Can Rolfing Therapy Relieve Chronic Pain?

When you hear the term Rolfing, you may not think of manual therapy. But that's exactly what it is. The alternative treatment includes soft tissue therapy and movement (posture education).

Biochemist Dr. Ida P. Rolf developed the Rolfing method more than 50 years ago. It targets fascia, or connective tissue, which may play a role in musculoskeletal problems. Rolfing aims to improve pain, posture, and movement.

But does it really work? Find out what the science says and if Rolfing is right for you. 

How does Rolfing work? 

Rolfing combines a unique form of manual therapy with posture education to improve movement and flexibility. Dr. Rolf developed this complementary approach based on her belief that the body is a system of integrated structures or connective tissues. Rolf was trained as a biochemist and later explored various alternatives to chronic pain. 

Connective tissues surround bones, muscles, nerves, and organs. And according to Rolf, these structures work together for optimal health and functioning. Imbalances in connective tissue cause pain and movement or posture problems. 

Rolfing uses manual therapy to target the fascia. Rolf believed that doing so helps other body parts work together, restoring balance and alignment throughout the body. Proponents think this may help with physical functioning as well as psychological outlook. 

Rolfing, or structural integration, uses two main techniques for therapy sessions:

• Soft tissue massage: Rolfing therapists apply deep pressure with their fingertips, knuckles, or fists to loosen fascia. This type of therapeutic touch is intended to relieve tension, ease pain, and improve flexibility. But it should not be confused with deep tissue massage, which focuses on muscle and fascia. Rolfing targets areas throughout the body, not just problem areas. It is designed to improve whole-body function rather than specific symptoms like pain. 

• Sensorimotor education: Sensorimotor education is another fundamental part of rolfing. Rolf believed that gravity stresses the body. People may also learn postural exercises during Rolfing sessions. These and other methods are used to increase body awareness, improve movement patterns, and reduce strain on the body. 

What are the potential health benefits of Rolfing? 

There's a need for large, high-quality studies on the benefits of Rolfing. That doesn't mean that Rolfing is ineffective. But it does mean that much of the existing evidence is limited or inconclusive. Let's see what science says about some of the supposed benefits of Rolfing. 

• Rolfing may ease chronic back pain. Chronic low back pain may be due in part to connective tissue dysfunction. These connective tissue problems can cause mobility issues or make back pain worse. The Dr. Ida Rolf Institute reports that many people with chronic back pain have benefited from Rolfing. But current research doesn't support this claim. A small trial found that Rolfing may reduce disability from back pain. But researchers note the need for more definitive studies. 

• Rolfing may relieve tension in muscles and fascia. The alternative therapy may release tension in muscles and connective tissue. Small studies show that Rolfing can improve neck pain, tension, and range of motion. 

• Rolfing may improve posture, balance, and movement. One of the goals of Rolfing is to improve posture and the body's relationship with gravity. It also aims to increase balance and movement. Surprisingly, these benefits are not well-documented. 

• Rolfing may increase energy levels. Structural integration has been linked to increased energy levels. The idea is that Rolfing helps muscles work more efficiently, which conserves energy. There is not enough evidence to support this claim.

• Rolfing may calm the nervous system. According to researchers, Rolfing could have another positive effect: calming the nervous system. Experts think this benefit might also improve how people perceive and cope with pain.

Are there any health risks associated with Rolfing? 

According to the Dr. Ida Rolf Institute, Rolfing may be a little uncomfortable. But you should let your therapist know if you feel any pain. 

The National Institutes of Health reports that massage therapy is generally safe. There are reported side effects, but they’re rare. Rolfing involves more than massage therapy. But the two approaches may have similar risks. 

Everyone should talk to a healthcare provider before trying alternatives like Rolfing. And people with the following health concerns may want to avoid it altogether: 

• Skin burns or infections like cellulitis

• Blood clots

• An active tumor 

• Nerve problems 

• Musculoskeletal injuries or conditions 

• Sensitivity or discomfort from physical touch 

What can you expect from your first Rolfing session? 

Typically, certified Rolfing practitioners provide you with 10 one-hour sessions. Those sessions may include some combination of soft tissue massage and movement. The standard “Ten-Series” approach is divided into three categories. Here's what you can expect: 

• Sessions 1 to 3: The opening or “sleeve” sessions focus on loosening superficial connective tissue in the upper and lower body. In the first session, your therapist will also target your arms, ribs, torso, and diaphragm to improve your breathing. 

• Sessions 4 to 7: These “core” sessions target areas from the bottom of the pelvis to the top of the head as well as the legs. 

• Sessions 8 to 10: The final integration sessions incorporate movement to improve function and coordination.

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Written by:

Jennifer Clements, MD, MSEd, NBHWC

Jennifer Clements, MD, MSEd, NBHWC, is a board-certified physician and health coach who is passionate about achieving optimal health through healthy lifestyles. Clements is a diplomate of the American Board of Obesity Medicine and the American Board of Integrative Medicine.

Edited by:

Lauren Savage, MA

Lauren Savage, MA, is a health editor at GoodRx, where she focuses on movement, exercise, and healthy aging. She aims to provide readers with the information they need to live healthier, more active lifestyles.

Reviewed by:

Sanjai Sinha, MD

Sanjai Sinha, MD, is a board-certified physician with over 20 years of experience. He specializes in internal medicine.

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