Rolfing is a method used to reorganize the whole body. This technique utilizes physical manipulation and movement awareness to bring head, shoulders, thorax, pelvis and legs into vertical alignment. It allows more efficient use of the muscles with less expended energy by lifting the head and chest and lengthening the body's trunk. When Rolfing therapy is successful, the body is gravitationally rebalanced and able to function more smoothly and more efficiency.
Rolfing realigns the body by unblocking fascial adhesions (the binding of tissues due to scarring and injuries). Once the adhesions are smoothed, the muscles and bones are able to realign and take their balanced place in gravity once again. Many clients who have undergone Rolfing therapy claim that their bodies experience total euphoria after the process. Having lived with chronic pain for so long, many patients report drastic reductions in pain, a feeling of total rejuvenation, and the ability to move more effectively due to improved energy, range of motion, balance, coordination and strength. In fact, a new sense of lightness and greater mobility often result from Rolfing.
Rolfing can be viewed as a three-step process - involving palpation, discrimination and integration.
Palpation the first step in Rolfing consists of the therapist examining the fascial tissues, feeling for imbalances in the tissue texture, quality and temperature, and determining where therapy needs to be applied.
Discrimination is the second step, when the Rolfer discriminates (or separates) the facial layers that adhere the muscles together which have been pulled out of position by a strain, scarring or injury.
Integration during the final stage of the Rolfing process, the therapist integrates the body by relating its segments in a newly improved relationship, and by bringing physical balance in the gravitational field.
For Rolfing to have its full effect, treatments are usually offered in a 10-session series.