Background

• Rolfing® Structural Integration involves deep tissue massage aimed at relieving stress and improving mobility, posture, balance, muscle function and efficiency, energy, and overall well being. Practitioners apply slow-moving pressure with their knuckles, thumbs, fingers, elbows, and knees to the muscles, tissue around the muscles, and other soft tissues. Rolfing® Structural Integration, also called somatic ontology, concentrates on opposing muscle groups, such as the biceps and triceps in the upper arms.
• The methods used in Rolfing® were developed in the 1950s by Dr. Ida P. Rolf, based on the belief that imbalances in body structure can be corrected by manipulating the soft tissue networks of muscle, fascia, tendons, and ligaments. In 1971, Rolf founded The Rolf Institute of Structure Integration in Boulder, CO, which currently owns rights to the registered mark Rolfing®. However though the term rolfing is also used for various therapies based on the teachings of Rolf.

References

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