The founder of Rolfing, Ida Rolf, received her Ph.D. in biochemistry from Columbia University in 1920. She went on to further her research in organic chemistry at the Rockefeller Institute as one of very few women working in the field. Driven to find solutions to her own health problems as well as those of her two sons, she then began studying and experimenting with different systems of healing and manipulation.

She explored many forms of alternative healing including homeopathy, osteopathy, chiropractics and yoga. The notion that proper alignment, physiologic function and anatomical structure are related is the basis of many of these healing methods.

She believed that the imbalances in structure placed demands on the body’s pervasive network of soft tissues: muscles, fascia, tendons and ligaments, thereby creating compensations throughout the body structure.

Dr. Rolf posed this question: “What conditions must be fulfilled in order for the human body-structure to be organized and integrated in gravity so that the whole person can function in the most optimal and economical way?”

Her life’s work was devoted to this investigation, which led to the system of soft tissue manipulation and movement education known as Structural Integration or Rolfing. In order to pass along her work to others and to make the education process accessible, she developed an expedient series of ten sessions, which came to be known as The 10-Series.

Dr. Rolf passed away in 1979 after 50 years of study and work. She continues to be recognized as a pioneer and leader in soft tissue manipulation and movement education. It is estimated that more than a million people have been Rolfed to date.

- Willie Nelson, Singer/Songwriter

Rolfing is typically received as a series of 10 sessions, known as the basic 10-series. Ida Rolf created the 10-series as the most efficient way to address the whole body, thereby achieving lasting changes. Think of the 10-series as a complete whole body tune-up. Your upper back may be in pain because your head is held forward. This makes your back work harder to hold your neck up. Over the course of the series, both areas and more will be touched on. Long held patterns in the body will be given the space to let go.

The first three sessions work on your superficial layers of connective tissue. Sessions four through seven remove strain from deeper layers of the body. The last three sessions organize and align the body as a whole, providing better balance, enhanced freedom of movement, and a higher energy level.

Each session of the process is both a continuation of the previous one and an introduction to the next. Each session within the series is created anew for the needs of each client. There are, however, certain goals of each session that remain the same. For example, in session one, we have a goal of releasing the ribcage and shoulder girdle. The effect of this is often a feeling of breathing more deeply and having relaxed shoulders.  This allows the body to come to a place of organization that makes it ready to receive the work of the subsequent session. Many clients find the 10-series a satisfying way to change overall posture, achieve lasting change, and learn about their body patterns. Some clients also choose to receive part of the 10-series as an introduction to the work. They can see how their body responds and if continuing on is right for them. A single session or a 3-series are popular ways to begin the Rolfing process.

Please feel free to call me for a phone consultation. I will be happy to talk with you and answer any further questions.

Appointments:

Rolfing sessions are generally between 75 and 95 minutes long, depending on how long it takes to complete the goals of the session. For first time clients, please add an additional 15 minutes to fill out your intake form.

Rates are as follows:

$140 a session on a pay-per-session basis

Package Deals

To experience the full benefits of Rolfing, I recommend receiving a 10-series. Many people will also start with a 3 or 5-series to see how their body responds to the work.

I offer these pre-paid package rates.

10 Rolfing Sessions – $1, 190 (You save 15%)

5 Rolfing Sessions – $630 (You save 10%)

3 Rolfing Sessions – $399 (You save 5%)

Community Days

On the 1st Wednesday, 2nd Thursday, and 3rd Friday of the month I offer discounted rates.

These days are especially designed for people who feel they are not able to receive Rolfing at my standard rate.

Community Day sessions are $140 – $95 sliding scale.

I accept payment in cash, check, or credit card through Paypal.
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Chiropractic focuses on freeing spinal joint restrictions and promoting nerve flow to and from the spine. It does not address the soft tissue patterns of the whole body and their influence on structural balance. Rolfing uses soft tissue techniques to treat bone-to-bone restrictions that are a part of the overall body pattern. Rolfing and chiropractic care are compatible and can be complimentary.

