Rolfing
Encyclopedia
Rolfing is a therapy system created by The Rolf Institute of Structural Integration (also referred to as "RISI") and is a system whereby the alleged manipulation of the fasciae by specific methods is theorized to yield therapeutic benefit.
The RISI was founded by Ida Pauline Rolf
in 1971. Rolfing Practitioners certified by RISI are titled Rolfers, and Rolf Movement Practitioners.
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". Claims include that clients stand straighter, gain height, and move better through the correction of soft tissue fixations or improper tonus.
As a form of energy medicine
, Rolfing lacks any scientific evidence base. It is described by skeptic and former believer Michael Shermer
as "A bunch of hooey".
In 1971, Rolf founded the Rolf Institute of Structural Integration.
(connective tissue) often restricts opposing muscle
s from functioning in concert with one another. Her practice aimed to separate bound up fascia by deeply separating the fibers manually to loosen them and allow effective movement patterns.
Rolfers often prescribe a sequence of ten sessions to "balance and optimize both the structure (shape) and function (movement) of the entire body", usually beginning with the feet. The theory is that "only by bringing peace 'from the ground up' can problems higher in the body be 'understood'".
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. 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. Some clients find Rolfing painful, but Rolfing has evolved over the decades into a practice far more gentle than in its early origins.
In 2007, Mehmet Oz
, on the Oprah Winfrey Show, likened Rolfing to having someone do yoga
for you.
ed research on Rolfing is very limited, lacking controlled clinical trial
s: "there is no evidence-based literature to support Rolfing in any specific disease group."
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.
Rolfing Structural Integration is generally regarded as safe. 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.
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.
The RISI was founded by Ida Pauline Rolf
Ida Pauline Rolf
Ida Pauline Rolf was a biochemist and the creator of Structural Integration or "Rolfing".-Early life and education:Rolf was born in New York in the Bronx on May 19, 1896....
in 1971. Rolfing Practitioners certified by RISI are titled Rolfers, and Rolf Movement Practitioners.
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". Claims include that clients stand straighter, gain height, and move better through the correction of soft tissue fixations or improper tonus.
As a form of energy medicine
Energy medicine
Energy medicine is one of five domains of "complementary and alternative medicine" identified by the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine in the United States...
, Rolfing lacks any scientific evidence base. It is described by skeptic and former believer Michael Shermer
Michael Shermer
Michael Brant Shermer is an American science writer, historian of science, founder of The Skeptics Society, and Editor in Chief of its magazine Skeptic, which is largely devoted to investigating pseudoscientific and supernatural claims. The Skeptics Society currently has over 55,000 members...
as "A bunch of hooey".
History
Ida Pauline Rolf began developing her system in the 1920s to help the chronically disabled unable to find help elsewhere, with the main goal of organizing the human structure in relation to gravity. This method was originally called "Postural Release" and later "Structural Integration", also known as "Rolfing".In 1971, Rolf founded the Rolf Institute of Structural Integration.
Theory and practice
Rolf theorized that "bound up" fasciaFascia
A fascia is a layer of fibrous tissue that permeates the human body. A fascia is a connective tissue that surrounds muscles, groups of muscles, blood vessels, and nerves, binding those structures together in much the same manner as plastic wrap can be used to hold the contents of sandwiches...
(connective tissue) often restricts opposing muscle
Muscle
Muscle is a contractile tissue of animals and is derived from the mesodermal layer of embryonic germ cells. Muscle cells contain contractile filaments that move past each other and change the size of the cell. They are classified as skeletal, cardiac, or smooth muscles. Their function is to...
s from functioning in concert with one another. Her practice aimed to separate bound up fascia by deeply separating the fibers manually to loosen them and allow effective movement patterns.
Rolfers often prescribe a sequence of ten sessions to "balance and optimize both the structure (shape) and function (movement) of the entire body", usually beginning with the feet. The theory is that "only by bringing peace 'from the ground up' can problems higher in the body be 'understood'".
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. 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. Some clients find Rolfing painful, but Rolfing has evolved over the decades into a practice far more gentle than in its early origins.
In 2007, Mehmet Oz
Mehmet Oz
Mehmet Cengiz Oz , also known as Dr. Oz, is a Turkish-American cardiothoracic surgeon, author, talk show host, and commentator for The Dr. Oz Show, a daily television program focusing on medical issues/personal health....
, on the Oprah Winfrey Show, likened Rolfing to having someone do yoga
Yoga
Yoga is a physical, mental, and spiritual discipline, originating in ancient India. The goal of yoga, or of the person practicing yoga, is the attainment of a state of perfect spiritual insight and tranquility while meditating on Supersoul...
for you.
Criticism
Rolfing practitioners have suggested its use for a wide variety of medical conditions. According to a 2004 scientific review, peer reviewPeer review
Peer review is a process of self-regulation by a profession or a process of evaluation involving qualified individuals within the relevant field. Peer review methods are employed to maintain standards, improve performance and provide credibility...
ed research on Rolfing is very limited, lacking controlled clinical trial
Clinical trial
Clinical trials are a set of procedures in medical research and drug development that are conducted to allow safety and efficacy data to be collected for health interventions...
s: "there is no evidence-based literature to support Rolfing in any specific disease group."
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.
Rolfing Structural Integration is generally regarded as safe. 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.
Robert Schleip in the Rolfing Structural Integration community questions the original emphasis placed on fascia
Fascia
A fascia is a layer of fibrous tissue that permeates the human body. A fascia is a connective tissue that surrounds muscles, groups of muscles, blood vessels, and nerves, binding those structures together in much the same manner as plastic wrap can be used to hold the contents of sandwiches...
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.