What is Rolfing®?
Rolfing® Structural Integration is a holistic modality of manual therapy that combines soft tissue manipulation with movement education to bring the body into balance and to organize the myofascial and skeletal structure into gravity.
Rolfing focuses on releasing the intricate web of connective tissue, called fascia, that is woven throughout your body. When there is lack of movement in the fascia, due to inactivity, repetitive movement, or stored trauma, fascial lesions and dehydration occur in our tissue and begin to inhibit the natural movement of our bones, organs, and nerves. By using a variety of hands-on techniques, Rolfing aims to release these restrictions, decrease pain, enhance your overall quality of life, and foster a deep felt sense of presence and embodiment.
Rolfing is the most effective, when done in the context of a Ten-series™ but can be done in single sessions for the curious, or those in search of a tune-up. Please reach out and we can discuss optimal treatment for you.
This work was developed by Dr. Ida Rolf in the 1940’s. After receiving her PhD in biochemistry from Columbia University, she used her knowledge of Osteopathy, Homeopathy, Chiropractics, and Yoga eventually forming her own modality of healing that today is called Rolfing Structural Integration and the Ten-series.™
To learn more about Rolfing®, please visit the Dr. Ida Rolf Institute® website
What is a Ten-Series™ and why should I do it?
Completing the Rolfing Ten-Series™ can be a transformative experience. Together, we will systematically address every region of the body to integrate its structure and function. The Ten-Series consists of ten sessions that address all aspects of your body with predetermined teritory but with the pacing of each session tailored to meet your needs. This series is beneficial for those ready to make changes in their lives, move more easily and with less pain, deepen their self-awareness, reset their nervous system, and establish a new foundation of agency in their body.
Sessions 1-3
Called the "sleeve" sessions, sessions 1-3 strive to loosen and balance surface layers of connective tissue.
Specifically, the first session is devoted to enhancing the quality of breath with work on the arms, ribcage, and diaphragm. Opening is also started along the upper leg, hamstrings, neck, and spine.
The second session helps give the body a stable foundation by balancing the foot and muscles of the lower leg.
The third session typically involves a "side view" for an understanding of how the head, shoulder girdle, and hips are positionally related to one another when standing under the influence of gravity. Then, the body is addressed within the context of this new vision.
Sessions 4-7
Sessions 4-7 are referred to as "core" sessions and examine terrain found between the bottom of the pelvis and the top of the head. The idea of the core also includes the deep tissue of the legs for its support role.
Session four begins this journey; its territory extends from the inside arch of the foot and up the leg to the bottom of the pelvis.
The fifth session is concerned with balancing surface and deep abdominal muscles to the curve of the back.
Session six seeks to enlist more support and moment from the legs, pelvis, and lower back, while the seventh session turns its sole attention to the neck and head.
Sessions 8-10
Sessions 8-10 "Integration" is emphasized throughout the remaining three sessions, as sessions 8-10 provide an opportunity for the practitioner to blend previously established advancements and ones yet to be made into the body in a way that encourages smooth movement and natural coordination.
During sessions eight and nine, the practitioner determines how best to achieve this integration, as the protocol is unique for each individual.
The tenth and final session is also one of integration, but more importantly, serves to inspire a sense of order and balance. Once completed, the wisdom of the Rolfing Ten Series will drive and support the body with health for years to come.
If you’re curious to learn more in-depth about Rolfing, please visit the Dr. Ida Rolf Institute® website
Rolfing has the potential to help with so many different discomforts. It can help with:
-Back pain
-Scar tissue release
-Knee and ankle injuries
-Anxiety and nervous system overload.
-Sports injuries and recovery
-Postural alignment
-Shoulder and neck discomfort
Rolfing is not a quick fix. It is, at it’s heart, an embodiment education so that you may take agency with the processes of your body and learn to work with yourself in a deeper way.
What does a typical Rolfing session look like?
Sessions are typically 75-90 minutes long. At the beginning of our first session together we will take 15 minutes to go over your health history, address any questions you may have, and chat about what your goals are for receiving Rolfing. After our chat, we will do a body reading to assess your movement patterns and alignment. This helps me to assess any patterning that your body has learned and how we might best achieve ease and balance in your structure. We will do a body reading both pre-session, and post-session to assess any change that has taken place.
Most of our session time you will be laying on the table while I apply slow, and carefully directed pressure to lengthen and release any fascial restrictions. I will occasionally call for small movements from you as it helps your body remember that it has agency in this process and helps to integrate the change in your tissues.
A Rolfing session should never be painful. As your practitioner, I will be paying close attention to how my touch is affecting your body and nervous system. The pressure I use is dependent on the depth and density of the tissue and if there is any associated discomfort. The sensation can feel like pleasant stretching, or can be a warmer and deeper sensation. It can occasionally be intense, but it should never be so much that you withdraw from my touch. I will check in with you throughout the process and make sure that you are comfortable.
Rolfing is not recommended for those with blood clots (deep vein thrombosis), active skin infections, tumours, or recent fractures.
What should I wear to a session?
Sessions are typically done when wearing light clothing to enable access to the skin. For women: A sports bra and soft shorts. And for men: Soft shorts with boxers underneath. For non-binary folks: Any clothing that provides adequate coverage. While having skin access makes it easier to work and access your fascia, dressing to your comfort level is the first priority for everyone.