Rolfing® Structural Integration
Rolfing® SI is a form of bodywork, client education, and awareness that addresses the fascia,
a type of connective tissue.
Please contact us if you're interested in trying Rolfing.
Fascia, also known as connective tissue, permeates the entire body like a bodysuit and its role is to support and differentiate muscle tissue, bones, internal organs, and nerves.
When we are injured, hurt, or develop bad postural habits, adhesions are formed and, it ultimately affects the body's overall efficiency. Movement is then restricted or limited, and pain or dysfunction develops.
Rolfing Structural Integration® is a powerful form of bodywork that helps realign the body, relieves pain, and increases ease of movement.
It works by systematically releasing tension from the body's connective tissue, allowing the body to re-align itself, reduce pain, and restore the body's natural balance.
The result is a feeling of increased energy and better overall health. Read the current research related to Structural Integration and Rolfing®
Benefits of Rolfing® SI:
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Increase body awareness and movement
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Decrease chronic pain, including back pain
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Create long-lasting structural change
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Increase athletic performance, flexibility
and coordination
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Provide headache/migraine relief
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Treat sciatica
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Give an overall sense of well-being
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Improve energy levels and stamina
Understanding the Difference Between Massage Therapy and Rolfing® Structural Integration
While both massage therapy and Rolfing® Structural Integration may loosen tight muscles, reduce stress, treat injuries, and provide relaxation, their goals, methods, and results differ significantly.
Massage Therapy typically focuses on:
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Loosening tight muscles
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Reducing stress
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Treating injuries
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Providing relaxation through various techniques and the use of massage oils or creams
Rolfing® Structural Integration, on the other hand, focuses on:
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Manipulating the fascia layers to bring the body into balance
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Realigning the body for long-term structural improvements
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Addressing and correcting inappropriate movement patterns that lead to dysfunction
Key Differences
1. Goals and Approach:
- Massage Therapy: Primarily focuses on immediate relief and relaxation.
- Rolfing®: Aims for long-term structural balance and alignment, addressing the root causes of physical discomfort.
2. Client Participation:
- Massage Therapy**: Clients usually relax passively on the table.
- Rolfing®: Clients actively participate in the session through movement and breath work, fostering a sense of ownership and empowerment over their physical and mental health.
3. Clothing:
- Rolfing® sessions usually require clients to wear minimal clothing to allow the practitioner to work on specific areas. Appropriate attire includes underwear or a two-piece bathing suit for women, and briefs or other comfortable clothing for men. We discourage racerback sports bras or T-back bras as they cover the mid-thoracic region.
4. Use of Oils and Creams:
- Massage Therapy: Often uses oils or creams to facilitate smooth gliding over the skin.
- Rolfing®: Uses little to no oil or cream, enabling the therapist to manipulate the deeper layers of fascia instead of just gliding over the tissue.
By focusing on these fundamental differences, Rolfing® Structural Integration offers a unique approach that extends beyond the temporary relief often associated with massage therapy, promoting lasting changes and enhanced body awareness.
Rolfing® Structural Integration is a system of hands-on body manipulation to help align the body within gravity.
The goal of Rolfing® is to systematically balance the structure and function of the entire body by freeing restrictions or adhesions with sustained pressure, breath-work, and sometimes movement.
Each session has a functional goal, focusing on a targeted area and/or regions of the body, and works toward establishing more effective relationships within the body between the body and its environment.
By addressing the body in this systematic manner, the body is balanced within gravity from top to bottom, side to side, front to back, and inside to outside.
The frequency of sessions can range from once per week to every four weeks, depending on the individual and their needs.
Once the Series work is complete and after a 6-month integration period, you may never feel the need to get another Rolfing session.
You may choose to come back for "tune-ups" sessions or an additional 3 or 5 series to address more specific goals.
Schedule a free consult to see if Rolfing would be a good fit for you.
Julie Marciniak
Certified Advanced Rolfer®
New Clients
Full Session - $185
Julie currently has a waitlist of about 6 months if you are interested in the
Rolfing® 10-series. We recommend our massage team for barefoot massage or Kristen Orgera, Certified Rolfer™ if you're looking to start the Rolfing series sooner.