Rolfing vs. Massage: Which Is Right for You?

If you’re dwelling with continual ache or discomfort, it’s pure to wish to discover no matter method you may to make all of it go away. Maybe you’ve tried therapeutic massage, yoga and chiropractors already.  

And then you definitely stumble onto a web site about Rolfing. And they’re speaking about integrating your entire physique. And undoing the consequences of gravity. And relieving your entire stress and stress in 10 straightforward periods. And you may’t assist however surprise, “Are these people for real, or is this pseudo-science mumbo jumbo?”  

We talked with licensed therapeutic massage therapist Victoria Bodner, LMT, about Rolfing and whether or not you need to belief it to convey on the aid you’re on the lookout for. 

What is Rolfing? 

Rolfing, additionally referred to as Rolfing® Structural Integration, is a type of bodywork that was created by biochemist Ida P. Rolf, PhD, within the Forties. It was particularly standard within the Seventies amongst individuals looking for options to conventional drugs. It has just lately seen a renewed curiosity.  

The thought behind Rolfing is that there are supposed well being advantages to be gained by manipulating our fascia.  

Let’s break that down a bit. 

Fascia is basically a webbing that holds all our inside physique components in place. It’s connective tissue that retains your organs the place they need to be. Fascia surrounds your muscle tissue. It stabilizes your bones. There is fascia connected to each muscle, tendon, ligament, bone and tissue in your physique. 

“Fascia is what makes your body glide. Your muscles give you power, but it’s the fascia that makes your muscles move about easily,” Bodner explains.  

Rolfing is all about that fascia. Rather than manipulating your bones like a chiropractor, or your muscle tissue like a therapeutic massage therapist, Rolfers goal fascia, which they are saying may help deal with every kind of psychological and bodily illnesses.   

Conditions Rolfing claims to deal with 

Rolfers say that the consequences of gravity and repetitive motion get our fascia all certain up. Congested fascia, in line with Rolfing, may end up in: 

• Chronic ache. 
• Chronic stress. 
• Decreased vary of movement and athletic agility. 
• Knots of scar tissue. 
• Poor posture. 
• Stress accidents like carpal tunnel syndrome.  

Rolfing practitioners use their palms, knuckles, elbows and extra to “release, realign and balance the whole body,” in line with the Dr. Ida Rolf Institute web site. The thought is that by creating extra space within the fascia, you’ll launch stress and unencumber house inside your physique. 

How is Rolfing totally different from therapeutic massage?   

Rolfing and therapeutic massage are each hands-on approaches to releasing stress and bringing about bodily and emotional aid. They differ in just a few key methods, although. 

Massage is extra localized 

One main distinction between Rolfing and therapeutic massage is {that a} therapeutic massage therapist is usually involved with releasing stress from affected areas, whereas Rolfing is a full-body expertise. 

“Sometimes, a massage therapist will practice myofascial release, which is a technique that aims to ease tension in the fascia,” Bodner says. “It’s similar to a Rolfing technique, but in a massage, it’ll be more localized to a place where you’re experiencing discomfort. Rolfing is more interested in elongating fascia all across your body.”    

Massage is short-term. Rolfing is … ceaselessly? 

The results of a great therapeutic massage can depart you feeling looser and extra relaxed for a while, however its results are seemingly short-term. Rolfers, alternatively, declare that due to the give attention to realigning and integrating your entire physique, you’ll discover long-lasting aid.  

“The idea behind Rolfing is that they are ‘retraining’ your tissue,” Bodner says. “Some people see it as kind of a reset button to undo some pains and stress and start over with a new comfort in your body.” 

Rolfing is prescriptive 

Regular visits to a licensed therapeutic massage therapist may go for some individuals dwelling with aches and pains from a variety of causes. Visits to a therapeutic massage therapist are prone to be a daily prevalence and ongoing for finest outcomes.  

Rolfing, nevertheless, is accomplished in a methodical 10-session sequence. The Rolfer will work part-by-part all through your physique in a pre-defined session-by-session plan.   

Rolfing could be painful 

Rolfing practitioners say in any other case, however by most different accounts, individuals who have been Rolfed say the expertise could be downright “ouch.” 

“Fascia is not easy to manipulate. It takes a lot of pressure and a lot of work. Rolfers really need to dig in to break it up,” Bodner states. “Massage is usually thought of as a relaxing experience, whereas Rolfing can be very intense, both for the practitioner and the person who’s being worked on.” 

Pain related to fascia manipulation is prone to final solely throughout a session. It shouldn’t linger round after. 

Is Rolfing protected? 

While primarily based on some confirmed scientific theories, Rolfing has not been well-studied.  

A couple of small research have proven Rolfing might assist with back pain and fibromyalgia. Another research means that Rolfing improved strolling in a bunch of kids dwelling with cerebral palsy. Those research have been all carried out with very small teams of contributors, although, and the outcomes haven’t been replicated.   

Without extra rigorous analysis, Rolfing’s dangers and advantages stay unclear, Bodner says.  

“Rolfing’s claims about how manipulating fascia can improve your movement make good scientific sense in some ways,” she provides. “We know that fascia gets congested and can lead to pain and tension. But without some strong research evidence about the safety and efficacy of Rolfing, I can’t confidently recommend it.” 

Bodner says that for those who select to think about Rolfing, ensure you at the least discover a licensed practitioner. You don’t wish to permit anybody round manipulating your fascia haphazardly. That could be harmful. 

People dwelling with ache brought on by tightened fascia might as an alternative wish to think about confirmed therapies like: 

• Acupuncture.  
• Heat remedy. 
• Massage remedy.  
• Yoga.