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Research about Rolfing® Structural Integration

Research was a Priority for the Founder of Structural Integration

Dr. Ida P. Rolf (IPR) was an associate professor at Rockefeller Institute (now Rockefeller University) in New York City after receiving her Ph.D. in biological chemistry from the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Columbia University in the 1920s.

IPR had a committed focus on peer-reviewed evidence.  She used visual evidence to communicate the changes made by a Structural Integration 10-series, and had photographers meticulously capture the natural posture of the clients before the 10-series and after the 10-series.

Rolfers™ are trained to observe these individual differences in three-dimensional anatomy based upon anatomy, physiology, and IPR’s detailed descriptions of the human structure.

Today, Rolfers™ use clinical markers as indicators of success in their treatment rooms.  This includes visual evaluation of gait, posture, ranges of motion for joints, spinal curves, alignment of major segments of the body, etc., as well as self-reporting on daily activity levels, pain levels, sleep quality, emotional reactivity, trauma states, etc.

Below is just some of the research articles and published works about Rolfing® Structural Integration.  We also recommend the Fascia Research Congress for even more peer-reviewed work and contemporary ideas about recovery mechanisms with Structural Integration as the manual therapy intervention.

IPR publications:

Rolf, I.P. Structural Integration. Journal of the Institute of Comparative Study of History Philosophical Sciences, 1(1):3-19. 1963.

Rolf, I.P. Structural Integration. A Contribution to the understanding of stress. Confinia Psychiatrica, 16(2):69-79. 1973.

IPR books:

Rolfing and Physical Reality by [Rolf Ph.D., Ida P.]

Rolfing and Physical Reality

by Ida P. Rolf Ph.D.

1978

 

 

Rolfing: Reestablishing the Natural Alignment and Structural Integration of the Human Body for Vitality and Well-Being

by Ida P. Rolf  Ph.D.

1977

 

Current Peer-Reviewed Articles

STRUCTURAL INTEGRATION

(1) Structural Integration: Origins and Development (2011). Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, Sep, 17(9): 775-780.

Author:  Jacobson, E.

(2) Structural Integration, an Alternative Method of Manual Therapy and Sensorimotor Education (2011). The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 17(10): 891-899.

Author:  Jacobson, E.

(3)  Cell Biology Meets Rolfing (2007). Science Magazine, 318, 1234-1235.

Author:  Grimm, D.

(4) Structural Integration – developments in Ida Rolf’s ‘Recipe’ Part 1 (2004). Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies, 8(2): 131-142.

Author:  Myers, T. W.

(5) Structural Integration – developments in Ida Rolf’s ‘Recipe’ Part 2 (2004). Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies, 8(3): 189-198.

Author:  Myers, T. W.

(6) Structural Integration – developments in Ida Rolf’s ‘Recipe’ Part 3 (2004). Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies, 8(4): 249-264.

Author:  Myers, T. W.

FASCIA RESEARCH

(1) Fascia Research – A Narrative Review (2012). Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies, 16(1): 67-75.

Authors:  Findley, T., Chaudhry, H., & Roman, M.

(2) A Theoretical Framework for the Role of Fascia in Manual Therapy (2012). Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies, 16(1): 83-93.

Authors:  Simmonds, N., Miller, P., & Gemmell, H.

(3) Passive Muscle Stiffness May be Influenced by Active Contractility of Intramuscular Connective Tissue (2006). Medical Hypotheses, 66(1): 66-71.

Authors:  Schleip, R., Naylor, I.L., Ursu, D., Melzer, W., Zorn, A., Wilke, H.J., Lehmann-Horn, F., & Klingler, W.

(4) Active Fascial Contractility: Fascia May Be Able to Contract in a Smooth Muscle-like Manner and thereby Influence Musculoskeletal Dynamics. (2005). Medical Hypotheses, 65(2):273-7.

Authors:  Schleip, R., Klingler, W., & Lehmann-Horn, F.

(5) Fascial Plasticity – A New Neurobiological Explanation Part 1 (2003). Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies, 7(1): 11-19.

Author:  Schleip, R.

(6) Fascial Plasticity – A New Neurobiological Explanation Part 2 (2003). Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies, 7(2): 104-116.

Author:  Schleip, R.

CHRONIC PAIN

Treatment of Chronic Pain Through the Use of Structural Integration (Rolfing) (2000). Orthopaedic Physical Therapy Clinics of North America, 9(3): 411 – 428.

Authors:  Deutsche, J. E., Derr, L. L., Judd, P., & Reuven, B.

BALANCE

Improvement in Balance with Structural Integration (Rolfing): A Controlled Case Series in Persons with Myofascial Pain (2004). Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, 85(9):e34.

Authors: Findley, T., Quigley, K. Maney, M., Chaudhry, H., & Agbaje, I.

FIBROMYALGIA and CHRONIC FATIGUE

(1)     Effectiveness of body awareness interventions in fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome: A systematic review and meta-analysis (2015). Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies, 19(1):35-56.

Authors:  Courtois, I., Cools, F., & Calsius, J.

