Overview

Rolfing is a type of massage therapy. It was created by a biochemist, Ida Rolf, PhD, in the 1950s. Practitioners of Rolfing can receive training. But there are no generally accepted standards or licensure.

Rolfing is used for pain, chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), cerebral palsy, anxiety, and other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.

Rolfing is a form of deep tissue massage. The massage is applied using a slow-moving pressure with knees, elbows, thumbs, fingers, and knuckles.

Rolfing practitioners, also called "Rolfers," believe that aging results in physical problems due to soft tissue or "fascia" binding up or stiffening around muscles. They believe that the tissue massage relieves the hardening and muscle dysfunction. However, there is no reliable scientific support for these beliefs.

How does it work ?

Rolfing is a form of deep tissue massage. The massage is applied using a slow-moving pressure with knees, elbows, thumbs, fingers, and knuckles.

Rolfing practitioners, also called "Rolfers," believe that aging results in physical problems due to soft tissue or "fascia" binding up or stiffening around muscles. They believe that the tissue massage relieves the hardening and muscle dysfunction. However, there is no reliable scientific support for these beliefs.

Uses & Effectiveness

Insufficient Evidence for

  • Anxiety. Early research suggests that Rolfing might help to decrease anxiety in college students. However, it isn't known if Rolfing would help people with an anxiety disorder.
  • Cerebral palsy. Early research suggests Rolfing can improve movement and function in people who are mildly or moderately affected by cerebral palsy. However, it does not seem to help people who are severely affected by cerebral palsy.
  • Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). Very early research suggests that Rolfing might help people with CFS function better. It might help with their posture, breathing, and sleeping.
  • Relaxation.
  • Stress.
  • Headache.
  • Neck pain.
  • Back pain.
  • Osteoarthritis.
  • Carpal tunnel syndrome.
  • Other conditions.

More evidence is needed to rate the effectiveness of Rolfing for these uses.

Side Effects



Special Precautions and Warnings



Rolfing is POSSIBLY SAFE when used appropriately. Side effects have not been reported.

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if Not enough is known about the use of rolfingRolfing is safe to use when pregnant or during pregnancy and breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

Interactions

We currently have no information for Rolfing overview.

Dosing

The appropriate or safe use of Rolfing depends on several factors such as the condition being treated or the person administering the treatment. Be sure to seek and follow relevant directions from your physician or other healthcare professional before using this treatment.
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CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.

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