The basic 10-session series does not ever need to be repeated, though
people often continue Rolfing® later with a three-session series of post 10-week work
yearly. This supports an aging process that is more comfortable, more graceful and slower
than we have seen previously. We suggest you wait at least six months to a year after your
basic 10-series is completed before doing any post 10-week work in order to give your body
time to make the progressive changes mentioned above. How
old is Rolfing? (see History for more
information)
Dr. Ida Rolf was a pioneer in the study of the human condition. She was a Ph.D. in
Biochemistry in her early twenties in the 1920's, when she began her research (see Case Studies for more information). She began Rolfing® in the 1930's. By the 1950's she was presenting her work to
the chiropractic community throughout North America. In the late fifties and early
sixties, she began teaching "Rolfing®" structural integration to pre med.
students. In 1971 the Rolf® Institute of Structural Integration was founded. It is a
non-profit organization, focusing on the education and training of Rolfers®, public
education of Rolfing® and research.
Who Benefits from Rolfing?
Athletes, dancers, students of
yoga and meditation, musicians, business people, people riddled with chronic pain and stress,
people from all walks of life and all ages come to Rolfing not only for relief from their
pain and stress, but also for improved performance in their professions and everyday
activities.
Rolfing can also benefit people in psychotherapy by facilitating a deeper connection to
their emotional conflicts, and it can effectively deepen
practices such as meditation, yoga and tai
chi.
Who uses Rolfing?
See Press
Coverage for details
How Does Rolfing Feel?
The area of the body being worked can vary in sensations and feeling depending on
the existence of chronic stress, injury and other factors. A new mindset has replaced the
old in the Rolfing® profession, making pain a thing of the past. While the work can
sometimes be uncomfortable, it is no longer painful. A pleasure feeling of release
following momentary discomfort is the most common sensation.
Why have I not heard of it before?
The training and selection of Rolfers® is a rather selective
process and currently there are approximately 1200 Rolfers® in the world. The
international headquarters and educational institute is in Boulder Colorado, with
satellite schools in Munich, Germany and Sau Paulo, Brazil. Only since the 1950's has
Rolfng® been researched, refined and Rolfers® trained in structural integration.
How does Rolfing differ from massage or chiropractic care?
In a simplistic manner, massage therapy focuses on working with the musculature.
Chiropractic emphasizes manipulation of the bones, particularly the spine. Rolfers® focus
on manipulation of the "connective tissues" or "fascia" i.e. tendons,
ligaments, aponeurosis and fascial sheaths as well as the musculature.
Rolfing® also has a very GLOBAL view of the body and is a study of
the relationships of all parts moving harmoniously together. Rolfing® also considers the
profound effect of gravity on human structure.
How are Rolfers® Trained?
The Rolf® Institute of Structural Integration
was founded in 1971. Rolfers are trained and certified by the Rolf® Institute,
headquartered in Bolder, Colorado. The Rolf® Institute is the only school accredited to
teach Rolfing® and is the sole certifying body for Rolfers. It is regulated by the
Colorado Department of Higher Education and Private Occupational Schools.
Successful applicants complete a training program that usually requires
two years of study and is considered "post graduate" in nature. After initial
Certification, Rolfers commit to a program of continuing education
for an additional 5 years. The training covers the Biological and Behavioral Sciences, the
theory of Rolfing, extensive clinical work under supervision and work with the dynamics of
the human structure in motion.
Does Insurance cover Rolfing®?
I am a certified Massage Therapist in Alberta, which enables many
of my clients to be covered under their current policy. Many insurance agencies cover
Rolfing® in whiplash cases. You'll need to check your individual
policy.
Where can I get more information on Rolfing®?
The Rolf® Institute
