About Rolfing® Structural Integration
How Rolfing is Done:
Rolfing® Structural Integration is a hands-on form of manual therapy that works to realign the body and improve its relationship with gravity. Rather than focusing on symptoms alone, Rolfing addresses the whole body system — working to create ease where there is tension, balance where there is disorganization, and space for change.
A Certified Rolfer® uses deep, precise pressure with their hands, fingers, knuckles, or elbows, finding the areas needing work. The work is slow and intentional, allowing the body to respond and reorganize.
Rolfing is often experienced as a series of sessions known as the “Ten Series,” a systematic approach that moves from surface layers to deeper structures, building a foundation for lasting change. Each session has a specific focus and builds upon the one before it, aiming to restore natural alignment, improve posture, and enhance movement efficiency.
While Rolfing can be intense at times, it is not about force — it’s about communication with the body. The process can lead to reduced pain, increased mobility, and a deeper sense of connection in the body. Rolfing is appropriate for adults, children, and even infants, and can be especially beneficial for those dealing with chronic pain, injuries, postural challenges, or physical changes from pregnancy or aging.
Dr. Ida P. Rolf:
The Pioneer of Rolfing®
Rolfing Structural Integration was developed by Dr. Ida P. Rolf in the mid-20th century. Dr. Rolf was a biochemist who became interested in alternative healing methods after noticing the limitations of conventional medicine. Her background in science led her to explore the role of the body's structure in health and well-being, which eventually resulted in the development of Rolfing.
Dr. Rolf's theory was that the body functions best when it is aligned with gravity. She believed that imbalances in the body's structure could lead to physical and emotional difficulties, and that by manipulating the structures of the body, working with fascia, the nervous system and other tissues she could correct these imbalances and restore the body to its natural alignment.
In the 1940s and 1950s, Dr. Rolf began working with individuals and testing her theories. She refined her techniques over several decades, creating a structured method of bodywork. She eventually formalized her method into a systematic approach called Structural Integration, which later became known as Rolfing, named after her.
In 1971, Dr. Rolf founded the Rolf Institute of Structural Integration (now known as the Dr. Ida Rolf Institute®) to teach her methods and ensure the integrity of the practice. Since then, Rolfing has grown into a recognized bodywork modality practiced worldwide by Certified Rolfers.
Dr. Rolf’s groundbreaking work not only changed the way we think about the body’s structure and health, but also paved the way for the development of other bodywork practices that focus on the relationship between movement, posture, and well-being.
“Form and function are a unity, two sides of one coin. In order to enhance function, appropriate form must exist or be created.”