800-530-8875
Home > About Rolfing SI > Research on Rolfing SI

Research on Rolfing® Structural Integration

Fascia Congress

Second International Fascia Research Congress

The second conference at Vrije Universiteit continued the high level of scientific presentations set in the first conference. The Amsterdam Congress was a four day schedule followed by an additional day of post-conference clinical workshops. This added new dimensions – presentation of the clinical practices, both in lecture/demonstrations and in small group sessions, and integration with academic faculty conducting rehabilitation research. Vrije University has a main auditorium seating 900 and numerous smaller rooms for concurrent sessions.For complete details go to www.fasciacongress.org/2009

First International Fascia Research Congress

Article from SCIENCE Magazine on the First Congress:

Science Magazine, "the world’s leading journal of original scientific research, global news, and commentary," has an excellent write up about the recent First International Fascia Research Congress in its November 23, 2007 issue (vol. 318, pp. 1234-5).

“Biomedical Research; "Cell Biology Meets Rolfing" and “From Rolfer to Researcher”.

The article by David Grimm is titled "Cell Biology Meets Rolfing: A diverse group of researchers wants to create a new discipline from scratch by bringing together experts in fascia and deep- tissue massage."

A few points from the article…

"The meeting, held here [in Boston] last month, would be the first dedicated to the soft part of the body’s connective tissue system — an important but medically neglected organ. It would bring together top scientists from fields as diverse as cell biology and biophysics, but it would also include alternative medicine practitioners…"

This conference was a first venture within the field of the human fasciae to bring together scientists and clinicians and it was not at all certain that getting these two diverse groups together would satisfy everyone or produce constructive collaboration. Quoting Thomas Findley, MD PhD, the Executive Director of the conference, "Practitioners want to know the science behind what they’re doing…and scientists want to see clinical applications of their work." Partap Khalsa, DC PhD, program officer with the U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH) National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) stated, "You need people who can do good basic science and clinicians who can inform them about their experiences…It’s the only way to advance the field."

By the end of the second day, it was obvious there was a meeting of minds. So much so that a leading researcher in biomechanics, Peter Huijing, PhD, of Vrije Universiteit in Amsterdam has agreed to help organize the next conference in Amsterdam in 2009. "Huijing says he also learned new things from the alternative therapists — and he found that he had something to teach them as well."

It should be noted that Dr. Huijing, himself, was originally skeptical of the feasibility and value of such collaboration. "Huijing plans to give a larger spotlight to practitioners and to explore even more of the basic science. He’s adding days, and he’s reserved an auditorium for 1000 people — twice the size of the room at this year’s event. ‘I have a feeling it could be very big,’ he said."

RISI Research Committee

The RISI Research Committee supports and guides Rolfing Structural Integration research. Many of its members are actively involved in research projects on Rolfing SI, its effects, and underlying mechanisms.

Valerie Berg, Rolf Institute® Faculty, Certified Advanced Rolfer™, Rolf Movement® Practitioner
vberg03@comcast.net

Stephan Evanko, PhD, Certified Rolfer
www.rolfingseattle.com/

Eric Jacobsen, PhD, Certified Advanced Rolfer
www.eric-jacobson.com

Robert Schleip, PhD, Certified Advanced Rolfer
www.somatics.de

Resources for Practitioners & Scientists

Rolfing SI and Cerebral Palsy

Preliminary clinical studies have been performed with small samples of patients with cerebral palsy,1 chronic musculoskeletal pain,2,3 impaired balance,4,5 and chronic fatigue syndrome.6 The outcomes of those studies suggest that Rolfing has positive effects on walking, musculoskeletal pain and associated limitations in joint motion, and on balance. Preliminary research on the underlying therapeutic mechanisms suggests improvements in movement coordination and efficiency,7 sensory processing,8 self-esteem,9 and relaxation,10,11 and reductions in anxiety.12

