Rolfing®
General Information
Rolfing® is an approach to bodywork named after its founder Dr. Ida P. Rolf. It incorporates myofascial release and other techniques with the aim of postural re-alignment and structural integration. The healing principles are based on the mechanical effects of tissue palpation as well as the reaction of the nervous system to these techniques. Typically a practitioner will embark on a series of 10 sessions with a client with very clear, established goals and thorough progress monitoring.
The 10 Series
Whilst a 10 session commitment is not mandatory when seeing a Rolfing® practitioner, it is highly beneficial to undertake this process. Each session has one or two very clear objectives which are different from those preceding it. This ensures that the treatments are holistic and taking the whole body into account rather than simply focusing on the site of symptomatic pain. The sessions may vary from client to client, however the following description provides a useful example of the 10 Series approach:
Session One: Myofascial assessment and release.
- Pelvic Balancing
- Breathing enhancement and rib movement
Session Two: Grounding of the feet and ankles.
- Freeing of restrictions in the lower limb affecting a balanced gait
- Regaining length in the lower back
Session Three: The sides of the torso.
- Opening up the sides, particularly the space between the pelvis and the rib cage
- Freeing the shoulder girdle
Session Four: The structural core.
- Treating the deeper muscles surrounding the spine
- Providing core stability from the pelvic floor
Session Five: The frontal region.
- Lengthening tissues from the anterior neck, ribs, abdomen, pelvis and quadriceps
Session Six: The posterior region.
- Lengthening tissues from the spine to the sacrum and the back of the legs
Session Seven: The head and neck.
- Balancing and mobilising the upper pole
Sessions Eight and Nine and Ten: Integration.
- Known as the integrative sessions, sessions eight, nine and ten take a much broader perspective. All earlier regional sessions are tied together as optimal function is sought from a co-ordinated whole. These sessions focus on balancing and integrating the work from the earlier sessions and aim for continuity and connection throughout the body.
What are the qualifications of a Rolfer?
The only institution that offers Rolfing® training is The Rolf Institute of Structural Integration and its international branches including The Australian Rolfing Association. This training includes the following units:
- Foundations of Rolfing Structural Integration
- Embodiment of Rolfing & Rolf Movement Integration
- Clinical Application of Rolfing Theory
Successful completion of these three units of study lead to the awarding of Certified Rolfer status. Only Certified Rolfers have the legal right and training to practice Rolfing.
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