Dr. Ida Pauline Rolf: New York Pioneer

The founder of Rolfing, Dr. Ida Pauline Rolf (1896-1979) was born and raised in New York City. At age 20, she earned her Ph.D. in biochemistry from Columbia University. Shortly thereafter, she led the Research Department in organic chemistry at the Rockefeller Institute.

Dr. Rolf’s personal experience with scoliosis and diabetes drove her to understand the inherent nature of the body. Early in her study, she received treatments in Osteopathy and Chiropractics. Dr. Rolf also practiced homeopathy and Hatha yoga for over 20 years.

In receiving treatments, being pro-active with self-care, and leading research, Dr. Rolf realized a better way to sustain health and well-being was to treat the whole structure of the body beyond local symptoms.

Fundamental Discovery

Her research led to a fundamental discovery: the network of connective tissue (fascia) is a continuous, three-dimensional support system that protects and shapes the body. She found the fascia network was inherently plastic (resilient and elastic) and could be reshaped and aligned at any and every age using hands-on techniques.

 Worldwide Recognition and Practice

After 60 years of developing and refining her system of Rolfing® Structural Integration, Dr. Rolf is recognized worldwide as a pioneer and leader in soft tissue manipulation and movement education.

Today, the Rolf Institute is headquartered in Boulder, CO with branches in Germany, Japan, Australia, and Brazil.

Smoother, More Dynamic and Energetic Movements

The effectiveness of Rolfing has been substantiated through several published studies. A controlled study at UCLA Department of Kinesiology, conducted by Dr. Valerie Hunt and Dr. Wayne Massey documents that among clients who had received Rolfing compared to a matched sample that had not, movements were smoother and less constrained; there were fewer extraneous movements; body movements were more dynamic and energetic; and carriage was more erect with less straining to maintain a balanced stance.

Fascia Contracts like Muscle

Research by Robert Schleip, PhD, Rolfer and W. Klingler  W. Klingler, F. Lehmann-Horn, Department of Applied Physiology, Ulm University , Albert-Einstein-Allee 11, 89069 Ulm, Germany has shown  that there is active fascial contractility, and that fascia may be able to contract in a smooth muscle-like manner and thereby influence musculoskeletal dynamics.

Further Research

Articles also have been published in the Journal of Physical Therapy summarizing the positive effects of Rolfing on the autonomic nervous system and the angle of pelvic inclination. Abstracts of these and other research are available through the Rolf Institute

The Fascia Conference

Since fascia is increasingly becoming more recognized for it’s key role in health, the Fascia Conference was created and is held annually across the globe to present worldwide research and unite science with medicine and other healing practices.

Who Benefits?

Dr. Rolf created her system of soft-tissue therapy to align the body so that it can heal itself.  It is non-invasive, hands-on, safe and effective at any age. Improvements vary from person to person and can be profound.

Children – Tam has experience helping children as young as 18 months with their growing pains and to help encourage a normal growth pattern into crawling and walking. Children’s soft bodies allow for easy structural changes to avoid physical limitations into their adolescence and adult years.

Athletes –  Athletes constantly challenge their bodies and need to perform at their optimal capacity. It is vital to have a strong and aligned foundation to limit abnormal stress on joints, nerves, muscles and bones.

New York Residents­ – It’s no secret New York City is widely considered the most challenging and rewarding city to live in physically, mentally, and emotionally. Rolfing with Tam will help your body alleviate built-up stress while helping you become more adaptive and resilient to your environment.

The Aging – Fortunately, fascia is like plastic, meaning it can be lengthened and reshaped to help the body decompress and achieve it’s once youthful vibrancy.  Your posture will improve and you will expend less energy on maintaining uprightness as well as be able to move through your daily life with more ease and participate in exercise in the ways you wish.

Expectant Mothers – Rolfing can support your body as you experience rapid hormonal and structural changes during pregnancy. Tam’s specific pregnancy bolstering system will help alleviate pressure points from laying on your left side while she eases your stress, tension, and strain. Along with neck and back pain, you will find relief for your insomnia and headaches as well. Rolfing while expecting encourages wellness for you and your baby. Many also have reported on faster and less painful deliveries. Contact Tam to see if Rolfing is right for you.

Rolfing with Tam: Your Experience

Tam’s quiet uptown office has a tranquil and modern decor. You will be greeted by Tam herself, who will personally discuss the Rolfing process with you and your particular goals.

Each treatment is then a combination of hands-on and movement work. The primary hands-on work lasts about an hour while you rest on a massage-like table. Hands-on work may continue for about 15 minutes on the table or with added movements sitting, standing, or while walking. At the end of a treatment, you may feel invigorated; feel like your joints move better, and that you are standing taller without strain.

What to Wear?

The general attire is underwear and for women, that includes a bra. Sports or swimming wear is commonly worn. Tam can also work through soft cotton t-shirts and leggings. Tam’s office is set with a private changing room.

How does it Feel?

The hands-on-work can be described as a slower, more precise massage. Many have commented that they feel as though they are being sculpted. With the use of the palm of her hands, knuckles and forearms, slow pressure of various depths is applied to your body, along with traction, guided stretches and breathing.

Is Rolfing Painful?

Rolfing can elicit a range of sensations that may be described similar to air bubbles releasing to pleasurable pain. Tam is attuned to your body’s signals and makes sure you are comfortable throughout the process. You are always in control.

The Basic Ten Series

Rolfing may be experienced in one or several sessions. It is entirely up to you and your specific needs and goals. A more complete integration occurs with a strategy for treatment and this can be discussed with Tam.

Tam does recommend The Rolfing® Basic Ten Series for those who are new to the process. The Basic Ten Series is designed to address your specific needs and to help you titrate and fully integrate whole body changes over a span of time.

Sessions are ideally spaced one to two weeks apart and last about 75-90 minutes. Depending on your individual integration processing or travel schedule, they can be spaced as far as three weeks.

Your Progression through the Ten

The first three sessions balance the big extrinsic muscles and outer connective tissue compartments of your body. Afterwards, you will find it easier to move from side to side, back and forth, and in rotation.

The next four focus on your intrinsic core and the myofascial stemming from the central axis of you body. You will feel an internal sense of length and lightness and learn how to initiate movement from your inside out.

The last three sessions work with the interface between intrinsic and extrinsic structures. They complete the series by connecting and integrating your changes and guiding them to coordinate simple and complex system-wide movements effectively with ease. You will be aligned from head to toe and feel a new sense of three-dimensional balance.

Post Ten Work

During the first year that you complete The Basic Ten Series, follow-up sessions are recommended one month to 6 months apart, to maintain and support your body through its three-dimensional changes and reinforce the new efficient patterns of movement.

Tam recommends a mini-series of advanced work a year or two after the Basic Ten Series if you would like to increase your physical performance.

There are also those who would value on-going regular treatment beyond the Basic Ten Series, such as elite athletes and performers and those with challenging chronic conditions.