“But Is She YOU?” — What Clients Need to Know About Bodywork, Boundaries, and Real Results

A longtime client of mine—someone I’ve worked with for years—recently showed up needing a session. He’s a disabled vet, chooses to live out of his van, and tends to only reach out when something flares up or is painful. He doesn’t schedule ahead and isn’t consistent with care. When he dropped by midweek, I was already overbooked and couldn’t fit him in.

Trying to help, I let him know that one of the massage therapists in my office was available and offered to connect him with her. His response?

“But is she YOU?”

I had to laugh a little. I get it. We build relationships with our clients. They trust our work, our instincts, our rhythm. But that moment also made me reflect on something deeper: how no two therapists—no matter how skilled—can offer exactly the same work. And why that’s not necessarily a bad thing.

Every Therapist Brings Something Unique to the Table

Of course, she’s not me. No one is. And I’m not her either.

Each therapist brings a unique combination of experience, training, intuition, and even personal life experience to the table. That’s especially true when we’re talking about something as deep and individualized as Rolfing® Structural Integration.

In my case, I’ve spent over 30 years in bodywork. That includes:

• 20+ years of Rolfing® experience

• 23 years of barefoot massage

• Years working as a PT aide focused on injury recovery and chronic pain

• Teaching barefoot massage for two decades

• Training in osteopathy, cupping, and other modalities

• Personal experience with chronic neck pain from multiple car accidents

All of these things shape how I work—and more importantly, how I see the body.

But that doesn’t mean another therapist can’t help you. It just means they’ll help in a different way.

Whether you’re new to massage therapy or exploring different types of bodywork, it’s helpful to understand that no two therapists are the same. Choosing the right practitioner depends on your goals—whether you’re looking for short-term pain relief, long-term structural change, or a deeper connection to how your body moves and functions.

If you’re still figuring out what type of bodywork is right for you, check out my earlier blog: How to Find a Great Massage Therapist in Durham, NC.

Symptom Relief vs. Structural Work

One thing I want to highlight is the difference between short-term symptom relief and long-term structural change.

When someone is in pain, it’s natural to want relief right now. That’s what massage is great for. But the kind of work I do—Rolfing® Structural Integration—isn’t about chasing symptoms. It’s about addressing the deeper patterns in your body that contribute to chronic pain, poor posture, or limited movement.

And that work takes time, commitment, and consistency. It’s not a “come-when-it-hurts” kind of service. It’s a collaboration.

Boundaries, Scheduling, and the Bigger Picture

I care deeply about my clients, but I also have boundaries. My schedule fills up weeks—sometimes months—in advance. That’s because I work differently from many massage therapists.

I only accept a few new clients at a time for the Rolfing® 10-Series so I can provide the support and consistency needed to complete the series within a realistic time frame. Some clients may come weekly, others monthly—it depends on their body and their goals. That flexibility requires me to carefully manage my calendar.

The rest of my schedule is filled with long-time regulars—people who have completed the 10-Series and are now receiving ongoing maintenance work. Many of them have chronic issues, past injuries, or structural imbalances that require continued care. These clients have permanent spots on my calendar, often set for the entire year on specific days and times.

So when someone shows up last-minute needing help, it's not that I don't want to help—it's that my schedule is already fully committed to the clients I’ve made long-term commitments with.

In this case, the client declined the other therapist and waited to see me the next day. I understand his hesitations—he has serious health concerns, and we’ve built trust over time. But I also reminded him (again) about the importance of hydration and self-care—not just after a session, but as a consistent part of daily life.

In fact, hydration is one of the most overlooked yet critical pieces for people dealing with chronic pain. Without it, the body can’t function optimally, fascia stays restricted, and progress is slower—even with great bodywork.

👉 If you’ve ever wondered how hydration affects your body and your pain levels, check out my blog: The Importance of Staying Hydrated

Rolfing® Is a Relationship, Not a Quick Fix

I’m not a miracle worker. I’m a partner in your process.

The deeper work of Rolfing® Structural Integration isn’t about one magical session—it’s about helping your body find alignment, resilience, and balance over time. That’s why I work primarily with clients who are committed to the Rolfing® 10-Series and ready to take ownership of their healing journey.

If I refer you to another therapist, it’s because I trust their skills and know they can support you in the moment. And sometimes, a new set of hands can actually reveal something I haven’t focused on. There’s value in that, too.

Final Thoughts: The Real Magic Is in the Work You Do

Yes, I’ve been doing this a long time. And yes, I’ve developed a certain intuition and skillset that comes from decades of study and hands-on experience. But I’m not the magic.

The magic is in the work we do together—and what you do with it.

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Ready to Commit to the 10-Series?

If you’re in the Durham, NC area and ready to go beyond chasing symptoms, let’s talk about the Rolfing® 10-Series at Bull City Soles. It’s the foundation of the work I do, and the starting point for clients who want long-term change—not just short-term relief.

Structural integration isn’t a quick fix—it’s a collaboration toward long-term change. You bring your body and your willingness; I’ll bring my experience, intuition, and tools. Let’s find what’s possible when we work together.