(2)      A Pilot Study Measuring Outcomes of Managing Fascial Health for Individuals with Fibromyalgia (2015). IASI Yearbook of Structural Integration, p 54-63.

Author:  Segarra, K. B.

(3)  Effects of Structural Integration Rolfing® Method and Acupuncture on Fibromyalgia (2015). Rev Dor. Sao Paulo, 16(2): 96 – 101.

Authors:  Stall, P., Hosomi, J.K., Faelli, C.Y.P., Pai, H.J., Teixeira, M.J. & Marchiori, P.E.

(4)  Fibromyalgia Syndrome Treated with the Structural Integration Rolfing® Method (2014). Rev Dor. Sao Paulo, 15(4): 248 – 252.

Authors:  Stall, P. & Teixeira, M. J.

CHRONIC NONSPECIFIC LOW BACK PAIN

Structural Integration as an Adjuct to Outpatient Rehabilitation for Chronic Nonspecific Low Back Pain: A Randomized Pilot Clinical Trial (2015) Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, p 1-19.

Authors:  Jacobson, E. E., Meleger, A. L., Bonato, P., Wayne, P. M., Langevin, H.M., Kaptchuk, T. J., & Davis, R. B.

BODY IMAGE AND BACK PAIN

Influence of Structural Integration and Fascial Fitness on Body Image and the Perception of Back Pain (2017). Journal of Physical Therapy Science, Vol. 29, No. 6, pg 1010-1013.

Authors:  Baur, H., Gatterer, H., Hotter, B., & Kopp, M.

STRESS AND TRAUMA

The preparatory set: a novel approach to understanding stress, trauma, and the bodymind therapies (2015). Frontiers in Human Neuroscience, 9:178.

Authors:   Payne, P. & Crane-Godreau, M. A.

PERFORMANCE TRAINING

Editorial (2015). Theatre, Dance and Performance Training, 6(2): 125-129.

 Author:  Worth, L.

CERVICAL SPINE INTERVENTION

Rolfing structural integration treatment of cervical spine dysfunction (2009). Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies, 13(3): 229-238.

Authors:  James, H., Castaneda, L., Miller, M. E., & Findley, T.

CEREBRAL PALSY

(1) Gait Improvement in Children with Cerebral Palsy after Myofascial Structural Integration Therapy (2016). Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies, 20(1):152.

Authors:  Price, K. S., Buysse, C.A., Loi, E. C., Hansen, A. B., Jaramillo, T. M., Pico, E. L., & Feldman, H. M.

(2)     Myofascial Structural Integration Therapy on Gross Motor Function and Gait of Young Children with Spastic Cerebral Palsy: A Randomized Controlled Trial (2015). Frontiers in Pediatrics, 3: 74.

Authors:  Loi, E. C., Buysse, C. A., Price, K. S., Jaramillo, T. M., Pico, E. L., Hansen, A. B., & Feldman, H. M.

(3)     Gait Changes Following Myofascial Structural Integration (Rolfing) Observed in 2 Children With Cerebral Palsy (2014). Journal of Evidence-Based Complementary & Alternative Medicine, 19(4): 297-300.

Authors:  Hansen, A. B., Price, K. S., & Loi, E. C.

(4)     Myofascial Structural Integration: A Promising Complementary Therapy for Young Children With Spastic Cerebral Palsy (2011). Journal of Evidence-Based Complementary & Alternative Medicine, 17(2): 131-135.

Authors:  Hansen, A. B., Price, K. S., & Feldman, H. M.

AUTO-IMMUNE CONDITIONS

Structural Integration-Based Fascial Release Efficacy in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE): Two Case Studies (2011). Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies, 15(2): 217-25.

Author: Ball, T. M.

ATTITUDES TOWARD COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE (CAM)

A Large-Sample Survey of First- and Second-Year Medical Student Attitudes Toward Complementary and Alternative Medicine in the Curriculum and in Practice (2015). Alternative Therapy Health Medicine, 13(1): 30 – 35.

Authors:  Chaterji, R., Tractenberg, R. E., Amri, H., Lumpkin, M., Amorosi, S. B. W., & Haramati, A.

AMPUTATION

Working with Uncertainty: Structural Integration for a Double Amputee (2015). IASI Yearbook of Structural Integration, p 77 – 81.

Author:  Foster-Scott, D.

RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS

Unwinding the Pattern of Rheumatism (2015). IASI Yearbook of Structural Integration, p 64 – 69.

Author:  Randall, A.

SCAR TISSUE

Integrating Scar Tissue into the Fascial Web (2015). Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies, 19(4): 669 – 670.

Authors:  Wheeler, S. L., Blessitt, K. L., & Ennis, R. D.

AMYOTROPHIC LATERAL SCLEROSIS (ALS)

Integrating Manual and Movement Therapy with Philosophical Counseling for Treatment of a Patient with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: A Case Study that Explores the Principles of Holistic Intervention. (2000) Alternative Therapies In Health and Medicine, 6(2):128, 120-7.

