About Rolfing®:
Research & Studies
Scientific
research on Rolfing is encouraged and supported by the Rolf
Institute and there is a small, but growing, body of research
which supports many of the claims of Rolfing. Research conducted
at UCLA showed that Rolfing creates a more efficient use of
the muscles, allows the body to conserve energy, and creates
more economical and refined patterns of movement. (3)
More recent research conducted at the University of Maryland
demonstrated that Rolfing significantly reduces chronic stress
and changes body structure for the better.(4,5,6)
In this study, Rolfing significantly reduced the spinal curvature
of subjects with lordosis (sway back). The research also indicates
that Rolfing enhances neurological functioning. Surprisingly,
these changes in structure and function are long lasting and
rarely require further maintenance sessions.
Some of this research supports the idea that holistic manual
therapy based on the Rolf method not only has a more long
term effects on the body, but that is also has a more integrative
effect that in fact contributes to this long term effect.
A case study indicates that a holistic approach using Rolfing
and movement education shows greater promise in treating low
back pain than the corrective approach. (1)
Another case study combines philosophical counseling and Rolfing
manual therapy for the treatment of ALS. (2)
In this study the taxonomies of assessment are operationalized
and used in conjunction with the principles of intervention
to demonstrate how a holistic approach that is sensitive to
the whole person can improve function through changing a patient’s
worldview.
References
1. Cottingham JT, Maitland JA: Three-paradigm
Treatment Model Using Soft Tissue Mobilization and Guided
Movement-Awareness Techniques For A Patient With Chronic Low
Back Pain: A Case Study. Journal of Orthopedic And Sports
Physical Therapy, 1997;26:155-167
2. Cottingham JT, Maitland JA: Integrating
Manual and Movement Therapy With Philosophical Counseling
For Treatment Of A Patient With Amyotropohic Lateral Sclerosis:
A Case Study That Explores The Principles of Holistic Intervention.
Alternative Therapies In Health and Medicine, 2000,6(2).
3. Hunt V, Massey W: A Study of Structural
Integration from a Neuromuscular Energy Field and Emotional
Approaches. Boulder: Rolf Institute, 1977
4. Cottingham JT, Porges SW, Lyon T:
Soft Tissue Mobilization (Rolfing Pelvic Lift) And Associated
Changes In Parasympathetic Tone In Two Age Groups. Physical
Therapy. 1988;68:352 – 356
5. Cottingham JT, Porges SW, Richmond
K: Shifts In Pelvic Inclination Angle And Parasympathetic
Tone Produced By Rolfing Soft Tissue Manipulation. Physical
Therapy. 1988;68:1364 – 1370
6. Cottingham JT: Effects Of Soft Tissue
Mobilization On Pelvic Inclination Angle, Lumbar Lordosis,
And Parasympathetic Tone. Presented at the National Center
of Medical Rehabilitation Research of the National Institute
of Health, Bethesda, MD, March 19, 1992
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