The Rolfing technique is a system for integrating the human physical structure
The Philosophy
Rolfing is the original, scientifically validated system of physical restructuring and movement education developed by Ida P. Rolf, PhD. Based on solid principles of physics, the Rolfing approach to structural integration is unique in its intention to improve alignment and balance within the body, as well as balancing the body within the field of gravity.
Rolfing is a system of soft tissue manipulation that is designed to sequentially and systematically align the major segments of the body (head, neck, torso, pelvis, legs and feet) in a vertical balanced relationship.
Rolfing is a two-way process for reorganizing and integrating the human body: the Rolfer uses physical pressure to stretch and guide connective tissue to a place of easier and more efficient movement; the client works internally to release holding patterns within the connective tissue.
Rolfing is also an educational process in which a person’s body becomes the teacher. During a series of sessions, usually ten to thirteen, each person in partnership with the Rolfer, creates an awareness and understanding of their body as well as their conscious and unconscious life experiences.
The words Rolfing and Rolfer are Service Marks of the Rolf Institute of Structural Integration.
What can you expect from Rolfing?
Generally, the Rolfed individual experiences more vitality and energy, deeper breathing, increased flexibility, relief from pain and chronic symptoms, better balance and coordination, ease and efficiency of movement, and greater body awareness. Clients also report greater physical and emotional balance in their lives. Simply put, the Rolfed individual is less affected by the negative effects of the aging process.
“We want to get people into a place where gravity reinforces them and is a friend, a nourishing force.” (Ida P. Rolf, PhD)
The Benefits
The benefits of Rolfing that are most commonly experienced include and are not limited to the following:
Body
Alignment, posture and shape more closely approach the gravitational ideal.
Improved symmetry and functional balance.
Breathing
More freedom and ease in breathing.
Greater depth and distribution of breath throughout the torso, often accompanied by a measurable increase in vital capacity.
Movement
Truer alignment of body segments in motion.
Greater resilience and flexibility.
Smoother, more “light-and-free” quality of movement.
Increased and more symmetrical ranges of motion.
Energy
A sense of increased vigor and more available energy.
More efficient use of energy.
Normalization of perceived temperature in extremities.
Body Awareness
Increased, more sophisticated levels of proprioception and kinesthesia.
Sense of mental clarity and increased perceptual activity.
Relaxation
Lower daily tension levels.
Lowered tendency to express stress as physical tension.
Deeper levels of relaxation more easily attained.
Emotional
Feelings more accessible and recognizable.
Facilitation of therapy or other growth processes.
Greater maturity and depth of insight.
Sleep
Deeper, more restful sleep.
Reduced insomnia.
More intense dreaming.
Trauma Release and Integration
Physiological release of trauma stored in the body
Healing on every level: physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual
Example: PTSD and other intense trauma
Watch this short video to learn more.
Experience relief and transformation from…
Injury
Injury or illness that created residual scar tissue, adhesions or chronic postural adaptations to pain. Example: surgery, fractures, disease.
Chronic Misuse
Chronic misuse, unconscious stress and warp of the physical structure. Repetitive misuse of the body from daily activities that put strain on the body, creating poor alignment and posture. Example: improper weight lifting, faulty postural habits, carpal tunnel, tendonitis.
Emotional Tensions
Emotional tensions and psychological stress affecting the body as patterns of held tension, restriction of free movement, etc. Example: hunching of shoulders, restriction of breath, teeth grinding.
Habitual Activities
Habitual activities (work, sports, etc.) repetitive stresses, and unconscious postural imitation can create aberrant movement and structural patterns. Example: postal carriers, ballet dancers, typists.
Who gets Rolfed?
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People in high stress or physically demanding jobs.
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People who sit for long hours at desks or computer terminals.
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People suffering from tension or injury-related aches and pains.
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People who feel they are living and working below their inherent potential.
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Athletes, dancers, and physically active people who want to improve performance and reduce risk of injury.
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People who believe a balanced, responsive body is necessary for the full development of the human being.
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People in every age group—infants to seniors.
Athletes who have benefited from Rolfing:
Bret Saberhagen, 1985 & 1989 American League Cy Young Award winner, 1985 World Series winning pitcher, and former Kansas City Royals Pitcher
Brian Orser, 1984 & 1988 Olympic Silver Medalist, 1987 Men’s Figure Skating World Champion
Craig Swan, former N.Y. Mets pitcher and Certified Advanced Rolfer
Alexi Grewal, 1984 Cycling Olympic Gold Medalist and member of Coors Cycling Team
Michelle Kwan, figure skater, 2-time Olympic medalist
Elvis Stojko, figure skater, Olympic medalist
Sean Casey, baseball player, World Series winner, says Rolfing helped him resolve an injury and would not have been able to play in the 2006 World Series without the help of his Rolfer.
Emmitt Smith, football player, all time NFL leading rusher
Phil Jackson, basketball coach
The Phoenix Suns basketball team has several players work regularly with a Rolfer.