Massage is a broad term that refers to many styles of bodywork. In general, massage promotes relaxation and blood flow. Some “deep tissue” massage works to release local patterns of structural strain, but this is not usually done as part of a strategy to balance the whole body. Although massage is relaxing, you may find the same area bothering you again shortly after you leave the office. This is because the area that hurts is often a compensatory or secondary issue, which massage doesn’t address.

Is Rolfing painful?

When Rolfing began, much less was known about the responsiveness of connective tissue. Many “old school” Rolfers used a lot of pressure. We now know that connective tissue responds to a wide variety of pressure and intention. Within each Rolfing session, there is a range of touch, from firm and deep to light and gentle. When a firm touch is needed, clients communicate a level that is comfortable enough to breathe through. Like a deep stretch, it feels intense but tolerable and should mostly feel good. We will communicate to find the pace and depth of touch that is right for you.

Do I need to get 10 sessions?

The 10-series is a wonderful way to achieve whole body, lasting changes. It is the original form in which Ida Rolf taught and practiced. That said, great benefit can be gained from single sessions and shorter series. Shorter series can also be great tune-ups for those who have received a 10-series in the past. We can find an option that works for you.

What can I expect to feel between sessions?

The first few days after a session are usually the time of greatest change. Somewhat like the first day after heavy exercise, you may feel a bit sore the next day. After that you may experience ongoing shifts in balance and awareness. Most people experience feelings of lightness, ease of movement and improved comfort.

How much does it cost?

Sessions are $140. I also offer a different pricing structure on Community Days. I accept payment in cash, check, or credit card via Paypal.

How often should I have a Rolfing session?

People usually schedule sessions anywhere from once a week to every four weeks. It is important to note your response to the work and schedule according to your body’s rhythms. You may notice your body wants time to absorb the work or that after a week your body is ready for another session.

Who should receive Rolfing?

People from all walks of life will benefit from Rolfing. It helps acute and chronic structural pain. It is also great upkeep for the body, helping to maintain flexibility and range of motion. Many people find they gain increased body awareness, allowing them to avoid the movements and patterns that caused them injury in the past.

What should I wear?

Clients are generally Rolfed in their underwear. This allows me to see your structure and better cater the session to your needs. You are also welcome to wear shorts/stretchy pants and a shirt. Your comfort is of most importance.

My office is located in North Shattuck neighborhood of Berkeley. The address is 2111 Vine St, Suite A. and the cross street is Shattuck. When you arrive make your way up the stairs and through the front door. Suite A is the first door on your left and will lead you into the waiting room. Metered parking is available on my block and 2 hour free parking is available about 2 blocks away in any direction. Please enjoy the neighborhood as it is a stone’s throw from many great eats to enjoy before or after your session such as The Juice Bar Collective, Cheeseboard, Original Peet’s Coffee, and Thursday Farmers Market.

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your body instantly tells you makes a lot of sense.

Vogue Magazine, March 2007

Rolfing Structural Integration is a hands-on whole body approach to releasing restrictive patterns in the body. Injuries, repetitive motion and emotional trauma can cause our body to take on new ways of holding ourselves. These new patterns serve us in the moment but can often stay in our body longer than necessary, leading to misalignment and eventually pain.

Rolfing works primarily with connective tissue to realign and balance the whole body, taking us out of the patterns that no longer serve us. Connective tissue, also known as fascia, encases and connects all of our bones, ligaments, muscles, and organs. It forms connections between all parts of the body. This is one reason why receiving a Rolfing session in one area of the body may lead to positive effects in another area. Ida Rolf, the creator of Structural Integration, made the important discovery that our connective tissue can be reshaped when it has been pulled out of proper order. When fascia is hydrated and adaptable, it provides support and protection for the entire body. Rolfing works to bring fascia back to its full potential. As this happens, you may begin to see noticeable differences in your posture and overall body structure.

Ongoing research shows us that Rolfing makes our muscle use more efficient. It also makes our movements more economical, letting us use our core muscles. One goal of the Rolfing 10-series is that your body can be aligned with gravity. This allows your muscles to relax and your entire body to feel more ease. Your body is no longer working against gravity. You are working together!

