What is the difference between Rolfing and Massage?

There are perhaps two main differences.

First, the system of ten sessions progressing sequentially from feet to neck is extremely well designed to effect long-term change in the body. The systematic approach to aligning and restructuring the segments of the body results in more efficient and study human structure and is not merely treating a specific problem area.

Secondly, the quality of touch is experienced as much deeper than most massage forms which focus on a muscular level. Rolfing works on a myofascial level, including tendons and ligaments; consequently the pace of contact is usually slower. In addition Rolfing differs even from deep tissue massage forms such as myofascial release or Tui Na because of the structure of the Rolfing Series.

As the genius of Ida Rolf 's legacy becomes more widely acknowledged within the field of complimentary therapy, this ten-series approach is likely to become more common.

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Does Rolfing last?

YES! Photographs taken of clients years after the Basic Ten Series show that changes are still present and structure often improved. Keep in mind however as life changes, bodies change in response. All injuries, accidents, lengthy illnesses and emotional stress may necessitate additional work. (Before and After Photos)

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Is Rolfing painful?

Interestingly enough most people who have opinions about Rolfing being painful have never experienced the process. Much of this reputation for pain came from the early days when Structural Integration was first gaining public recognition. Since that time the process has greatly evolved. As far as the actual experience is concerned, the area being worked will vary in sensation and feeling depending upon injuries to an area or holding of chronic stress as well as other factors. Feelings can range from pleasurable release to momentary discomfort.

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What is the Basic Ten Series?

The basic Rolfing treatment consists of a ten-session series, generally spaced a week to two weeks apart. Dr. Rolf brilliantly conceived of this systematic method of bringing a person greater ease in their body. Each session has specific aims and goals so that no two sessions are the same. The sessions have a logical order with an eye towards overall well-being and comfort. Generally, people who have been through the ten series stand and move with more grace and surety than before. If someone is curious about Rolfing but are not sure if they want to do the whole series, I generally recommend that they try and have three sessions- this gives them a chance to experience the work and see whether or not they would like to continue into the deeper sessions.

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What is Post-ten Rolfing?

After the basic Rolfing is completed, the body changes and in time more subtle work is possible. Post-ten Rolfing can be a great tune-up or another chance to work with a specific concern.

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What type of Training and certification are Rolfers required to have?

Rolfers are trained and certified by the Rolf Institute, headquartered in Boulder, Colorado. The Rolf Institute is the only school accredited to teach Rolfing and is the sole certifying body for Rolfers. It is regulated by the Colorado State Board for Community Colleges and Occupational Education. Successful applicants complete a training program, considered post-graduate in nature, that usually requires 2 years of study and includes a continuing education program extending for 6 additional years. The training includes the biological sciences, anatomy and physiology, the theory of Rolfing, and extensive clinical work under supervision.

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What about the emotional and psychological effects of Rolfing?

It is important to remember that the primary goal of Rolfing is to realign the body in gravity. Rolfers are somatic practitioners not psychotherapists. It is believed that emotions can be repressed within the body's connective tissues, the medium of Rolfing, so emotional aspects clearly have direct relevance. An example of trapped emotions is a child being told not to cry and suppressing this natural emotion by willfully contracting certain muscles (e.g. the pelvic floor, shoulders or jaw), an action which, if repeated over time becomes an unconscious holding pattern.

When the chronically tight connective tissue finally releases during Rolfing treatment emotionally charged material can be resolved. In this sense Rolfing can act as a catalyst for emotional growth and change and Rolfers are trained to contain this process safely. This aspect is partly what makes Rolfing potentially such a profound experience.

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"Structural Integration is about the whole person, it is about fascia and feeling. The sensation of moving from weakness to strength, the exhilaration of owning a new part of oneself, the immediate and simultaneous reeducation of ones being and action, the joy of self-empowerment, waking up, these are the experiences of structural integration".

Emmit Hutchins, Senior Instructor - The Guild for Structural Integration