What is Rolfing
What is Rolfing®
Rolfing® Structural Integration is a type of hands-on bodywork that was developed by Dr. Ida Rolf more than fifty years ago. This therapy helps realign and balance the body by working with the connective tissues, or fascia, that surround and support everything inside us—muscles, bones, nerves, and organs.
What Rolfing® SI does:
- Rebalances the body
- Restores flexibility
- Revitalizes energy
- Resolves discomfort
- Reduces compensations
- Alleviates pain
The History of Rolfing®
Who Was Dr. Ida Rolf?
Dr. Ida P. Rolf earned her Ph.D. in biochemistry from Columbia University in 1920—a remarkable achievement for a woman in science at that time. She went on to conduct research in organic chemistry at the Rockefeller Institute.
Dr. Ida Rolf’s Research
Motivated by health challenges in her own family, Dr. Rolf began exploring alternative healing methods, including homeopathy, chiropractic, osteopathy, and yoga. These shared a common belief: proper alignment and healthy function are deeply connected.
A New Understanding of The Body
Dr. Rolf observed that gravity plays a key role in how the body holds itself together and that imbalances in posture can place stress on the body's fascia (soft tissue system), leading to chronic tension and compensation patterns.
She posed a fundamental question that became the foundation for Rolfing® Structural Integration:
"What conditions must be fulfilled in order for the human body structure to be organized and integrated in gravity so that the whole person can function in the most optimal and economical way?"
How Rolfing® Works
What is the Rolfing Ten-Series®?
Dr. Rolf created the Rolfing Ten-Series™—a set of ten sessions that work step by step to improve the body’s alignment and structure. Today, her innovative method is practiced by certified Rolfers™ and Rolf Movement® Practitioners worldwide.
The Rolfing Ten-Series® can be divided into three units:
| Sessions 1-3 | Sessions 4-7 | Sessions 8-10 |
Laying the Groundwork: Breath, Balance & Surface Alignment >> |
Building Core Support & Deep Structural Connection >> |
Whole-Body Balance & Alignment for Lasting Ease >> |
These first sessions focus on loosening and balancing the surface layers of the body's connective tissue. Work begins with the arms, ribcage, diaphragm, upper legs, hamstrings, neck, and spine to support easier breathing and initial alignment. The feet and lower legs are balanced to build a stable foundation, and the relationship between the head, shoulders, and hips is explored for an understanding of how to help the body align more effectively in gravity. | The middle sessions address the body’s core, working from the pelvis to the head, as well as the deep tissues of the legs. This phase helps build internal support, improve posture, and enhance movement through the center of the body. | The final sessions focus on integrating all the previous work into smoother, more coordinated movement. The practitioner customizes sessions 8 and 9 to each person’s needs, reinforcing alignment across the entire body. The tenth session emphasizes full-body balance, helping establish a lasting sense of order and ease that supports long-term well-being. |
What Symptoms Can Rolfing® Therapy Treat?
Dr. Ida Rolf believed that every body has some degree of structural imbalance or compensation and that everyone, from children to adults, can benefit from Rolfing®.
While many people may not immediately think of Rolfing® for their symptoms, this powerful series of sessions can help resolve discomforts and improve overall well-being.
Rolfing® can effectively treat:
| Chronic pain or discomfort (whether from past injuries or wear and tear) - Rolfing® SI can help release tension and restore balance. | Injuries | Bad posture and misalignment |
| Repetitive Motion Strain Those who perform repetitive motions, such as typing, lifting, or playing an instrument, can benefit from Rolfing® which reduces strain and promotes better movement patterns. | Reduced mobility/flexibility | Aging Bodies |
No matter a person’s age or activity level, if they are experiencing limiting physical discomfort and there are no underlying nervous system disorders or serious medical conditions, Rolfing® Structural Integration may offer meaningful relief.
