Benefits of Rolfing® Structural Integration Therapy

Rolfing® Structural Integration therapy

Rolfing Structural Integration therapy can dramatically alter a person's posture and structure.

Benefits of Rolfing

Rolfing® Structural Integration therapy before and after

Rolfing® Structural Integration therapy can potentially resolve discomfort, release tension, and alleviate pain. Rolfing® Structural Integration aims to restore flexibility, revitalize your energy, and leave you feeling more comfortable in your body. The genius of the work rests on Dr. Rolf’s insight that the body is more at ease and functions most effectively when its structure is balanced in gravity.

Athletes, dancers, children, business professionals, and people from all walks of life have benefited from Rolfing® Structural Integration therapy. People seek Structural Integration to ease pain and chronic stress and improve performance in their professional and daily activities. It's estimated that more than 1 million people have received Rolfing® Structural Integration therapy work.

Research has demonstrated that Rolfing® Structural Integration therapy creates a more efficient use of the muscles, allows the body to conserve energy, and creates more economical and refined patterns of movement. Research also shows that Rolfing® significantly reduces chronic stress and changes in the body structure. For example, a study showed that Rolfing® Structural Integration significantly reduced the spinal curvature of subjects with lordosis (sway back); it also showed that Rolfing® Structural Integration therapy enhances neurological functioning.

Rolfing Ten-Series

The hallmark of Rolfing® Structural Integration therapy is a standardized “recipe” known as the Ten-Series, the goal of which is to systematically balance and optimize both the structure (shape) and function (movement) of the entire body over the course of ten Rolfing sessions.

Each session focuses on freeing restrictions or holdings trapped in a particular region of the body. A practitioner also maintains a holistic view of the client’s entire system during each session, thus ensuring the transformational process evolves in a comfortable and harmonious way.

The Ten-Series can be divided into three distinct units:

Sessions 1-3: Rolfing® structural integration therapy sessions 1-3

Called the "sleeve” sessions, session 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 positionaly 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” Rolfing® structural integration therapy sessions and examine terrain found between the bottom of the pelvis and top of the head. The idea of core also includes the deep tissue of the legs for its role in support.

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 Rolfing® structural integration therapy 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.

Session 8-10: Rolfing® structural integration therapy sessions 8-10

“Integration” is emphasized throughout the remaining three Rolfing® structural integration therapy sessions, as session 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 Rolfing® structural integration therapy 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.

Graphics courtesy of Matt Hsu, Certified Rolfer™