Rolfing® is a body alignment therapy named after founder, Dr. Ida P. Rolf. Rolfing is a form of bodywork that reorganizes “fascia” which is a connective tissue that wraps body parts such as muscles and organs.
Certified Rolfers seek to reorganize fascia so that full ranges of motion are restored to yield a healthy body. More specifically, years ago Dr. Rolf recognized that the body is a network of seamless tissues rather than a collection of separate parts. These connective tissues surround, support and penetrate all muscles, bones, nerves and organs. Rolfing works on this web of connective tissues to release, realign and balance the body.
Typical fascia constrictions are caused by scarring due to injury or lack of full-range use of muscles. As fascia adhere’s range of motion becomes limited and overall body mechanics pulled out of balance. Structural mis-alignment, poor posture and pain points are all typical outcomes of adhesions. Fascia even wraps organs, so bodily functions can also be negatively affected.
The result of a Certified Rolfer’s work is to enable the body to regain the natural integrity of its form, to enhance postural efficiency and freedom of movement.
Many have heard of Rolfing’s reputation of being a painful and invasive therapy. Over the years, multiple versions of Rolfing have emerged that vary in technique and amount of pressure. For some, “no-pain. no-gain” deep tissue work is desired. For others, a lighter touch is desired. If you’re the latter, I suggest you request Bowen Therapy as a light-touch alternative.
Certified Rolfers are required to begin their careers by becoming Licensed Massage Therapists (LMTs). Once certified, they can then enroll in Rolfing School and attain various levels of proficiency. In my case, I studied to the highest level of Certified Advanced Rolfer. For more on Rolfing, see rolf.org.