Who, what, where, when, why and does it hurt?

Typically, rolfing treatments are set up for 10 sessions each between 60 and 90 minutes long. Reportedly, famous celebs who’ve been rolfed include a diverse list: Olympic athlete Michelle Kwan, “Reading Rainbow” and “Star Trek” actor Levar Burton and even master flower painting goddess Georgia O’Keefe. Different from ROFL-ing, here’s what you should know about rolfing before you go…

Also be sure to watch the informative advice video (after the jump) from Seattle Rolfing where they explain working on the tissues and how rolfing differs from massage. Of course, this is for informational purposes only. Be sure to check with your own healthcare practitioner to determine what is healthiest for your body.  -aa

First Of All, What Is Rolfing? 

From Ida Rolf's BookIn the 1930’s, after receiving a diagnosis of spinal arthritis Ida Pauline Rolf, a biochemist from New York developed Rolfing (or Structural Integration). Her theory was that upon injury, connective tissue (fascia), which overlaps with different muscle groups, may become constricted and rigid and can restrict opposing muscles from functioning in unison, thus moving without restraint over or across certain joints.

The Purpose.

Rolf’s goal was to break up fibers of bound connective tissue manually, thereby relaxing the body and enabling effective synergistic movement of the muscles. This idea stemmed from Rolf seeking to synchronize the human structure in relation to gravity in order to help debilitated people who were unable to obtain relief elsewhere. It is a hand’s on technique of manipulating the muscular system, which may also include instruction in movement to improve one’s posture, flexibility, balance and form.

What To Expect.


Rolfing treatments are often arranged for 10 sessions each between 60 and 90 minutes each. Patients will either lie on the floor or a table and the practitioner will guide them in movements through stretching and deep tissue massage to release the fascia. This restores a sense of balance in the body so that opposing muscles can function freely in union with each other naturally.

This commonly starts at the feet, with the intent to correct the foundation of the body first. Then the therapist will work their way up manipulating misaligned or past injured parts of the body with specific goals for each visit and a general increase of stability throughout the body.

Does Rolfing Work?

The hypothesis that fascia inhibits or allows muscles to function is being paid attention to and investigated. The first Fascia Research Congress occurred in 2007 and gained interest from scientists and medical professionals.

Christopher Reeve, the actor, was reported to receive structural integration therapy in the area of his lungs to permit him to breathe without the use of his ventilator. Olympic medalist Michelle Kwan utilized the therapy to aid in her balance, heal faster from injuries and increase her advantage in competition.


A research associate, Eric Jacobson, at Boston’s Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital was the recipient of a NIH grant to study the effect of Rolfing on chronic low back pain, which happens to impact over 15 million adults in the U.S. Also, further research has shown this therapy decreases the pain caused by fibromyalgia. 

Largely viewed as safe, Rolfing is more than what we know as massage therapy, though massage therapy school is a ncessary part of a practitioner’s training; however, the difference is that Rolfing entails deep tissue manipulation. For this reason, women who are pregnant and individuals that have conditions involving the blood vessels or skeletal system should check with a medical health care provider before receiving this therapy.

How Rolfing Is Helping People.

In light of repetitive stress injuries, certain manufacturing companies have incorporated Rolfing to cut back workers’ compensation expenses. Several psychotherapists have also engaged the connection of mind and body and recommended Rolfing to their patients for a holistic approach towards healing. The idea is that better support, flexibility and balance in the body will guide emotions and energy levels in a positive direction.

When To Get Rolfing. 

To decrease pain and persistent stress induced by trauma in the body or from an emotional nature people often turn to Rolfing. Professionals in the areas of athletics and dance also use it to perform optimally.

Does It Hurt? 

A large part of the belief that Rolfing hurts comes from its early period. The therapy has progressed since then and is a participatory method which the client takes part in. This approach alternatively allows for mutual collaboration in the processes of reducing one’s pain and healing instead of feeling you are “being worked on.” The work advances only at an intensity that the patient can securely maintain. Subjects have been known to describe any pain as a “good hurt” that their body wants and needs, according to certified advanced Rolfer, Patricia Sandage of psrolfing.com.

Melina Paris is a writer living in Los Angeles, CA.

Featured photo Wikimedia Commons, demonstrative photo from Ida Rolf’s book “Rolfing: Reestablishing the Natural Alignment and Structural Integration of the Human Body for Vitality and Well-Being,” all books via Amazon. You may also enjoy the latest on the Mommy Noire love school column, “Who’s the Man in Your Relationship?”