Rolfing

Rolfing is a therapy system created by The Rolf Institute of Structural Integration (also referred to as "RISI")^[1] and is a system whereby the alleged manipulation of the fasciae by specific methods is believed to yield therapeutic benefit. Rolfing lacks a solid scientific evidence base.^[2]

The RISI was founded by Ida Pauline Rolf in 1971. ^[3] Rolfing Practitioners certified by RISI are titled Rolfers, and Rolf Movement Practitioners.

The Rolf Institute of Structural Integration states that Rolfing is a "holistic system of soft tissue manipulation and movement education that organized the whole body in gravity".^[4] Claims include that clients stand straighter, gain height, and move better through the correction of soft tissue fixations or improper tonus.

History

Ida Pauline Rolf began developing her system in the 1920s to help the chronically disabled unable to find help elsewhere, with the main goal of organizing the human structure in relation to gravity. This method was originally called "Postural Release" and later "Structural Integration", also known as "Rolfing".

In 1971, Rolf founded the Rolf Institute of Structural Integration.^[5]

Theory and practice

Rolf theorized that "bound up" fascia (connective tissue) often restricts opposing muscles from functioning in concert with one another. Her practice aimed to separate bound up fascia by deeply separating the fibers manually to loosen them and allow effective movement patterns.

Rolfers often prescribe a sequence of ten sessions to "balance and optimize both the structure (shape) and function (movement) of the entire body",^[6][7] usually beginning with the feet.^[8] The theory is that "only by bringing peace 'from the ground up' can problems higher in the body be 'understood'".^[8]

During a Rolfing Structural Integration session, a client generally lies down and is guided through specific movements. The Rolfer manipulates the fascia until it can operate in conjunction with the muscles in a "normal" fashion.^[7] This takes place over a course of ten 60- to 90-minute sessions, with a specific goal for each session, and an overall goal of cumulative results.^[6] Some clients find Rolfing painful, but Rolfing has evolved over the decades into a practice far more gentle than in its early origins.^[9]

In 2007, Mehmet Oz, on the Oprah Winfrey Show, likened Rolfing to having someone do yoga for you.^[10]

Criticism

Rolfing practitioners have suggested its use for a wide variety of medical conditions.^[11] According to a 2004 scientific review, peer reviewed research on Rolfing is limited, lacking controlled clinical trials: "there is no evidence-based literature to support Rolfing in any specific disease group."^[12]

The concept of fascia limiting and permitting functionality is seeing more investigation. In late 2007, the first "Fascia Research Congress" was held, and it attracted attention from researchers and clinicians.^[13][14]

Rolfing Structural Integration is generally regarded as safe.^[11] Because it involves deep tissue manipulation, pregnant women and people with skeletal, vascular, or clot disorders should consult a health care provider before undertaking Rolfing sessions.^[11]

Robert Schleip in the Rolfing Structural Integration community questions the original emphasis placed on the plasticity of fascia by Rolf and now believes that the symptoms they detect and treat may have more to do with a lowering of high muscle tonus and other physiological effects, which may be elicited by stimulating mechanosensory receptors in fascial tissues.^[15]

Rolfing and other alternative therapies are described by skeptic Michael Shermer as "A bunch of hooey".^[16]

References

External links

• Rolf Institute website
• Rolfing at the Skeptic's Dictionary