Frequently Asked Questions

Most people who come to Rolfing® structural integration are aware that their minor injuries, aches and pains are interfering with the comfort of their daily life. Many have tried other therapies and perhaps found temporary relief but no lasting effect. Rolfing is particularly effective for musculoskeletal problems (back pain, scoliosis, neck pain, RSI, carpal tunnel syndrome, etc.) and the majority of such people find a deeper and more long lasting relief from this treatment.

Other people come to Rolfing because they are on a path of personal growth and recognise the holistic benefits Rolfing offers: namely, in significantly affecting the structure of the body there can be corresponding shifts in attitude and emotional balance which are ultimately beneficial.

There are perhaps two main differences. First, the quality of touch is experienced as much deeper than most massage forms which focus on a muscular level. Rolfing works on a myofascial level, including tendons and ligaments; consequently the pace of contact is usually slower. Second, Rolfing differs even from deep tissue massage forms such as myofascial release or Tui Na because of the structure of the Rolfing Series.

The system of ten sessions progressing sequentially from feet to neck is extremely well designed to effect long-term change in the body. As the genius of Ida Rolf’s legacy becomes more widely acknowledged within the field of complementary therapy, this ten-series approach is likely to become more common.

For a more detailed discussion on this subject please see my blog HOW IS ROLFING DIFFERENT FROM OTHER BODYWORK?

The Rolfing Series often has remarkable results in reducing or resolving musculoskeletal pain, because it deals with overall strain patterns distributed throughout the body.

For more about this please see my blog entitled TRANSFORMING THE SKY, NOT PUSHING THE STARS

It is important to remember that the primary goal of Rolfing is to realign the body in gravity. Rolfers are somatic practitioners not psychotherapists. It is believed that emotions can be repressed within the body’s connective tissues, the medium of Rolfing, so emotional aspects clearly have direct relevance. An example of trapped emotions is a child being told not to cry and suppressing this natural emotion by wilfully contracting certain muscles (e.g. the pelvic floor, shoulders or jaw), an action which, if repeated over time becomes an unconscious holding pattern.

When the chronically tight connective tissue finally releases during Rolfing treatment emotionally charged material can be resolved. In this sense Rolfing can act as a catalyst for emotional growth and change and Rolfers are trained to contain this process safely. This aspect is partly what makes Rolfing potentially such a profound experience.

For a more detailed explanation please see my blog here.

Please see my biography listed as qualifications and biography in the Homepage.