Named after its founder, Dr. Ida P. Rolf, Rolfing Structural Integration is a form of bodywork that reorganizes the connective tissue, called fascia, that permeates the entire body.
What is Rolfing® Structural Integration
Rolfing® Structural Integration is a form of hands-on bodywork that focuses on restoring the body’s natural alignment through the direct manipulation of fascia, the fibrous net of soft tissue responsible for the body’s integrity, balance, and shape. By releasing restrictions in the fascia, tissues reclaim their natural elasticity, bones return to their correct position, and freedom of movement is regained.
How Rolfing Works
It was the particular genius of Dr. Ida Rolf, the creator of Rolfing Structural Integration in the 1940’s, to understand the importance of fascia to the body’s structural integrity and personal health. She recognized that all forms of disorganization in the body—whether from the accumulation of everyday physical and psychological stress or more specific neuro-muscular problems—manifest as tension that tightens muscles, diminishes mobility, and misaligns bones, She also understood that because of the continuous nature of the fascial system, any stressor or problem in one area will cause compensatory distortions elsewhere in the body and adversely affect the functionality of the whole.
Rolfing® Structural Integration focuses on the source of these tensions. By loosening and lengthening the tissue allied with the affected muscles, Dr. Rolf found that its natural elasticity and mobility were restored, bones regained their correct position, and the body was better able to organize itself such that fixations abated and pain was alleviated. After “Rolfing,” clients report better posture and balance, increased freedom of movement, and revitalized greater energy.
What is Fascia?
When we speak of the human body, we generally approach it as a series of parts—muscles, bones, organs, etc.—that comprise a whole. However, few seem to be aware that a continuous network of soft but tough, connective tissue called fascia enrobes the body in layers, encasing and connecting every single organ, muscle, and nerve.
Without this unifying system of fascia, muscles would have no form nor would they be able to function. Like guy wires in relation to tent poles, our fascia maintains a reciprocal tension throughout our body that keeps our bones in alignment and our bodies in equipoise.
When healthy and hydrated, our layers of fascia are extremely elastic and glide with ease on one another. In fact, when we stretch, it is actually the fascia that we are stretching, not the muscle.
When fascia is unhealthy or damaged due to postural imbalances, injuries, strains (including surgeries and scars), or immobility, it becomes dry, inflexible, and adheres to itself, which in turn leads to restrictions in our movements and ultimately, chronic pain.
Who Benefits?
Rolfing® has helped individuals of all ages and walks of life who wish to live in greater freedom and comfort in their bodies. It has also proven successful in addressing a wide range of physical problems including:
- Any postural problems affecting health and/or performance
- Current Injuries and/or the effects of past injuries
- Repetitive-motion induced strains (e.g., sports, work, driving, or even sitting at a computer)
- Chronic neck or back pain
- Scoliosis
- TMJ and other forms of profound muscle tension
- Sciatica
- Plantar Fasciitis
- Carpal Tunnel Disorder
- Muscle-based Neuropathy
Focused Sessions for Current Injuries
Individuals who have incurred recent physical injuries can often be helped with a focused number of sessions directed toward relieving their pain and limitations of movement.