Authors:  Cottingham, J. T. & Maitland, J.

Current Books

Fascial Release for Structural Balance

2017

By: James Earls & Thomas Myers

 

The Body Remembers Volume 2: Revolutionizing Trauma TreatmentThe Body Remembers Volume 2: Revolutionizing Trauma Treatment

2017

By: Babette Rothschild

 

Advanced Myofascial Techniques: Volume 1 by [Luchau, Til]Advanced Myofascial Techniques

2016

By: Til Luchau

 

Energy Medicine: The Scientific Basis

2015

By: Dr. James L. Oschman

 

 

Anatomy Trains: Myofascial Meridians for Manual and Movement Therapists

2014

By: Thomas W. Myers

 

The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of TraumaThe Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma

2014

By: Dr Bessel van der Kolk

Fascia: the Tensional Network of the Human Body: the Science and Clinical Applications in Manual And Movement Therapy, 1E

Fascia: The Tensional Network of the Human Body

2012

By:  Dr Robert Schleip and Dr Thomas W. Findley

 

The Polyvagal Theory: Neurophysiological Foundations of Emotions, Attachment, Communication, and Self-Regulation

2011

By: Dr Stephen W. Porges

 

When the Body Says No: Understanding the Stress-Disease Connection

2011

By: Dr Gabor Mate

 

 

The New Rules of Posture: How to Sit, Stand, and Move in the Modern World by [Bond, Mary]The New Rules of Posture: How To Sit, Stand, and Move in the Modern World

2010

By: Mary Bond

 

In an Unspoken Voice: How the Body Releases Trauma and Restores Goodness

2010

By: Peter A. Levine, PhD & Gabor Mate MD

 

 

Rolfing Experience: Integration in the Gravity Field

2006

By: Betsy Sise

 

The Power of Rolfing: What Rolfing Structural Integration Can Do for You by [Marcus, Owen]The Power of Rolfing: What Rolfing Structural Integration Can Do for You

2006

By: Owen Marcus

 

The Body Remembers: The Psychophysiology of Trauma and Trauma TreatmentThe Body Remembers: The Psychophysiology of Trauma and Trauma Treatment

2000

By: Babette Rothschild

 

Waking the Tiger: Healing Trauma

1997

By: Dr. Peter A. Levine

 

 

Balancing Your Body: A Self-Help Approach to Rolfing Movement

1996

By: Mary Bond

 

 

Historical Articles from the 20th Century

(1)   A Structural Approach (1998). Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies, 2(1):14-20.

Author:  Myers, T. W.

(2)   Structural Integration Applied to Patients with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: A Retrospective Chart Review (1998). Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy, 27(1): 83.

Authors:  Talty, C. M., DeMasi, I., & Deutsch, J. E.

(3)   Three-Paradigm Treatment Model Using Soft Tissue Mobilization and Guided Movement-Awareness Techniques for Patients with Chronic Low Back Pain: A Case Study (1997). The Journal of Orthopedic & Sports Physical Therapy, 26(3):155-167.

Authors:  Cottingham, J. T. & Maitland, J.

(4)   Structural Integration Applied to Patients with a Primary Neurologic Diagnosis: Two Case Studies (1997). Neurology Report, 21(5): 161-162.

Authors:  Deutsch, J. E., Judd, P., & DeMasi, I.

(5)   Shifts in Pelvic Inclination Angle and Parasympathetic Tone Produced by Rolfing® Soft Tissue Manipulation (1988). Physical Therapy, 68:1364-1370.

Authors:  Cottingham, J. T., Porges, S. W., & Richmond, K.

(6)   Effects of Soft Tissue Mobilization (Rolfing® Pelvic Lift) on Parasympathetic Tone in Two Age Groups (1988). Physical Therapy, 68(3):352-356.

Authors:  Cottingham, J. T., Porges, S. W. & Lyon, T.

(7)   Functional Evaluation of Rolfing in Cerebral Palsy (1981). Developmental Medicine & Child Neurology, 23(44): 717-729.

Authors:  Perry, J., Jones, M. H., & Thomas, L.

(8)   Effects of Structural Integration on State-Trait Anxiety (1979). Journal of Clinical Psychology, 35(2):319-322.

Authors:  Weinberg, R.S. & Hunt, V.V.

(9)   Electromyographic Evaluation of Structural Integration Techniques (1977). Psychoenergetic Systems, 2: 199 – 210.

Authors: Hunt, V. & Massey, W.

(10)   Psychological Effects of Structural Integration (1974). Psychological Reports, 35(2): 856.

Author: Pratt, T.C.

(11)   Stress, Stimulus Intensity Control, and the Structural Integration Technique (1973). Confinia Psychiatrica, 16(3): 201 – 219.

Authors:  Silverman, J., Rappaport, M., Hopkins, H. K., Ellman, G., Hubbard, R. Belleza, T., Griffing, R., & Kling, R.

(12)   A Study in Structural Dynamics (1962). Journal of the American Osteopathic Association, 62: 30-40.

Author:  Solit, M.