For most adults, Rolfing® SI, combined with movement education such as Rolf Movement® Integration, provides a lasting solution to chronic tension, misalignment, and connective tissue issues. Athletes, dancers, children, business professionals, and people from all walks of life have benefited from Rolfing® SI. It's estimated that more than 1 million people have received Rolfing® work. If a client simply wants to feel more at ease in their body, Rolfing® SI offers a holistic, transformative path toward better function and overall well-being
Rolfing® SI for Low Back Pain
Low back pain is one of the most common causes of discomfort and disability. Its underlying causes can be complex, ranging from unhealed soft tissue injuries and nerve pressure to poor circulation, chronic muscle tension, or even emotional stress. Unfortunately, traditional treatments like medication, physical therapy, and massage often provide limited or short-term relief.
Rolfing® Structural Integration offers a different approach. Rather than treating symptoms in isolation, Rolfers™ assess the whole body to identify imbalances in the connective tissue system that may contribute to pain. They consider how the pelvis, hips, legs, and feet support the low back, and how well the upper body—spine, shoulders, neck, and head—moves in coordination.
By improving balance, tone, and mobility throughout the body’s soft tissues, Rolfing® SI may:
- Reduce strain on the lower back and support the healing of injured tissues
- Improve circulation and reduce pain sensitivity
- Relieve nerve compression caused by misalignment or scar tissue
- Support emotional regulation by easing chronic physical tension
Many people report long-term relief after Rolfing® sessions, especially when other methods have failed.
Rolfing® Structural Integration for Children
Is Rolfing® Structural Integration suitable for children?
Rolfing® Structural Integration is safe for children and can be especially effective as a preventative tool to support healthy development. While often associated with correcting long-standing patterns in adults, Rolfing® SI also helps address structural imbalances in children before they become chronic issues.
Early Support for Growing Bodies
Children naturally mimic the posture and movement habits of those around them, especially parents. Over time, these patterns—combined with minor injuries, growth spurts, or inherited tendencies—can lead to imbalances like hip misalignment, reduced range of motion, or uneven coordination.
Rolfing® SI can help by:
- Addressing soft tissue restrictions caused by everyday falls or injuries
- Improving balance, mobility, and coordination during key growth phases
- Supporting healthy structural development during and after puberty
- Enhancing body awareness, comfort, and confidence with a gentle, effective approach
What is Rolf Movement® Integration?
Rolf Movement® Integration is a powerful complement to Rolfing® Structural Integration that helps you move through life with more ease, balance, and awareness. While Rolfing® works hands-on with the body's structure, Rolf Movement® focuses on how you use your body—how you sit, stand, walk, breathe, and interact with your environment. Many of our habitual movement patterns come from years of unconscious responses to stress or injury, leading to chronic tension or imbalance. Rolf Movement® helps you recognize these patterns and replace them with more efficient, fluid, and sustainable ways of moving.
Why Choose Rolf Movement® Sessions?
Guided by a Certified Rolf Movement Practitioner®, you'll explore simple, everyday movements—like breathing, walking, or reaching—and discover how small shifts in awareness can create profound changes in how your body feels and functions. These sessions can take place on their own or as part of your Rolfing® series.
When structure and function are integrated, the results of Rolfing® are more deeply embodied and longer-lasting. Rolf Movement® is an essential part of realizing Dr. Ida Rolf's vision: helping people live more fully, consciously, and comfortably in their bodies.
Discover the Transformative Power of Rolfing®
Are you looking for lasting relief from chronic pain, postural imbalances, or limited movement? Rolfing® Structural Integration is a powerful approach to realigning the body and restoring natural function. Whether you’re recovering from injury, managing long-term discomfort, or simply want to feel more at ease in your body, Rolfing® can help.
Find a Certified Rolfer® near you and start your path to better movement, balance, and well-being.
Explore a Career in Rolfing®
Are you passionate about helping others live healthier lives? Rolfing® training offers a fulfilling career path in holistic bodywork.
Our courses are open to both experienced practitioners and those new to the field—no prior bodywork experience required. Whether you're looking to expand your existing practice or start a completely new journey, Rolfing® education provides the tools and support to succeed.
Explore our Rolfing® courses and discover how you can make a meaningful impact through hands-on healing.
Learn more about Rolfing®
