How Rolfing® Structural Integration Works

Rolfing Structural Integration is the theory and practice of organizing the human body in the field of gravity. Its goal is to enhance the person's structural integrity, which is manifest in the person's ability to function economically in relation to the environment. Rolfing Structural Integration reshapes and reorganizes a person's structure, through an interactive process of working with the relationships of muscles and the body's web of connective tissues to release, realign and rebalance the body, enhancing postural efficiency and freedom of movement.

Throughout our lives various segments of the body get stuck from lifelong patterns of tension, slumping or bracing. Left untreated, these can cause a range of problems that feed pain and stress patterns in the body. Rolfing goes beyond treating isolated body parts to addressing the whole body.

Dr Ida P. Rolf designed a basic strategy to deliver Structural Integration as a series of 10 sessions. Generally, but not necessarily, a client's initial Rolfing series is based on this 10 series strategy.

Massage and Rolfing® Structural Integration

Massage is the most widely known term among people when they think of bodywork in general. The various popular forms of massage produce great results and are ways for people to experience some relief from stress and pain often caused by injury, repetitive motion (or functional patterns) and/or stress which are symptoms of dis-ease and dysfunction in the body. Rolfing Structural Integration is used to improve the organization of the person as a whole, rather than to alleviate symptoms. This focus on overall structural and functional balance are the key distinguishing features of Rolfing.