Sessions 4 - 7 (the core sessions)
Beginning from Session 4, we start to work with deeper structures of the body. After having opened up the more superficial layers of tissue, we now have more accessibility to work with the deeper restriction patterns within the body. Session 4 focuses on the “medial line” or the inside of the feet, legs, thighs, and hips. Again, as we bring more “organization” into the feet and legs, we feed “organized” force transmission through the rest of the body.
In Session 5, we aim to bring more organization to the front of your body, with specific attention paid to the abdominal region and viscera, the internal organs within the abdominal space. Sessions 4 and 5 are often considered to be two parts of a whole. In session 4, we enhanced support feeding from the legs up into the hips. Session 5 continues the theme of enhancing that element of support from the legs deeper into the torso and also allowing the hips to move independently from the legs and the torso, often focusing on the hip flexors.
Session 6 works along the entire posterior chain of your body- meaning from your calves all the way up to your back. During the sixth session, you will be predominantly on your stomach while your Rolfer keys in on specific areas of restriction, often freeing restrictions in the sacroiliac joint, an important joint for low back/hip health.
Session 7 focuses on the relationship of the head and neck to the rest of the body. Detailed work is done on the smaller muscular structures of the head, face, neck, and shoulders with the goal of having the head rest with ease on top of the body.
Sessions 8 - 9 (the integration sessions)
Sessions 8 and 9 are known as the integration sessions. One session will focus on the lower body (hips, thighs, legs) and the other session will typically focus on the upper body (torso, shoulders, neck). We will revisit areas specific to your body that might need some additional support in the overall shift to healthy alignment.
With the closing of the Ten-Series in session 10, we aim to have you feeling at ease and comfortable in your body, having adapted various changes in your structure and movement patterns and putting the last touches of structural shift into your system.
It’s important to be aware that sessions in the Ten-Series are typically spread out between 1-3 weeks. The time between sessions is important to allow the changes in your body structure to “integrate.” I typically recommend clients go for mindful walks after sessions or do some intentional stretching if they can. Being mindful- or bringing close attention to your body- while doing these activities can help your body unconsciously and consciously keep the changes in your postural and structural alignment for a longer period of time. The work being done off the table is just as important as the work being done on the table.
The goal of the Ten-Series is to help bring your body to the “highest order of organization” that is possible for you at that time and place. Continuing to receive Rolfing sessions can help with managing pain or discomfort but it’s important for you, as the client, to take ownership of the changes in your body and structure and take time to continue exploring life and movement in those patterns. Some people even experience continued positive shifts in their alignment for a year after receiving Rolfing!
What is the Rolfing® Ten-Series?
The Rolfing Ten-Series is the secret recipe Rolfers® use to work with the human body to bring someone into healthy postural alignment. Over the course of ten Rolfing sessions, a Rolfer will work on a person’s entire body structure from head to toe, keying in on specific areas that might need a little more attention.
Each session focuses on different parts of the body with different goals and each session serves a greater purpose within the Ten-Series as a whole. Let’s break down the parameters and goals of each session:
Sessions 1 - 3 (the sleeve sessions)
Session 1 focuses on “freeing the breath.” With this goal, we aim to free fascial restrictions surrounding the muscular structures that inhibit your breathing. As you might imagine, a lot of this work will focus on freeing the shoulder from the torso- allowing the shoulders to move independently from your body. In session 1, we may also start to look at the hips and bringing it more level.
Session 2 entails work primarily on the lower legs and feet. Your feet carry the weight of your entire body, so if there’s “disorganization” starting in your feet, that has the potential to feed disorganized force transmission up through the rest of the body when walking or standing. In this session, we look at the mechanics of the foot and ankle in regards to being able to provide proper support to the entire body.
Session 3 addresses what Rolfers call the “lateral line,” or the sides of your body from neck to knees. Imagine two pieces of fabric sewn tightly together on two opposing ends. Metaphorically, we are loosening the string that brings the fabric together to create space. This allows the muscular structures bound within to move with more freedom.
The first three sessions of the Ten-Series are known as the Sleeve sessions as we typically work with more superficial structures. As such, Session 3 also marks the end of working with the superficial layers of tissue and the beginning of the work being done in the deeper layers of fascia.