 References

1. Perry J, Jones MH, Thomas L.  Functional evaluation of Rolfing in cerebral palsy. Develop Med Child Neurol 1981; 23(717-29

2. Deutsch J, Derr LL, Judd P, Reuven B.  Treatment of chronic pain through the use of Structural Integration (Rolfing). Orthopedic Physical Therapy Clinics of North America 2000; 9(3): 411-27

3. James H, Castaneda L, Miller MM, Findley T.  Rolfing structural integration treatment of cervical spine dysfunction. J Bodywork Movement Therapy 2008;

4. Findley T, Quigley K, Maney M, Chaudhry H, Agbaje I.  Improvement in balance with Structural Integration (Rolfing): a controlled case series in persons with myofascial pain.  (Poster 147) American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, October 9, 2004, Phoenix, Arizona. Arch Phys Med Rehabil 2004; 85(9): E34

5. Findley T, Quigley K, Maney M, Chaudhry H, Agbaje I.  Balance improvement with structural integration (Rolfing) in persons with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. In: T Findley, Schleip R, ed. Fascia Research. Munich: Elsevier GmbH, 2007a: 242-43.

6. Talty C, DeMassi I, Deutsch JE.  Structural Integration applied to patients with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: a retrospective chart review. J Orthop Sports Physical Therapy 1998; 27(1): 83

7. Hunt V, Massey WW.  Electromyographic evaluation of Structural Integration techniques. Psychoenergetic Systems 1977a; 2(199-210

8. Silverman J, Rappaport M, Hopkins HK, Ellman G, Hubbard R, Belleza T, Baldwin T, Griffin R, Kling R.  Stress, stimulus intensity control, and the Structural Integration technique. Confinia Psychiatrica 1973; 16(201-19

9. Pratt T.  Psychological effects of Structural Integration. Psychological Reports 1974; 35(856

10. Cottingham J, Porges SW, Lyon T.  Effects of soft tissue mobilization (Rolfing pelvic lift) on parasympathetic tone in two age groups. J Amer Physical Therapy 1988a; 68(3): 352-56

11. Cottingham J, Porges SW, Richmond K.  Shifts in pelvic inclination angle and parasympathetic tone produced by Rolfing soft tissue manipulation. Physical Therapy 1988b; 68(9): 1364-70

12. Weinberg R, Hunt VV.  Effects of Structural Integration on state-trait anxiety. J Clinical Psychology 1979; 35(2): 319-22

Contact Us for:

For the purpose of conducting basic and applied research, the RISI has set up the IPR Research Foundation. Money donated to the RISI for these purposes will be passed on to the Foundation. The RISI focuses on research literacy of its graduates by including research in its curriculum. Contributions to support this are appreciated.

Please contact:
Valerie Berg, Rolf Institute Faculty, Certified Advanced Rolfer, Rolf Movement Practitioner
vberg03@comcast.net

Research on Rolfing SI

Cottingham J. Shifts in pelvic inclination angle and parasympathetic tone produced by Rolfing soft tissue manipulation. Physical Therapy 68:1364-1370, 1988.

Cottingham J, Porges SW, Lyon T. Effects of soft tissue mobilization (Rolfing pelvic lift) on parasympathetic tone in two age groups. Physical Therapy 68:352-356, 1988.

Cottingham JT. Effects of soft tissue mobilization on pelvic inclination angle, lumbar lordosis, and parasympathetic tone: Implications for treatment of disabilities associated with lumbar degenerative joint disease. Public testimony presentation to the National Center of Medical Rehabilitation Research of the National Institute of Health, Bethesda, MD; March 19, 1992. Rolf Lines 20(2):42-45, 1992.

Cottingham J, Maitland J. three-paradigm treatment model using soft tissue mobilization and guided movement-awareness techniques for patients with chronic low back pain: A case study. The Journal of Orthopedic & Sports Physical Therapy 26(3):155-167, Sept 1997.

