Rolfing

What is it?

Rolfing is the nickname given to Structural Integration developed by Dr. Ida Rolf who created this system of soft tissue manipulation and movement education. The focus of Rolfing is on manipulation of the body’s myofascial system and organizing the whole body in gravity. Rolfing recognizes that structural changes in the body will impact the whole person emotionally and energetically.

What does it do?

Rolfing balances the body and integrates all layers of connective tissue. The body in its more balanced state functions more optimally.

Rolfers use a broad range of techniques that work with the deep myofascial structures of the body. Soft tissue techniques are used to release motion restrictions and mobilize the joints, helping to organize the entire structure of the body. In Rolfing Movement Integration, Rolfers release restrictions due to patterns within the body with soft tissue manipulation. Clients are educated on ways to go about changing the movement patterns that inhibit their body’s organization.

Rolfing is known to dramatically improve posture and structure, ease chronic pain and stress, and improve overall performance in activities.

What can I expect?

Rolfing is done in a sequence of ten sessions that follow a specific protocol designed by Dr. Ida Rolf, usually called “the recipe”. Each session is devoted to releasing, loosening and balancing a specific region of the body. The procedures of these ten sessions are consistent and referred to by the session number. If you needed to , you could easily go to a different Rolfer and ask for your “7 th Hour.”

Many people have the expectation that Rolfing hurts. This is partly due to the dramatic nature of most therapies created in the 1970’s. Some interpreted Dr. Rolf’s instructions to work deeper for maximum benefits to mean deepest is best. Today, Rolfers master a wide range of pressures and styles for maximum results, always focusing on the clients’ whole experience. Discussing the degree of pressure and the issue of discomfort before treatment is highly recommended. The amount of discomfort is due to the amount of trauma in the body, related emotions, and how long patterns have been set. The amount of pressure applied and results are up to each individual to compare. Most clients report brief intensity that moves quickly producing transformations in short time. As with many other therapies, emotions and memories may surface as result of releasing tissues.

What are the reported benefits?

Research supports Rolfing helps the body to conserve energy, more efficiently use muscles and refine movement patterns. Specific studies attribute Rolfing to chronic stress relief, reduced spinal curvature, and enhanced neurological functioning. Many Olympic and professional athletes and dancers have associated Rolfing with increased performance. Most people describe the process as producing dramatic results on a short time.

How much does it cost?

Cost varies with individual Rolfers and locations. It may cost between $80-$150 dollars per session or more.

What kind of training does a Rolfer have?

The Rolf Institute of Structural Integration in Boulder , Colorado , offers training that lasts one to two years, requiring about 800 hours of coursework for certification. Unlike some other forms of therapy, true Rolfing is not learned in shorter classes that can be taken overtime. So, ask your potential Rolfer about training specifically.

Recommended Reading

Rolfing

Rolfing & Physical Reality

More Resources

www.rolf.org

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