Rolfing

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For the meaning of "Rolfing" in slang, see Projectile vomiting.

'Rolfing® Structural Integration' is the trademarked name for the system of Structural Integration soft tissue manipulation founded by Ida Pauline Rolf[1] in the 1950s. The terms Rolfing® and Rolfer™ are trademarks of The Rolf Institute® of Structural Integration.[2]

The Rolf Institute of Structural Integration states that Rolfing is a "holistic system of soft tissue manipulation and movement education that organized the whole body in gravity".[3] Claims include that clients stand straighter, gain height, and move better through the correction of soft tissue fixations or improper tonus.

A 2004 review of Rolfing found that "there is no evidence-based literature to support Rolfing in any specific disease group".[4]

History

Ida Pauline Rolf developed a method in the early to mid 1940s with the goal of organizing the human structure in relation to gravity. This method was originally called Postural Release and later Structural Integration of the Human Body, now the Rolfing method of Structural Integration.

In 1971, Rolf founded The Rolf Institute of Structural Integration.[1]

The Rolf Institute and a number of other schools, including the Guild for Structural Integration, Kinesis Myofascial Integration and Hellerwork Structural Integration, currently teach methods similar to the method presented by Rolf, and only Rolf Institute graduates may use the term Rolfer .

Theory and practice

Rolf theorized that 'bound up' fascia (or connective tissue) often restricts opposing muscles from functioning in concert with one another, much in the way water, having crystallized, forms hard, unyielding ice. Her practice aimed to separate bound up fascia by deeply separating the fibers manually to loosen them and allow effective movement patterns. Rolf believed that an adequate knowledge of living human anatomy and hands-on training were required in order to safely negotiate the appropriate manipulations and depths necessary to free the bound-up fascia[citation needed].

Rolfers often prescribe a sequence of ten sessions to "balance and optimize both the structure (shape) and function (movement) of the entire body,"[5][6] usually beginning with the feet.[7] The theory is that "only by bringing peace 'from the ground up' can problems higher in the body be 'under-stood'".[7]

During a Rolfing Structural Integration session, a client generally lies down and is guided through specific movements. The Rolfer manipulates the fascia until it can operate in conjunction with the muscles in a "normal" fashion.[6] This takes place over a course of ten 60- to 90-minute sessions, with a specific goal for each session, and an overall goal of cumulative results.[5] Some clients find Rolfing painful, but Rolfing has evolved over the decades into a practice far more gentle than in its early origins.[8]

Criticisms

Rolfing practitioners have suggested its use for a wide variety of medical conditions. However, there is insufficient data to endorse its effectiveness as a therapy.[9] The concept of fascia limiting and permitting functionality is seeing more investigation. In late 2007, the first "Fascia Research Congress" was held, and it attracted attention from researchers and clinicians.[10][11]

Rolfing Structural Integration is generally regarded as safe.[9] Because it involves deep tissue manipulation, pregnant women and people with skeletal, vascular, or clot disorders should consult a health care provider before undertaking Rolfing sessions.[9]

Robert Schleip in the Rolfing Structural Integration community questions the original emphasis placed on fascia by Rolf and now believes that the symptoms they detect and treat may have more to do with abnormally high muscle tonus than actual fascial restrictions.[12]

References

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External links

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  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 Stirling, Isabel. Zen Pioneer: The Life & Works of Ruth Fuller Sasaki (2006) Shoemaker & Hoard. ISBN 978-1-59376-110-3 pg. 8
  2. ↑ [1]
  3. ↑ http://www.rolf.org/about/index.htm
  4. ↑ Jones, T.A. (2004). "Rolfing". Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Clinics of North America. 15 (4): 799–809. doi:10.1016/j.pmr.2004.03.008. PMID 15458753. 
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 "What is the Rolfing Ten Series?" Rolf Institute of Structural Integration, FAQ number 4 [2]
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 Rolf, I: Reestablishing the Natural Alignment and Structural Integration of the Human Body for Vitality and Well-Being, p 15 ISBN 0-89281-335-0
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 Rolf, I: Reestablishing the Natural Alignment and Structural Integration of the Human Body for Vitality and Well-Being, p 45 ISBN 0-89281-335-0
  8. ↑ "Does Rolfing Hurt?" Rolf Institute of Structural Integration, FAQ number 6 [3]
  9. ↑ 9.0 9.1 9.2 Rolfing Structural Integration September 26, 2005
  10. ↑ Grimm, David (2007) "Biomedical Research: Cell Biology Meets Rolfing", Science, 318(5854):1234–1235, DOI: 10.1126/science.318.5854.1234
  11. ↑ "First International Fascia Research Congress: Basic Science and Implications for Conventional and Complementary Health Care," retrieved 1-29-09 [4]
  12. ↑ Schleip, Robert (1994). Talking to Fascia - Changing the Brain: Explorations of the Neuro-Myofascial Net. The Rolf Institute. 
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