What is Rolfing® structural integration? Rolfing structural integration is a system of bodywork unlike any other, developed by Dr. Ida P. Rolf, who recognized that a body out of balance must stabilize itself against the downward pull of gravity by overuse and misuse of the muscular system. As a result, fascia, a connective tissue, buttresses the hypertonic muscles by thickening around them. This thickened fascia adds tensile strength to areas of strain and stress, but reduces elasticity and movement. Thus, range of motion and flexibility become chronically compromised. When thickened fascia inhibits movement the soft tissues of the body shorten, exacerbating structural imbalances and leading to increasingly degenerative and dysfunctional patterns in our movements and posture. Rolfing lengthens, differentiates, hydrates and retrains the fixated tissue through hands-on manipulation and movement integration. As the tissue restrictions are released, movement becomes more fluid and graceful and upright posture becomes natural and effortless.

How does it work? Rolfing structural integration works by manipulating the connective tissue called fascia which enwraps all the muscles, organs, vessels and bones in the human body. Fascia forms a continuous and interweaving web throughout the body and literally holds the various segments of the body in position. It has the unique quality of being “plastic,” meaning that it can be manipulated and will hold its new form. Rolfers™ manipulate the fascia to restore healthy and balanced relationships between segments of the body, releasing restrictions and allowing segments to relate more appropriately to each other and to an organizing central line. This is usually accomplished through a series of sessions in which each session systematically supports and expands on previous work. For individuals new to Rolfing, a basic series of approximately ten sessions is usually recommended.

“Fascia is the organ of posture. Nobody ever says this; all the talk is about muscles. Yet this is a very important concept, and because this is so important, we as Rolfers must understand both the anatomy and physiology, but especially the anatomy of fascia. The body is a web of fascia. A spiderweb is in a plane. This web is in a sphere. We can trace the lines of that web to get an understanding of how what we see in a body works. For example, why, when we work with the superficial fascia does this change the tone of the fascia as a whole?” —Ida P. Rolf

What is a session like? Each session begins with a brief evaluation of structure and movement. Sessions are roughly 75 minutes in length, determined by the goals to be met and the specific needs of the individual. Clients will often be asked to coordinate synchronized movement with the hands-on work. Some of the work may be addressed seated or standing, and movement re-education is incorporated whenever appropriate.

What should I wear? Most people wear regular undergarments during sessions. It is preferable that men wear brief-style underwear and that women wear regular bras since sports bras tend to cover large areas of the back and often interfere with access to the spine. Some feel more at ease wearing a bathing suit or other garments. It is my intention to keep clients as comfortable as possible at all times, and options for dress can be discussed on an individual basis.

What does it feel like and is it painful? There are many different approaches Rolfers use to achieve their goals and it is important to remember that Rolfing structural integration is not a technique but a comprehensive system intended to transform the body to a higher state of well-being. Generally, contact is a slow, deep pressure followed by a feeling of warmth and release. Most people find sessions to be quite relaxing and enjoyable. Often the sensations will be very subtle, and at other times quite strong. The methods of manipulation have been refined considerably since the 60’s and 70’s when Rolfing developed a reputation for being painful. As a community, Rolfers have learned much since that time about a body’s ability to integrate change. It is important to me always to work within a client’s comfort range and communicate throughout the session. While there may be brief moments of intense sensation it is crucial that at all times the client is able to stay comfortably relaxed and present with the sensations in his/her body. After a session it is common for people to report feeling lighter, more relaxed and balanced.

How frequently will I need to schedule? Sessions one or two weeks apart are typical, but some people will choose to space them more or less frequently without compromising benefit. I trust that what fits best into your life is what’s most appropriate for you. There is no optimum frequency—only what is optimal for the individual.

Who receives Rolfing structural integration? People of all ages and backgrounds can benefit from Rolfing and the reasons people seek structural integration are as varied and individual as the people themselves. Rolfing is appropriate for infants, seniors, and everyone in between. Some seek relief from chronic pain, others want to improve posture or flexibility. Many professional and amateur athletes, dancers and yogis seek to improve their performance through Rolfing. Often people are attracted to Rolfing for the transformative benefits, understanding that restrictions in the body commonly relate to psychological or emotional inhibitions. Anyone who desires to feel more graceful, fluid, comfortable, confident and at ease will appreciate the value of Rolfing.

How long does it last? Here’s what Dr. Rolf had to say about it: “Rolfing is permanent. As one student put it, after you’re Rolfed you’re like a Jaguar. No matter how long you drive a Jaguar, it’s never going to turn into a Ford.” When we change the structure of the body, we automatically affect movement patterns as well. Changes in our postural and functional patterns restructure the body in turn. In other words, the structural and functional changes support each other for lasting change. Instead of the degenerative effects we associate with aging, we have the opportunity to experience expansion and increasing vitality.

What’s next? Most people would never think of neglecting basic maintenance of their automobiles, but rarely consider that bodies need maintenance in order to function optimally. After the basic series, the body is in a more advanced state of organization and well-being; however, we continue to experience daily wear and tear from the demands of modern life. After completing the initial series it is usually a good idea to take some time to allow the body to process the work and experience the ongoing changes that have been initiated. Your Rolfer will help you determine when to get more work and the best approach for your goals and circumstances. Some people return for occasional “tune-ups,” others for regular maintenance or for a shorter series of 3-5 sessions to target specific goals.

Why did you become a Rolfer? I became a Rolfer because my first experience with Rolfing structural integration profoundly changed my relationship with my body. My initial series immediately relieved chronic neck and back pain that I had suffered from early adolescence. After just a few sessions I noticed that I spent less mental and physical energy managing discomfort in my body, and the increased feeling of grace and spaciousness led me to feel more vibrant, confident and expressive. I feel that Rolfing allows us to be more of who we are by allowing us to more fully inhabit our bodies and be more present in each moment. I am deeply honored by the trust that people literally place in my hands and I am grateful for each opportunity to share in another person’s journey toward healing and self-discovery.

“In Structural Integration, we expect to give a cycle of 10 sessions. There is a reason for this. We are not dealing with local problems. We are not dealing with the kind of thing that you can say, ‘Well, I fixed that, that’s all.’  We are dealing with an intent to make a body more secure, more adequate within the field of gravity. This requires that muscles be balanced, and need to be balanced around a vertical line. And when I talk about balancing muscles, I’m talking about balancing the right side against the left side. About balancing the front of the body against the back of the body and, finally, about balancing the innermost muscles against the outermost, the inside against the outside, this is the most important of these balances, and we start from the outside working in, and it takes ten hours before we can get to the place where we can really balance the outside against the inside.” — Ida P. Rolf