What is Rolfing® Structural Integration

Rolfing® Structural Integration, created by Ida P. Rolf

Named after it’s founder, Ida P. Rolf, Rolfing® Structural Integration is a form of bodywork that works with the body’s connective tissues (specifically fascia, ligaments and bone) in order to release stress patterns within the body. This process reduces pain, allows for greater ease of movement, and restores the client’s inherent vitality.

Fascia is a continuous web of connective tissue that also wraps all of the tissues: nerves, organs, vasculature, muscle fibers, muscle groups — from the skin at the surface, all the way down to bone; by addressing the fascia, the whole system is treated. Rolfing can be an excellent support for managing acute and chronic pain as normal motion is restored and the body is balanced better in gravity.

How Often Should I Get Rolfing® bodywork?

Rolfing is usually done in a series of 10 sessions in which the whole body is treated. Each session has a specific region of focus, and builds relationship to adjacent areas. That means your problem areas get spoken to from above, below, in front, behind, outside, and inside, and learn how to relate to the parts that already work well. This is a journey that you and your Rolfer take together, which typically results, in an overall sense of well being, less pain, and greater ease of movement. As the adaptations to the strains of life are released, inherent vitality is freed up to promote stability and well being. Most of us have aspects of ourselves that forgot what it’s like to feel or be heard. In a 10 series, all of your parts get to tell their story and learn how to move with greater ease.

Sometimes people come to Rolfing because of an accident or injury, after finding that the pain won’t resolve. Someone in that situation may not necessarily need a 10 series but only a couple of sessions to address a very specific issue. You determine what your goals are and your Rolfer will help you figure out the best treatment plan to achieve them.