Rolfer

Working Schedule

• Rolfers typically work full-time, which may include 4 to 6 hours a day providing direct manual therapy to clients. Many Rolfers are self-employed or work in holistic health centers, spas, or private practices. Those who run their own business also spend time managing business-related activities.

Typical Duties

• Schedule an initial session with a client. Discuss their symptoms and assess their body’s physical alignment.
• Identify and target areas of chronic pain, restricted movement, or injury.
• Customize a plan to help alleviate the client’s symptoms and correct their posture.
• Explain what the client should expect during their sessions.

1. Note, Rolfers usually suggest clients complete a 10-session course of treatment, with routine maintenance sessions, as needed.

• Discuss possible contraindications, if any. For example, a Rolfer may need to take extra care around any bodily area that has been surgically operated on.
• Perform hands-on manual therapy to manipulate the body’s fascia. Monitor the client’s reactions to the therapy as it is being done. Encourage open communication and feedback.
• Assess the client’s posture and mobility after each session. 
  Offer recommendations for post-session care, such as hydration, rest, or specific activities to avoid.
• Educate the client on body mechanics, movement patterns, and ways to maintain improvements between sessions, such as exercises and stretching.
• Book follow-up sessions, timed according to the client’s treatment plan.
• Keep notes, listen to client feedback, and monitor progress. 
• Make adjustments to treatment plans as necessary.

Additional Responsibilities

• Maintain a sanitary, calming treatment environment. Keep massage tables clean and in good condition.
• Help clients feel at ease during their sessions. Provide motivational support to clients working through physical discomfort.
• Follow local and national guidelines for bodywork practices.
• Keep up-to-date with new developments. Take continuous learning courses on anatomy, biomechanics, and Rolfing techniques, if beneficial for expanding one’s knowledge in the career field.
• For those running their own business:

1. Obtain a business license and lease a suitable workspace.
2. Set up a relaxing, private workspace free from distractions and outside noises.
3. Brand and advertise the business. Establish the business’s online presence via a website, Google Business profile, social media, and other suitable platforms.
4. Stay compliant with health advertising standards. Avoid making medical claims related to the services offered. Consider describing services in terms of benefits like improved posture, increased range of motion, and enhanced body awareness.
5. Collaborate with chiropractors, physical therapists, and wellness practitioners for referrals to build a client base.
6. Develop an efficient way for clients to book appointments and make payments.
7. Develop and maintain good client relations for repeat business. 
   Implement client retention methods, such as follow-up emails, personalized treatment updates, loyalty programs, or post-treatment check-ins.
8. Order supplies, such as massage oils, towels, sanitizer, aromatherapy candles, or other items for the workspace.
9. Obtain insurance for liability, professional indemnity, and property coverage.
10. Track income and expenses. Submit state and federal taxes.

Soft Skills

• Analytical
• Attention to detail
• Communication
• Coordination
• Decision-making
• Empathy
• Interpersonal skills
• Motivational skills
• Problem-solving
• Time management

Technical Skills

• Strong understanding of anatomy, physiology, and biomechanics.
• Knowledge of Rolfing techniques and principles of fascia manipulation.
• Ability to assess and correct postural imbalances.
• Proficiency in observing movement patterns and physical alignment.
• Familiarity with holistic health practices and complementary therapies.
• Understanding of chronic pain management.
• Record-keeping and documentation skills.
• Dexterity, strength, and stamina.

• Self-employed
• Spas and wellness centers
• Private practice
• Rehabilitation facilities
• Sports medicine clinics

Rolfers often work with clients suffering from chronic pain or mobility issues, so the job requires a good amount of empathy and patience. In addition, Rolfing is physically demanding work, so Rolfers must develop and maintain their strength and stamina to do the job well.

Those who are self-employed have to manage business-related tasks such as maintaining a suitable workspace, advertising, scheduling appointments, taking payments, keeping financial records, and paying taxes. It can be tough to find enough clients in the beginning, so Rolfers have to stick with it and market their services effectively. 

Recent trends in Rolfing highlight its growing role in complementary therapy, particularly for chronic pain and mobility issues. For example, research indicates that Rolfing may support improvements in chronic low back pain management and motor function for spastic cerebral palsy.

Additionally, Rolfing shows promise for managing fibromyalgia, with studies noting reductions in pain, anxiety, and depression months after being treated. This highlights Rolfing’s potential as a long-term support mechanism for managing symptoms. 

"There has been a tremendous amount of research into fascia in the last 15 years – a lot of new information since I trained in Rolfing 21 years ago!

I like to keep up with this research so I am educated and may properly educate my clients. Fascia is the primary tissue (along with muscles, tendons, ligaments, and viscera) we work with in Rolfing.

Dr. Ida P. Rolf (founder of Rolfing) believed in the 1940s that fascia was “the unforeseen force in human health.” Since then, we now have so much additional research-backed information on fascia’s role in movement, neurological communication, and psycho-emotional phenomena." - Matthew Hartman, Rolfer at Structural Integration Bodywork

Rolfers may have enjoyed activities like yoga, dance, or sports that emphasize body awareness. They likely had an early interest in massage or physical therapy, plus a passion for helping others.

"My days are quite simple really. I generally work from 9-5, five days a week. I see a client every hour for about an hour. Before each day, I spend 30 minutes reviewing each client’s notes from their previous appointments so I am prepared for each session.

Hygiene is very important in my work, so I must wash my hands in between each session and have clean sheets, pillowcases, and blankets ready for each session." - Matthew Hartman, Rolfer at Structural Integration Bodywork