Reported benefits of Rolfing include:

* Improved body awareness

* Better posture

* More balance & stability

* A sense of lightness in the body

* Ease of breath

* Decrease of tension and pain resulting from tension

* Faster recovery from exertion

* Freer and more fluid movement

* Improved flexibility

* Better joint movement and range of motion

* Improved athletic performance

* A calmer mind

I had heard so much about Rolfing that I was so grateful when Kaytlyn came into my life and I was able to experience this healing modality.  I was in a car accident 6 years ago and still carry physical pain from that experience.  I have lived in the Bay Area for almost 5 years now, but I never found anybody who could really address and focus on the pain in my body until I met Kaytlyn.   Her work is deep and intuitive and after years of not receiving the kind of care my body needed, my body is now thanking me for not giving up on healing.  The healing space where Kaytlyn works is warm and welcoming and I am always treated with her genuine care and concern for my health and well-being.  Thank you, Kaytlyn, for doing the work you do!  The world is a better place because of it.   -Lisa H.

My interest in Rolfing piqued in my early 20′s. I was working with youth through a non-profit and suffering from reoccurring back pain and a general unease in my body. In the past I received a few Rolfing sessions but I had never had a series or come to the process with specific goals. I decided to invest in the Rolfing ten-series. I got a session every few weeks and was delighted to notice that my back pain faded away. I was used to being in particularly bad shape every few weeks and after a month and a half I realized the pain had not returned since starting the series. I also gained a new freedom in my body, returning to dance classes and hiking. I enjoyed moving within my body in a way I had not for a long time.

As time went on, I found myself drawn more to the healing path. I began by learning about the many complementary healing modalities out there and trying out the ones that resonated most with me. I kept coming back to Rolfing Structural Integration and its ability to solve chronic pain issues while creating more ease and wholeness in the body. I decided to enroll at The Rolf Institute and began the illuminating journey towards becoming a Rolfer.

I am an East Bay original, graduating from Berkeley High and going on to get my B.A. from The Evergreen State College in Olympia, WA. Before becoming a Rolfer, I worked in education, labor organizing, and small business marketing. I returned to the Bay Area in 2007 to be closer to family. I am so happy to once again be calling California home and practicing Rolfing SI in this wonderful place.

Ida P. Rolf Online Library

Acupressure by Meaveen O’Connor

Berkeley Acupuncture Project

“At the end of our first session Kaytlyn said, “Honor the capacity you have for transformation.” I felt very empowered by this beginning. It was an invitation to transform, which engaged me into my healing process. I see her for “tune-ups”, since I had a 10-series ten years ago. I am a massage therapist and nanny, and when I came to see Kaytlyn I was experiencing back pain and other issues. Kaytlyn supports the body holistically, and thus my life– by guiding my structure into integrated balance. She is deeply caring with a dynamic sensitivity. She can sense where the body needs subtle touch and when it needs a deep pressure to unwind pain patterns. She is thorough and skilled at working with complex pain patterns. Meet the greatest version of yourself in the Rolfing process with Kaytlyn”.

-Nicole P.

Imagine living in a flexible and balanced body that is free of pain, stiffness, and chronic stress. Imagine your body at ease with itself and able to adapt to life’s physical, mental and emotional challenges. Rolfing can help you achieve this.

Please look over the site to learn more about Rolfing and if it is right for you.  I work with each client to meet your goals and address the needs of your unique body.

Thank you for your interest. I look forward to speaking with you!

“As an active middle-aged skier and student of qigong, I had the Rolfing ten-series awhile back. I get tune- ups from time to time and my latest one consisted of four sessions with Kaytlyn. I discovered that she has an uncanny ability to do profound integrative bodywork with a grace and ease that invites the client to relax, receive and recover lost integration. She has precision in her work coupled with a nurturing delivery that is highly impacting. I returned to a more youthful walk and stride, plus a new found awareness of joy in my body. Thank you Kaytlyn!”

-Carl K.