Danny Ainge, basketball and baseball player
Randy Moss, football player, commentator, NFL Hall of Fame
Mark West, basketball player
Dante Culpepper, football player
A.C. Green, basketball player
Mario Lemieux, hockey player, NHL Hall of Fame
Charles Barkley, basketball player, NBA Hall of Fame
Qadry Ismail, football player
Chris Carter, football player, NFL Hall of Fame
Tom Seaver, baseball player, MLB Hall of Fame
Craig Swan, baseball player and Certified Rolfer, his career ended from a sports injury.
Alexi Grewal, cyclist, Olympic gold medalist
Brian Orser, figure skater, 2-time Olympic medalist
Bret Saberhagen, baseball player, World Series winner
Lance Deal, track and field, 2-time Olympic medalist, Rolfing tremendously boosted his sport.
Erin Aldrich, track and field, Olympian
Wendy Wagner, Nordic skier, Olympian
Iginia Boccalandro, luge, Olympian, Now a certified Rolfer
Ben Hindle, bobsledder, Olympian
John Bauer, Nordic skier, Olympian, 8-time National Champion
Sarah Will, Paralympic skier, Paralympic gold medalist credits her gold medal to Rolfing. She says, “Rolfing increased my performance time 100%.”
Isabelle Brasseur & Lloyd Eisler, pairs figure skaters, Olympic medalists
Sharon Sander, pentathlete, National Champion
Erin Aldrich, high jumper, Olympian
Joe Greene, long jumper, Olympic medalist says
Kristen Ulmer, extreme skier, World Champion
John Egan, extreme skier
Mickey Egan, skier, Olympian
Grant Ernhardt, biathlete, Olympian
Adrian Peterson, football player
Amy Acuff, track and field, 5-time Olympian
Grant Ernhardt, biathlete, Certified Rolfer
Gary Colliander, biathlete
Photos below feature Briah's clients:
Toby Boyer, Tennis
Penelope Freeh, Dance
Caroline Dayton, Horseback Riding
Celebrities who have benefited from Rolfing:
Leon Fleisher, renowned American classical pianist, conductor and pedagogue.
Sean Young, actress
Georgia O’Keefe, artist
Steve Turre, Jazz trombonist
Willie Nelson, singer/songwriter: “My wife recommended (Rolfing) highly”, says Willie Nelson, “…The first of ten sessions fixed (my back pain),” reported the New York Times, on Feb. 23, 1995.
Dr. Roland Tarrel, Neurologist, refers surgical patients to Rolfing
Levar Burton, actor from Star Trek
Harrison Ford, actor and activist
Sam Keen, best-selling writer and former Psychology Today editor and co-producer of award winning PBS documentary “Faces Of The Enemy”.
Courtney Love, actress/singer
Denis Leary, actor/comedian
Diane Ladd, actress
Fritz Perls, psychotherapist, founder of Gestalt psychotherapy
Health Professionals who have benefited from Rolfing:
Larry Dossey, M.D., best-selling author of: “Meaning & Medicine,” “Recovering the Soul,” and “Space Time & Medicine.” “There is one major reason to take Rolfing® seriously: it works. Not only can it dramatically change people’s bodies, it can transform their lives as well.”
Jim Montgomery, MD, an orthopedic surgeon in Dallas, Texas, often refers his clients to Rolfing. “People with shoulder problems, with scar tissue resulting from injury or surgery, chronic hamstring problems, low back and cervical spine problems. People that have had chronic problems that have not been helped by anything else. All those people can be helped with Rolfing.”
Karlis Ullis, MD, (team physician for 1992 summer Olympics), Sports Medicine and Anti-Aging Medical Group in Santa Monica, CA. “Athletes always need help with chronic injuries, muscular strains and overuse. The Olympic athletes wouldn’t have as many injuries if they had appropriate soft tissue therapy. Rolfing is valuable for athletes in high level competition to address the build up of scar tissue and disarrangement of myofascial tissue that occurs from training, competition and injury.”
Anne Wilson-Schaef, PhD and psychologist, author of 18 books including: “Escape from Intimacy,” “Women’s Reality,” “Co-Dependence: Misunderstood—Mistreated,” and “When Society Becomes an Addict”
Resources from Paige The Rolfer.
“Rolfing is a value at any age or stage of life whether your intent is to continue to support your wellbeing or when seeking relief due to an injury. Briah’s approach to structural wellness provides a holistic framework to align and integrate the mind, body and spirit on one’s journey toward health and wellness.”
— Roberta Cassidy, RN, Ph.D., AHN
What people are saying
“Briah Anson’s book and insights once again confirm that all healing ultimately occurs at the level of consciousness. Healing involves the restoration of the memory of wholeness. For anyone interested in an approach that is more than a symptomatic magic bullet, Briah’s work will open up a new world.”
— Deepak Chopra, M.D., Author
“There is one major reason to take Rolfing seriously: it works. Not only can it dramatically change peoples’ bodies, it can transform their lives as well. The verdict from these stories: Rolfing is powerful stuff. This book should carry a warning label: Read with care; This could change your life!”
— Larry Dossey, M.D., Author
“Yes, it’s true that Rolfing improved my walk, and my posture and I’m grateful. But that’s nothing to the way it re-aligned me emotionally. Briah’s wonderful book, written mostly in the actual words of her Rolfing clients, will solve the mystery of how Rolfing can help you to reassemble your body… and maybe, your life.”
