It is a process to establish myofascial balance in the human structure and was created by Dr. Ida P. Rolf, in the 1940’s and 50’s. It is based on 10 foundation sessions called, the Series also known as the Recipe. The benefits can be improved posture and relief of chronic stress. Yet, it goes much deeper than that, extending even to the metaphysical. It truly is a process of empowerment.

Structural Integration is the name Dr. Rolf chose for her work. Hence, the names of the two major schools: the Guild for Structural Integration and the Rolf Institute of Structural Integration.

Rolfing is a trademark of the Rolf Institute and legally only allowed to be used by their graduates. Rolfing is actually a nickname and came about as a term of endearment.  However it stuck and is what most people are familiar with.

I am a graduate of the Guild.

The Rolf Method is just a way to create a recognizable name without infringing upon any trademark, thus the Rolf Method of Structural Integration.

Deep tissue massage is a type of massage that utilizes more pressure to address deeper layers of tissue for many beneficial reasons; injury, chronic pain, sports recovery and yes, even relaxation. You’re often but not always completely disrobed and under a sheet for privacy. In a spa setting focus is primarily on back, hamstrings and shoulders in a prone (face down) position.

Structural Integration (SI) is unique in that no other modality has the goal of getting support for the human body from the field of gravity! It is not a therapy. However, by balancing the myofascial system it can help with chronic pain, increase vitality and your well-being.

Let’s see:

– SI is not spot therapy, It is process based, not symptom based. The structure guides my work, hence, this work is called Structural Integration.

– It is not just about “deep”, which when abused is insulting to the body. It is about getting the body to relate to itself better. Think of wearing layers of clothing, all layers must fit accordingly.

– SI is not passive, i.e. lay down and work is done to you. Instead you are an active part of the process. Your connection, awareness, participation, helps facilitate your growth.

– Whether in underwear for men or top and bottom for women, you’re on the sheet not under it.

– Gravity is the therapist in SI. It’s downward pull exerts an equal and opposing upward thrust in a sufficiently open, integrated and aligned body. This is the lift that is experienced from this work and can be felt immediately upon standing after a session. This approach and understanding is unique only to the Rolf Method.

This has to be the most asked question about this work! Changing one’s structure is like changing an opinion. It is not necessarily comfortable. However, referencing a post I made on my Facebook page, it may bring a sense joy.

Absolutely. You have a whole new awareness after this process. Your body has felt length, connection, greater ease. Once found, it is never lost. But if it’s missing, stop. Reclaim it. Reconnect with it.

Sessions are traditionally known as Hours, i.e. 1st Hour, 2nd Hour…, because they are done in an hour. Thus my sessions are an hour in length. A longer session does not necessarily mean a better or more effective session.

Men: underwear

Women: underwear (top and bottom) or sports bra and shorts

Congratulations, you’re about to begin an amazing journey!

The limiting factors are your time and finances. With this in mind, If your sessions are too far apart, you can lose the connection. If they’re too close together, the body does not have time to process any changes.

Here are a few different possibilities for experiencing the 10 Series:

1) 6 weeks – the way Dr. Rolf designed it:

1. Week 1: Sessions 1, 2 and 3
2. Week 2: Sessions 4 and 5
3. Week 3: Sessions 6 and 7
4. Week 4: Session 8
5. Week 5: Session 9
6. Week 6: Session 10.

2) 10 weeks –  one session per week. This is most common in my practice.

3) 5 weeks – 2 sessions per week.

No, the choice is all yours. However, in my practice, it’s where I start with all new clients.

Freedom! Enjoy your new body.

You need a break. Your structure has changed. This can be like changing one’s opinion, not necessarily comfortable, but necessary for growth. We can revisit the 10 in a year or two. Wait at least 3 months before getting more work, then we can look at a single session or a 3 Series.

I recommend my clients to not to think of Post 10 work as maintenance, coming in once a month or some regular, frequent basis. There’s no growth in that and this work is about empowerment. With such an approach, the body has no real need for work, you just want it.

I want to help you feel a sense of verticality, connection, demonstrated by length and ease. Once you know what this feels like, you can always find it, of course you’ll have to pay attention…

If you have an acute injury or are dealing with inflammation or trauma. Please seek the appropriate medical care. This work is not a therapy.

Athletes who are looking to improve their connection. Business people who want a competitive edge. Artists/creative people in need of resilience and durability. Anyone who wants to improve their posture, whether you have scoliosis, kyphosis, lordosis or just the daily grind of sitting or standing in front of a computer. And of course, those of us getting older and don’t want to feel our age or want to age gracefully.

That’s absolutely subjective. I’m thankful for my reviews. I work in a very traditional way as I was taught by David Davis, Neal Powers and Emmett Hutchins. I don’t add anything else to my work except for my own desire to understand more and do it to the best of my ability.

However, this is about you. Explore. Find who works best for you. When you do, enjoy the journey!

(Remember, Rolfing is a trademark of the Rolf Institute. I am a graduate of the Guild.}