Rolfing

Author/s: Leonard C. Bruno

Definition of Rolfing

Rolfing or Rolf therapy is the manipulation or deep tissue massage of the body's connective tissue and muscles, in order to realign and balance the body's structure. This leads to improved posture, function, and general physical and emotional health. Rolfing is the popular name for Structural Integration.

Purpose of Rolfing

Rolfing is not a cure for any particular disease or physical problem, but is rather a systematic approach that attempts to restore balance to the entire body. This approach recognizes that the connective tissue (fascia) forms a continuous web throughout the body. With the body in a state of balance, a person's nervous system, organs, mind, and natural healing system can function more efficiently.

Precautions for Rolfing

Many describe rolfing (or deep tissue manipulation) as an uncomfortable technique, and some say it is mildly painful, especially at first. Since it involves vigorous manipulation by the practitioner, it is not recommended for those with a strong aversion to being touched. It is not recommended for anyone with a specific disease, like cancer, or an inflammatory condition, like arthritis. Rolfing practitioners are trained and certified only by the Rolf Institute of Structural Integration. As of 1996, there were about seven hundred such institutes in the United States and nine hundred worldwide.

Description of Rolfing

Rolfing was originated by American biochemist, Ida P. Rolf, Ph.D. (1896-1979), who discovered in the 1930s that the body's fascia, or network of connective tissue that encases and connects all muscles and bones, could be manipulated and actually reshaped. Reshaping was necessary, she argued, since the body eventually gets pulled out of alignment by the effects of gravity. When this occurs, it is the muscles rather than the bones that bear the weight of gravity, and over time the body's fascia or connective tissue loses some of its pliability and becomes thickened and hardened. Eventually they act more like binding straps and the muscles atrophy, or shrink.

An unbalanced body that is "at war" with gravity shows such outward signs as slouching with the head forward or standing overly erect and bowing backward, and often has flat feet or high arches. Besides gravity, the body must contend with the effects of disease or trauma, job-related conditions, and even emotional distress.

Treatment usually consists of ten weekly sessions, each lasting 60-90 minutes. During treatments the practitioner reworks by hand the fascial tissue of the patient's entire body until it becomes elastic and pliable again. This loosening and releasing of the adhesions in the fascia allows the muscles to lengthen and return to their normal, vertical alignment. It also restores a greater freedom of movement. During the first session, the patient's medical history is taken. Photographs of the patient's structure may also be taken before and after treatment to help review the progress and effectiveness of the therapy. Patients usually undress to their underwear and lie down on a massage table. The rolfer then applies pressure with fingertips, hands, knuckles, and elbows to work on the connective tissue. Often, the practitioner begins with the rib cage and upper body to allow deeper breathing, and then gradually moves to other parts of the body.

Many practitioners in the world of body/mind thinking believe that the body holds emotional issues. During the rolfing sessions, there may be a release of tension that has been held in the tissue for years as blocked emotional energy related to deep-seated feelings. The experienced practitioner is trained to recognize this connection between the mind and the body and can help patients deal with any issues that may emerge during treatment.

Risks of Rolfing

When delivered by a trained professional, Rolfing is safe for both adults and children, but is not a substitute for medical treatment. A modified version is used for women who are three or more months pregnant.

Normal results

The benefits of Rolfing can include pain relief, greater range of motion, increased breathing capacity, and improved body definition. Although rolfers do not attempt to cure a particular physical problem, many people claim relief is obtained from chronic back conditions as well as from neck, shoulder, and joint pain. Patients with related problems due to motor vehicle accidents can also be helped. Rolfing can ease symptoms of chronic stress, and has been helpful in relieving headaches, menstrual disorders, asthma, digestive problems, and constipation. Many patients claim that besides feeling physically more strong, supple, and energetic, they also feel more confident and positive.