What is Rolfing?

Rolfing® is a strategic system of integrating and realigning the structure of the body with manipulation of the myofascial tissues, body posture awareness and movement re-education. Rolfing® was being developed in the 1930's by Dr. Ida P. Rolf, Ph.D. Dr. Rolf had a Ph. D. in Biochemistry and merged her knowledge with interests in physics, osteopathy, yoga and Alexander Technique to create "Structural Integration", which would later be called Rolfing®.

Rolfing® first became popular in the 1960's when Dr. Rolf taught what she called "Structural Integration" techniques at the Easlen Institute in California. She founded the Rolf Institute in Boulder, Colorado in 1971, where it resides today.

The genius of Dr. Rolf's work rests on the insight that the body is more at ease and functions most efficiently and effectively when the overall body structure is balanced. Dr. Rolf observed that over time gravity accentuates the body's imbalances while diminishing its flexibility. Based on these core observations, she developed her original method of hands-on fascial manipulation techniques - which later became known as Rolfing® - to reduce gravity's adverse effects on the body.

Dr. Rolf's insight recognized that the body is a system of seamless networks of tissues rather than a collection of separate parts: it's all connected. Connective tissues, called fascia, surround and lend structural support to all of the muscles, bones and organs of the body. Rolfing® works on this web-like complex of fascial connective tissues to release, realign and balance the whole body often easing discomfort, reducing compensations and alleviating pain. Rolfing® aims to restore flexibility, revitalize your energy and leave one feeling more comfortable in their body.

The Rolfing® process also enables the body to regain the natural integrity of its form, thus enhancing postural efficiency, freedom of movement, and improved cellular health.