What is Rolfing?

Rolfing® is a system soft tissue manipulation and movement education that looks to balance posture and make our bodies more comfortable under the force of gravity.  This is primarily done by working with the connective tissue in your body, known as fascia.  Research has demonstrated that Rolfing® creates more efficient use of the muscles, allows the body to conserve energy, and creates more economical and refined patterns of movement. Rolfing has also been shown to significantly reduce chronic stress, reduce spinal curvature in subjects with lordosis (sway back), and enhance neurological functioning. For anyone experiencing chronic pain, repetitive strain, nagging injuries or a desire to move more easily, Rolfing® can be a long-lasting approach that gets to the root of your discomfort.

Rolfing® generally entails a series of 10 sessions, that realign and retrain your body head to toe.  We do this primarily by working with the connective tissue in your body, known as fascia.  Fascia runs throughout our bodies, like a flexible matrix giving our cells, muscles, organs, etc. their shape.  Rolfing sessions usually consist of long slow strokes that free up adhesions between or within structures (muscles, bones, organs, nerves).  Often Rolfing sessions will also involve movement repatterning, in which the receiver learns to move in ways that continue to improve posture and comfort.

What to Expect:

Rolfing is done on a massage table, but there is more client movement than during a massage. Clients shift positions several times in a session to allow better access of the area being worked. For this reason the typical draping done with sheets during a massage is not done in a Rolfing session. Of course, clients are covered with a sheet and a blanket if they are chilled. 

The most important thing regarding what to wear during is a session is that the client is comfortable. Some clients are comfortable in their underwear: underwear and bra for women and briefs or boxers for men. Other options are workout gear like shorts and exercise bra for women, bathing suits, or what would be worn to a yoga class (though the thick spandex, aka compression shorts, is one material that is very difficult to work though).


New Rolfing Patients

Rolfing is done on a massage table or seated on a bench.  There is more client movement in rolfing than during a massage. Clients may shift positions several times in a session to allow better access of the area being worked. A client may also be asked to make specific movements so that the therapist can see where they need to work, or to activate muscles that are inhibited, or to retrain the client’s movement patterns. The Rolfer works with their hands and forearms in long slow deep strokes, which lengthen and free adhesions in the connective tissue.

Clients are always welcomed to be covered by sheets for warmth and comfort.  Rolfing is generally done partially undressed, in order for the Rolfer to have skin-to-skin contact.  Some clients are comfortable their underwear: underwear and bra for women and briefs or boxers for men. Other options are workout gear like loose shorts, sports bras for women, bathing suits, or loose fitting clothes that might be worn to a yoga class.

Rolfing Sessions last 75 minutes, which includes an intake and an initial postural assessment at the beginning of each session. 


Rolfing Fees

75-minute Rolfing Session: $130
*Please call for booking availability (706) 850-2000


Meet the Practitioners

Image of Rolfing Practitioner Leah

Leah McKellop

Leah McKellop is a Certified Rolfer™ trained in Rolfing Structural Integration® through the Rolf Institute in Boulder, CO. Prior to Rolfing®, Leah received a Bachelors of Science in Applied Psychology through New York University.  She has been a yoga enthusiast and instructor since 2009.  Leah continues to draw from each of her backgrounds, exploring the ever complex relationship between the health of our bodies and the health our our minds. 

Rolfing Practitioner Liesje Smith

Liesje Smith (Lee-sha)

Liesje's journey has been one of profound transformation, marked by deep exploration, healing, and a commitment to growth. Starting at Naropa University in the 90s, she immersed herself in somatics, discovering the body's vast depth as a source of wisdom. Along the way, she embraced the healing of ancestral wounds, shifting her perspective from "what's wrong with me?" to "what happened to me?" This journey, both solitary and collective, led her to the body to find joy, resilience, connection, and a deeper sense of communication with herself and the world.

Liesje's extensive education includes advanced Rolfing™, Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy, Scar Work, Visceral Manipulation, SourcePoint Therapy™, and a 500-hour Embodyoga™ teacher training. Since opening her somatic-based bodywork practice in 2000, she has deepened her knowledge through mentorships, workshops, and teaching. Known for her grounded presence and warmth, Liesje continues to inspire others through her passion for social healing, connection, and fostering peace and vitality in the world. 

Liesje loves connection with community and nature, family and friends. She seeks out both adventure and a sense of home anywhere she goes. She is so thrilled to come to Georgia from Vermont this winter to assist Leah McKellop'’s maternity leave and enjoy the opportunity to serve, learn and grow in the Thrive Integrative Medicine and the Athen’s community!