Rolfers typically work in in a series of sessions. Most typically, clients complete what Dr. Rolf termed the "Ten Series". Each session builds upon the one before, and prepares the client for what is to come. The Ten Series addresses the whole body systematically, yet allows for tremendous variability, depending upon the client's needs. There exist optimal stopping places in the traditional Ten Series (after the first, third, and seventh sessions) for those clients unsure about committing to all ten.
Sometimes, the Rolfer will work in a non-traditional mode to better address a client's unique needs. This might mean extending the ten-series one or two sessions in order to work on long-standing patterns that are at the root of chronic pain and dysfunction. The Rolfer will discuss this with the client beforehand, and it is merely an option.
Single sessions, or series of three sessions, are usually reserved for post-ten work. These "tune-ups" help further the work accomplished in the initial Ten Series.