The answer to the question, "what can I expect from it?" is unique to the individual. As a result of Rolfing, each person will have a transformational experience that occurs on the physical, the psychological and the environmental level.

On the physical level, a person's body is actually restructured. This is accomplished as the 10-session series progresses. Each session works with a specific theme that emphasizes exact anatomical goals; an identifiable layer of connective tissue is address, and precise structural objectives are obtained. A typical session starts with observation of the clients posture and movement patterns. We discuss the areas of the body to be worked on and specific needs that either of us see.

My clients will usually recognize these needs as areas of chronic pain and discomfort-or a limited range of motion-stress-related headaches or backaches are quite common. In other cases, personality characteristics, such as shyness or emotional trauma, are reflected in a person's body patterns. In most cases, as each session progresses, my clients needs are transformed into memories of how they used to be. Chronic pain is reduced and often disappears. Concurrently, pleasant personality changes occur as they see the world from a less stressful, more secure structure. Those close to them will recognize the cumulative effect of the physical changes as improved posture, more alertness, and a more attractive appearance.

As a person changes on the physical level, changes also occur on the psychological level. With their bodies now having a higher energy level, the possibilities of their participation in life expand. New energy levels enhance self-image. Mental processes which lie outside the sphere of physical science or knowledge are in integral part of the Rolfing process. Limitations that were connected to past injuries-physical or psychologically-are now re-examined. Most disappear and nearly all become less significant. As his/her self-image expands and becomes more powerful, he/she becomes more cheerful and excited about participating in life. Their outlook on what can happen next improves and, as a result of these new thought patterns, plans and activities expand. The actual contents of the clients life now change. Suddenly possibilities of renewed activity in sports, travel, or career changes pop into mind. Passiveness is replaced with enthusiasm. Questions of how, when, and where are now in the forefront. A person is greeting life as an exciting adventure with a brighter picture of the future.

As the physical and psychological aspects of a person's life change, the quality of his/her environment also changes. The actual circumstances, objects, and conditions that one is surrounded by take on new meaning. Sound strange? Well, let's look at it this way: as our bodies are becoming more comfortable to live in, more joyful to experience, the circumstances that were once problems are now viewed as opportunities for excellence. What we once perceived as breakdowns are now handled as challenges. As we journey through life we can actually become more skillful-not more dependent. Also, the objects with which we surround ourselves change. Suddenly, it is time for new adventures-clothes, home improvements, sports, travel, and possibly even a career change. The condition of living our life can become one of opportunity and excellence. Excitement and enthusiasm prevail. We actually experience the opportunity to transform our environment. Life on the physical, psychological, and environmental level is expanded during and after the Rolfing process.

Due to the design and intent of the work, the gains that people make by being Rolfed are permanent and cumulative. Consequently, many people recognize Rolfing as a transformational experience that enables them to start living a new life, and for some, this transformation can be as dramatic and complete as when a caterpillar is transformed into a butterfly.

Shed your cocoon with Rolfing!

George Smyth, Certified Rolfer, graduated from the Pennsylvania School of Muscle Therapy, the Rolf Institute, and studied under Dr. John Ray. He is a member of the Associated Body Work and Massage Professionals, The Guild for Structural Integration, the Rolf Institute, and he maintains a private practice in deep tissue therapy in Marietta, PA; Atlantic City-Ocean City, NJ.