Rolfing is the name for the body of work that Dr. Ida P. Rolf originally developed and termed Structural Integration. Only graduates of The Rolf Institute of Structural Integration® can call their work Rolfing or use the term Rolfer™. 

It was Ida Rolf’s unique insights into the nature of connective tissue and the relationship of the human body with the gravitational field of the earth that set Rolfing apart from other bodywork.

Through hands-on manipulation, she found that the human body could be helped to orient around a vertical line, which she called The Line. If the physical body oriented more efficiently around the line, gravity reinforced and improved rather than degraded the health and vitality of the person as a whole. She also discovered that the elastic properties of connective tissue allowed easy manipulation and that the body is literally suspended in a web of connective tissue.

After six decades of research and development, Rolfers now use a combination of sophisticated touch that focuses on the connective tissue (including fascia, ligaments, tendons and the wrappings around muscle, organs and bones) and movement education that repatterns the nervous system to return the body to its natural place of ease and efficient functioning. The Rolfing process is interactive and the goals of each session are focused on the needs of the individual client. Rolfers do not follow the symptoms of pain and discomfort around the body, but these sensations are frequently alleviated as a result of identifying and addressing the source of structural imbalances in the system.

The goals of Rolfing are initially addressed through a series of 8-12 sessions.  Dr. Rolf used to think of the process as one session divided into 8-12 pieces.  Each session completes the work of the previous and prepares the body for the next.  This allows time to explore areas of the body that have trouble releasing, where you might feel “stuck” or lack awareness. Whether you come for one session or for the full series you will leave with a new level of awareness that will help you achieve your unique goals.

After the initial series, clients may return for “tune-up” sessions, with frequency and total number of sessions relative to individual client needs. It is common for many clients to come in only for 3-5 sessions per year. Exceptions include athletes or other laborers who put extra demand on their structure, or those who are experiencing chronic challenges.