Massage Therapy: What is Rolfing?

Rolfing is a method of manipulating the connective tissue of the body in order to realign its structure. The goal of the therapy is threefold :

• To increase the range of movement.
• To improve balance.
• To provide greater ease of posture.

Origin of Rolfing

Rolfing was founded and developed over 40 years by an American biochemist, Dr. Ida Rolf, after whose name the therapy is known. She was initially influenced by several basic concepts from some of the holistic therapies practised at that time. Dr.Ida Rolf was familiar with yoga, osteopathy and many other therapies. She applied these concepts in her work with the people who came to her for help, augmenting them with concepts of her own.

Dr. Ida Rolf considered it necessary to ensure that the body was working in harmony with the force of gravity, and developed a technique, which she originally termed as ‘structural re-integration’ to restore harmony. She then created a deep tissue form of massage, to work on the connective tissues that surround muscles, bones and organs.

How it Works

In Rolfing terms, the connective tissue of the body is known as the organ of structure. It is a complex, pliable system of tissues of varying density, organised to facilitate movement. The tissue that responds most readily to Rolfing is the ‘fascia’. Fascia is the connective tissue that wraps around and positions every part of the body.

When we complain of chronic stiffness, soreness or aches, it is the fascia that is in trouble. It shortens, thickens and adheres to neighbouring structures and thus impedes the freedom of movement. The process of fascial distortion can start early in life when we fall and twist, distorting the body.

In structural terms it all adds up, but it is not until later in life that these distortions become apparent, when we begin to feel the restrictions in physical movement.

Rolfing stretches tissue that has contracted making more space for the other structures of the body and it is the space occupied by an organ, nerve, bone or joint that determines its proper functioning to a surprisingly large degree.

The Techniques

Rolfing is a ten-session series of treatment, with each session spaced a week apart. The series is designed to release all the components of the body and to integrate them into a balanced whole.

Rolfers use their fingers and sometimes an elbow to move the fascia, causing it to stretch and to resume its natural elastic tone and full range of movement.

At the beginning and end of the ten sessions, the Rolfer will take photographs of the client to document the course of treatment.

The Ten Sessions

Session 1 : The series starts with an introductory session designed to improve your breathing pattern. This first hour allows you to see if the approach is one that you like and wish to pursue. The Rolfing sessions that follow are focused on different parts of the body.

Session 2 : This session deals with the feet and lower legs.

Session 3 : The sides and the small of the back.

Session 4 : The inner aspect of the legs.

Session 5 : The abdomen.

Session 6 : The back of the legs and the pelvis.

Session 7 : The head and neck.

Session 8, 9 and 10 : The final sessions are more general, designed to integrate the shoulder and pelvic girdles with the spine and to bring the body together as a whole.

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