Rolfing Structural Integration

Learn about Rolfing, deep tissue massage for relieving stress and improving mobility. May be helpful for chronic fatigue syndrome too.

Before engaging in any complementary medical technique, you should be aware that many of these techniques have not been evaluated in scientific studies. Often, only limited information is available about their safety and effectiveness. Each state and each discipline has its own rules about whether practitioners are required to be professionally licensed. If you plan to visit a practitioner, it is recommended that you choose one who is licensed by a recognized national organization and who abides by the organization's standards. It is always best to speak with your primary health care provider before starting any new therapeutic technique.

• Background
• Theory
• Evidence

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• Unproven Uses
• Potential Dangers
• Summary
• Resources

Background

After receiving her Ph.D. in biological chemistry from Columbia University, New York, in 1920, Dr. Ida P. Rolf developed Rolfing® structural integration. She established the Guild for Structural Integration in the 1960s and the Rolf Institute of Structural Integration in Boulder, Colo., in 1971.

Rolfing® structural integration involves deep tissue massage aimed at relieving stress and improving mobility, posture, balance, muscle function and efficiency, energy and overall well being. Practitioners apply slow-moving pressure with their knuckles, thumbs, fingers, elbows and knees to the muscles, tissue around the muscles and other soft tissue. Rolfing® structural integration concentrates on opposing muscle groups, such as the biceps and triceps in the upper arms.

Certified Rolfing® practitioners are certified by the Rolf Institute to deliver structural integration services. Training may take one to two years to complete (731 to 806 hours). Principles and techniques are based on the work of Dr. Rolf. Rolfing® structural integration has also been referred to as somatic ontology.

Theory

Rolfing® structural integration is based on the belief that the tissues surrounding muscles become stiff and thickened with age, leading to musculoskeletal dysfunction and misalignment of the body. By working the muscles and muscle tissue, practitioners aim to improve these problems. Practitioners assert that people who undergo this therapy will become more comfortable with their movements and more aware of their body in space, and they will experience improved alignment.

Evidence

Scientists have studied Rolfing® structural integration for the following uses:

Low back pain
There is a report of a young adult with chronic low back pain and pelvic asymmetry who improved with Rolfing® structural integration. This is not enough information to form a firm conclusion about the effectiveness of Rolfing® structural integration for back pain.

Cerebral palsy
A small study in cerebral palsy patients receiving Rolfing® structural integration reports slight benefits in movement. This is not enough information to form a clear conclusion about effectiveness.

Chronic fatigue syndrome
A small study evaluated the effects of Rolfing® structural integration on cardiovascular endurance in people with chronic fatigue syndrome. Patients showed improvement in symptoms. A large, well-designed study is necessary to confirm these preliminary results and make a conclusion.