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.
History:
In 1971, Dr. Rolf established the Rolf Institute of Structural Integration, now located in Boulder, Colorado, with adjunct institutes in Munich, Germany, and Sao Paolo, Brazil, to oversee the standardization of the Rolfing method and the training of practitioners, known as Rolfers.
Today, Rolfing is employed primarily to help reduce stress and ease mobility, address posture problems, and reduce musculoskeletal and back pain. Proponents suggest that it can relieve a variety of other ailments as well.
Purpose:
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.
How Does It Work:
Rolfing is based on the premise that physical and emotional stress--as well as gravity--can throw the body out of vertical alignment and cause muscles and the connective tissue known as fascia to become rigid and inflexible. (Fascia encases muscle and connects muscle to bone.) These problems can then lead to more stress, illness, and a loss of general well-being.
Rolfing aims to realign the body by using intense pressure and stroking to stretch shortened and tightened fascia back into shape. The goal is to make the fascia softer and more flexible, and to restore its natural balance in relation to muscles, tendons, and bones.
Rolfing creates long-lasting change by addressing the underlying causes for pain and tension. People who have been Rolfed stand and move with more surety and grace and often report positive changes in their outlook in life. Experience bodywork, that lasts a lifetime - Improved posture, self confidence and body awareness. Increased vitality, mental clarity and relief from chronic pain. Optimize the experience of living in your body, whether for daily activities or high performance sports.
Conditions Treated:
* Poor posture
* Muscle tension and pain, especially in the neck, upper back, and low back
* Other conditions caused by poor posture