Cottingham J, Maitland J. Integrating manual and movement therapy with philosophical counseling for treatment of a patient with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: A case study that explores the principles of holistic intervention. Alternative Therapies In Health and Medicine 6(2): 128,120-7, Mar 2000.

Deutsch JE, Judd P, Demassi I. Structural Integration applied to patients with a primary neurologic diagnosis: two case studies. Neurology Report 21(5):161-62. 1997.

Deutsch JE, Derr LL, Judd P, et al. Treatment of chronic pain through the use of Structural Integration (Rolfing). Orthopaedic Physical Therapy Clinics of North America 9(3):411-425, 2000.

Findley TW, Quigley K, Maney M, Chaudhry H, Agbaje I. Improvement in balance with Structural Integration (Rolfing): A controlled case series in persons with myofascial pain. American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, October 9, 2004, Phoenix Arizona. Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 85(9):e34, Sep 2004.

Hunt VV, Massey W, Weinberg R, Bruyere R, Hahn PM. study of Structural Integration from neuromuscular, energy field and emotional approaches. Research report submitted to the Rolf Institute. UCLA Dept. of Kinesiology. Boulder, CO: Rolf Institute for Structural Integration. 1977.

Hunt V, Massey W. Electromyographic evaluation of Structural Integration techniques. Psychoenergetic Systems 2:199-210, 1977.

Kerr H. Ureteral stent displacement associated with deep massage. Western Medical Journal 96(12):57-58. 1997

Perry J, Jones MH, Thomas L. Functional evaluation of Rolfing in cerebral palsy. Developmental Medicine and Child Neurology 23(6):717-729, 1981.

Potter C. Children with cerebral palsy. Physical Therapy Forum (Western Edition) June 18, 1986

Pratt TC. Psychological effects of structural integration. Psychological Reports 35(2):856, Oct 1974.

Silverman J, Rappaport M, Hopkins HK, Ellman G, Hubbard R, Belleza T, Baldwin T, Griffin R, Kling R. Stress, stimulus intensity control, and the structural integration technique. Confinia Psychiatrica 16(3):201-19, 1973.

Solit, M. A study in structural dynamics. Journal of the American Osteopathic Association 62(30-40). 1962

Talty CM, DeMasi I, Deutsch JE. Structural integration applied to patients with chronic fatigue syndrome: a retrospective chart review Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy 27(1):83, 1998.

Weinberg RS, Hunt VV. Effects of structural integration on state-trait anxiety. Journal of Clinical Psychology 35(2), April 1979.

Descriptive articles, hypotheses and reviews:

Bernau-Eigen M. Rolfing: A somatic approach to the integration of human structures. Nurse Practitioner Forum 9(4):235-42, Dec 1998.

Deutsch JE, Judd P, Demassi I. Structural Integration (Rolfing). In Complementary Therapies and Wellness J. Carlson (ed) Upper saddle River, NJ: Prentice-Hall. 2003.

Deutsch JE. Derr LL, Judd P, et al. The Ida Rolf method of Structural Integration. In Complementary Therapies in Rehabilitation: Evidence of Efficacy in Therapy. C. Davis (ed). SLACK. 2004.

Froment Y. Therapeutic renewal: Rolfing or structural integration. Krankenpfl Soins Infirm 77(6):68-9, Jun 1984 (Article in French).

Jacobson E. "Getting Rolfed": Structural bodywork, biomechanics and embodiment. In Healing by Hand: Bonesetting and Manual Medicine in Global Perspective. Oths KS and Servando ZH (eds) Walnut Creek, CA: Altamira Press. 2004.

Jones TA. Rolfing. Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Clinics of North America Journal 15(4): 799-809, Nov 2004.

Myers T. Structural Integration - developments in Ida Rolf's 'recipe' - I. Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies 8:131-42. 2004.

