Rolfing is a type of structural integration and is a series of soft tissue manipulation techniques with the aim being to organize the relationships between soft tissues to realign the human body in a structural and harmonious fashion through its fundamental movements. Some of the stated benefits include improved vitality and well-being.

In the early 1950s, Dr. Ida Pauline Rolf created a technique with an aim to organize the structure of the human body in relation to gravity. Firstly known as Postural Release and the Structural Integration of the Human Body. Rolfing came from the last name of the doctor and is now an official name for this type of study and is practiced in the school founded by Dr. Rolf.

Her theory was that connective tissue could restrict opposite muscles from working independently from each other. Similar to water when frozen creates ice. Rolf’s practice consisted of looking at the fibers of human tissue and separating them to allow greater and more effective movement between them. She states that it is necessary to have an in-depth knowledge of the human anatomy and much experience and training in order to carry out such a procedure. Benefits can include patients being able to stand up straighter, gain in height and asymmetries of tissue can disappear.

Rolfing comes under many subtle sessions to help loosen up the fibers over a gradual period of time thereby unlocking the whole body. Usually starting with correct breathing techniques. Some have been said to find the experience painful yet effective.

Typically a patient is under Rolfing for ten sessions with tune up and advanced sessions available as well. A session consists of the patient lying down in a relaxed state of mind. The rolfer then guides the patient through specific sets of movements and during these movements; the Rolfer manipulates the connective tissues until it returns to its original height or length. Each session consists of one hour with a very specific purpose in mind for each one.

Rolfing is taught at the Rolf Institute and a number of other schools around the United States. Many types of treatment nowadays that use deep tissue bodywork can trace their roots back to Rolfing and Rolf’s original theories and practices.

Skepticism of this theory comes from ideas that the body may experience disharmony in the body movement and therefore cause illness and emotional experiences that are traumatic somehow affect muscle movement goes unproven.