What is Rolfing?
Rolfing, also known as structural integration, is a form of bodywork named after Dr. Ida Rolf, a biochemist who was influenced by osteopathy, physical therapy, and yoga. It was Dr. Rolf's theory that the cause of human discomfort, both physical and emotional, may lie in our fascia, the fibrous layers of connective tissue covering muscles, and the relationship it has with the earth’s gravitational field. She also believed that our fascia stiffens, shortens, and loses its elasticity after prolonged poor posture and mental and emotional stress. The goal of Rolfing is to improve health by bringing segments of the body (e.g. pelvis, legs) into proper alignment.

How can it help?
Practitioners of Rolfing use their elbows, fingers, and knuckles to stretch and open fascia in order to correct the habitual patterns of misalignment in the head, shoulders, abdomen, pelvis, and legs. This is believed to help open up breathing, improve digestion, balance the nervous system, and enhance physical and emotional health. Rolfing may be used to help a person affected by breast cancer by improving overall health and well-being and treating many of the problems that often occur as a result of cancer and its various treatments.

 What happens in an appointment?
Typically the practitioner begins by examining your posture, and taking photographs so that you can see the before and after changes. You will be asked to sit or lie on a massage table or floor mat, and the practitioner will begin the Rolfing movements. The practitioner usually asks you to breath in sync with the manipulations. Rolfing usually does cause some discomfort and pain when the pressure is applied. Practitioners say this is "reaction pain" that may be necessary when releasing tissue adhesions and correcting habitually poor posture.

 Number and length of appointments?
A typical course of treatment is ten weekly, one-hour sessions, with each session focusing on a certain area of the body.