skin-tight are fine.
What happens during a Rolfing session?
Sessions start with a conversation about how you’re feeling and how your history informs your current experience. I’ll observe you standing and walking before beginning about an hour of hands-on work on the table. Sessions often end with:
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neck work
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pelvic lift
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seated work along your back
Do I need to complete the 10-session series?
No, you don't need to complete the 10-series. If you have a specific issue, shorter-term work is an option. A 3- or 5-session series can also be beneficial. A 10-series can be spaced out over a longer period—clients in acute pain may come weekly, while others space sessions every two weeks or possibly more.
Rolfing vs. Deep Tissue Massage & Myofascial Release: What’s the difference?
People ask how Rolfing compares to deep tissue massage or myofascial release. While Rolfing may look like massage, clients often describe it as a very different experience.
In my approach, sessions typically involve:
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Working with sustained, slow pressure rather than gliding movements
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Staying in one spot longer to allow deeper release
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Occasionally asking for client movement during a session
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Incorporating movement education
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Using seated bench work for the spine
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Following a structured, long-term vision for integration
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No oils or music during sessions
Read more about Rolfing vs. deep tissue massage. | Read more about Rolfing vs. myofascial release.
How is Rolfing different from chiropractic?
While both Rolfing and chiropractic care aim to improve how the body functions, they take very different approaches.
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Focus: Chiropractic primarily focuses on the spine and joints, using high-velocity adjustments to restore alignment. Rolfing takes a whole-body approach, working with fascia and connective tissue to improve overall balance and movement.
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Techniques: Chiropractors use quick, targeted adjustments to reposition joints. Rolfing involves slow, sustained pressure and manual therapy to release restrictions in the soft tissues.
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Goal: Chiropractic is often symptom-focused, aiming to relieve joint dysfunction. Rolfing looks at long-term structural change, considering how different areas of the body relate to each other.
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Movement & Awareness: Rolfing includes movement education, helping clients integrate changes into their daily lives. Chiropractic care typically does not emphasize this aspect.
How much does Rolfing cost?
Rates for Rolfing can vary depending on the practitioner and location. In my practice, sessions are priced as follows:
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$90 for 45 minutes
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$110 for 60 minutes
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$120 for 75 minutes
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3-session package (75 minutes each): $330
Many people start with a single session to see how their body responds. Even one session can be surprisingly helpful. Others choose the 3-session package, which is often enough to create a meaningful shift. For those looking for deeper, long-term change, the full Rolfing Ten Series is also an option.
Is there any valid criticism of Rolfing?
Rolfing has faced criticism, but much of it stems from misunderstandings or outdated practices:
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Early reputation for pain – In the past, some work was applied too forcefully. You can do great work even with very gentle approaches, and there is a wide range of techniques. Rolfing safely prioritizes working within each person’s comfort and capacity.
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Limited clinical research – While there’s growing interest in fascia and manual therapy, large-scale studies on Rolfing are still limited. That doesn’t mean the work isn’t effective. It's just that it hasn’t been studied as much as some other approaches. In recent years, research on fascia has exploded. You can read more on cutting-edge research here.
Google searches of "fascia" from 2004 to 2025 in the U.S.
Confusion about what Rolfing is – Rolfing is often mistaken for deep tissue massage or therapy that's overly-fixated on alignment. In reality, it's about improving adaptability in your soft tissues (i.e., myofascia, nerves, arteries), efficiency of movement, and integration, making a system out of parts.
Is Rolfing covered by insurance?
Rolfing is not covered by most health insurance plans, even with a doctor’s prescription. However, some HSA (Health Savings Accounts) and FSA (Flexible Spending Accounts) may reimburse for Rolfing sessions—check with your plan to be sure.
If you're recovering from an auto accident, medical massage may be a separate option in some cases. This depends on the insurer and requires specific documentation. Read more about medical massage.
Is Rolfing better than massage?
It depends on what you're looking for. Massage can be great for short-term relief and general relaxation. Some people want a massage with gliding strokes and oil, as in Swedish massage. Rolfing takes a different approach—it's more focused on long-term structural change, ease of movement, and addressing patterns that contribute to chronic tension or discomfort.
I strive to have clients feel better quickly and more robustly. I don't want to see you once a month for the same problem every time. I almost never work more than half of the body in a session. Sessions are meant to be more targeted and precise.