Myers T. Structural Integration - developments in Ida Rolf's 'recipe' - part II. Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies 8:189-98. 2004

Myers T. Structural Integration - developments in Ida Rolf's 'recipe' - part III. An alternative form. Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies 8:249-64. 2004

Oschman JL. Structural Integration (Rolfing), osteopathic, chiropractric, Feldenkrais, Alexander, myofascial realease, and related methods. In Energy Medicine: The Scientific Basis. JL Oshman (ed). Edinburgh: Churchill Livingston. 2000.

Rolf IP. Structural Integration. Journal of the Institute of Comparative Study of History Philosophical Sciences 1(1):3-19, 1963.

Rolf IP. Structural integration . A contribution to the understanding of stress. Confinia Psychiatrica 16(2):69-79, 1973.

Schleip R. Fascial plasticity – a new neurobiological explanation: Part 1. Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies 7(1):11-19, 2003.

Schleip R. Fascial plasticity – a new neurobiological explanation: Part 2. Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies 7(2):104-116, 2003.

Travazich J. Rolfing, Hellerwork and Soma. In Complementary Therapies in Rehabilitation. Thorofare NJ, Lack, Inc. 1997.

Research and reviews related to Rolfing SI

Chaudhry HR, Schleip R, Ji Z, Bukiet B, Maney M, Findley TW. Three dimensional mathematical model for deformation of human fascia in manual therapy. Journal of American Osteopathic Association in press

Chaudhry H, Huang C, Schleip R, Ji Z, Bukiet B, Findley T. Viscoelastic behavior of human fasciae under extension in manual therapy. Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies 11(2), Apr 2007

Langevin HM, Sherman K. Pathophysiological model for chronic low back pain integrating connective tissue and nervous system mechanisms. Medical Hypotheses 68:74-80, 2007

Leask AD. TGF-beta signaling and the fibrotic response. FASEB J 187(7):816-27, 2004

Panjabi M. A hypothesis of chronic back pain: ligament subfailure injuries lead to muscle control dysfunction. European Spine Journal 15(5):668-76, 2006

Porges SW. Vagal tone: A physiologic marker of stress vulnerability. Pediatrics 90(3):498-504, Sep 1992

Schleip R, Klingler W, Lehmann-Horn F. Active fascial contractility: Fascia may be able to contract in a smooth muscle-like manner and thereby influence musculoskeletal dynamics. Medical Hypotheses 65(2):273-277, 2005

Schleip R, Klinger W, Lehmann-Horn F. Active fascial contractility: Fascia is able to contract and relax in a smooth muscle like manner and thereby influence biomechanical behavior. Acta Physiological 186 (Suppl 1)247, 2006

Schleip R, Naylor IL, Ursu D, Melzer W, Zorn A, Wilke HJ, Lehmann-Horn F, Klingler W. Passive muscle stiffness may be influenced by active contractility of intramuscular connective tissue. Medical Hypotheses 66(1):66-71, 2006

Schleip, R Lehmann-Horn F, Klinger W. Letter to the editor concerning: "A hypothesis of chronic back pain: ligament subfailure injuries lead to muscle control dysfunction." (M. Panjabi). European Spine Journal 2007

Schleip R, Zorn A, Lehmann-Horn F, Klinger W. Active fascial contractility: an in vitro mechanographic investigation. In Fascia research - basic science and implications for conventional and complementary health care. (TW Findley and R Schleip (eds) Munich: Elsevier Science, p. 82, 2007

Threlkeld AJ. The effects of manual therapy on connective tissue. Physical Therapy 72(12):893-902, 1992

Vleeming A, Pool-Goudzwaard AL, Stoeckart R, Van Wingerden JP, Snijders CJ. The posterior layer of the thoracolumbar fascia. Its function in load transfer from spine to legs. Spine 20(7):753-58, 1995

Weinberg RS, Hunt VV. Interrelationships between anxiety, motor behavior and electromyography. Journal of Motor Behavior 8(3) 219-224, 1976