The Rolfing method and areas of application

Rolfing, or Structural Integration

The Name “Rolfing SI” goes back to the founder of this therapy method, Dr. Ida Rolf. SI stands for “Structural Integration”. Rolfing focuses on the fascia, a connective tissue structure that runs through the entire body. By manual, massage-like touches the bonding or Matting of the fascia should be solved and the resulting complaints such as tension or chronic back pain can be alleviated.

Table of contents

Additional postural and movement exercises to give Rolfing a feeling for the own body, for a healthy body posture and harmonious sequences of movement. To improve body awareness and help to bring the body even after the treatment in a relaxed, upright posture.

The fascial treatment while Rolfing is primarily used against complaints of the musculoskeletal system. (Photo: Adam Gregor/fotolia.com)

What is fascia?

The term “fascia” comes from the Latin word “fascia”, which means as much as “Band” or “Bandage”. Fascia is found throughout the body. All of the collagenous, fibrous parts of the connective tissue such as ligaments and Tendons are made up of fascia. In addition, the muscles of the fascia are moved through and enveloped. Fascia, therefore, play an important role in the structure of the body: you give him and shape and facilitate in a healthy state, fluid, pain-free movements.

Due to various factors, can develop problems on the fascia. Over – or under-utilization due to too much, too little or the wrong movement, Stress, accidents or surgeries. Muscle tension, adhesions or Matting of the fascia, which are manifested, for example, by pain or limited mobility.

So Rolfing works

The Rolfing method is a Form of holistic body work. The goal is to reach a relaxed, upright posture with a good mobility of the body. The body is to be brought into balance, symptoms such as tension, blockages or pain will disappear and the whole organism can function optimally. The awareness of the own body is improved.

Rolfing involves two important components: The in-depth consideration of the individual’s body posture and movement sequences with the location of blockages, tension and other impairments and their causes, and their correction by means of manual therapy of the fascia in connection.

First of all, the patient and the Practitioner involved in together, such as walking or Standing feels like; rename inequalities in the aspect ratio, for example, on one side raised shoulder, or balance problems. Also, the possible reasons are discussed. How is everyday life? Pretty motionless? What is the attitude taken during the work? There is a one-sided stress or tension due to Stress? It was in the past, surgeries, bone fractures, or confinement to bed, which may have affected long-term on the condition of the fascia in one area and thus to the entire body system?

By working the fascia with a massage similar techniques are then tension, adhesions or Matting of the fascia throughout the body loosened and dissolved. To do this, the therapist or the therapist’s hands, fists and forearms.

A Rolfing therapy usually involves ten sessions. Sessions one, two and three are referred to as kick-off meetings. Here, external voltage is to be detected pattern and dissolved. In sessions four, five, six and seven, the therapy deals with deeper layers of the fascia, and the erection of the body. This part of the treatment is called the core sessions. Sessions eight, nine and ten are referred to as integrative sessions in which the Interplay of the structures of the body in the foreground. The patient or the patient conveys a sense of how your own body along the so-called vertical gravity line. So, it should be possible to bring even after the end of therapy independently of the body is always slightly in a relaxed and upright posture.

The emergence of the Rolfing method

The term Rolfing comes in the name of its inventors, Dr. Ida P. Rolf (1896 – 1979) back, the this holistic method of treatment in the middle of the twentieth century developed. Dr. Ida Rolf studied at the Rockefeller Institute as a doctor of biochemistry of tissue in the human conjunctiva. She also worked intensively with osteopathy and Yoga and had a meeting with the founders of the Feldenkrais method and the Alexander technique. Findings have been incorporated into the Rolfing. You called your method “Structural Integration”. Later, Dr. Rolf’s Name went down in the naming of the method. Today, the terms “Rolfing SI”, “Rolfing Structural Integration” or “Rolfing”.

In Rolfing the body is viewed holistically. It will take into account the Knowledge about how tensions arise and how a Tension or blockage in one part of the body to other regions of the body. For example, a neck strain can have their cause in various hip problems. The force of gravity plays from Ida Rolf’s point of view, a fundamental role: she was of the opinion that certain requirements must be met in order for the structure of the human body is well-balanced with the gravity. This was, in their opinion, the basis for the whole person, “optimal and ergonomic work”. A Rolfing treatment is to straighten the body along a vertical line so that gravity can again be used as a “positive, boosting force”.

Until old age, Dr. Ida P. Rolf gave to further your Knowledge and your method of Structural Integration to a large number of pupils of the she founded the “Rolf Institute of Structural Integration” in Boulder, Colorado.

For whom Rolfing is helpful?

Rolfing is used to release tension, for example, in the shoulder and neck area. Also in the case of chronic back pain, pain in the hip, feet, or knees, Rolfing can be helpful. All of the complaints of the musculoskeletal system caused by repetitive strain or posture, can be good response to a Rolfing therapy.

When can Rolfing not be used?

Before you start a Rolfing therapy, you should consult with your family doctor or your family doctor. Because in some diseases Rolfing should not be used. This includes aneurysm, inflammatory disease, and Phlebitis. In the case of atherosclerosis, cancer, osteoporosis, long-lasting treatment with cortisone as well as certain mental diseases, you should clarify also predict whether a Rolfing therapy is suitable for you. (kh)

Sources:

  • www.rolfingverband.de
  • www.rolfing.org