The Differences Between Massage & Rolfing

People often confuse Rolfing and massage. Both loosen tight tissues, reduce stress and cause relaxation. However, there are important differences between the two. A standard massage is used for relaxation purposes. Therapeutic deep tissue massage is often used to treat injuries, but it is still different from Rolfing. The purpose of Rolfing is to realign and balance your head, shoulders, chest, pelvis and legs in order to create lasting changes in the body.

Number of Sessions

A standard massage session is usually a one-time treatment. The results are immediate, and you do not need a specific number of sessions. You can have as many or as few as you want. Therapeutic deep tissue massage may require multiple treatments, but it's usually not a specific number.

Rolfing treatments require a specific number of sessions. Treatment consists of 10 one-hour weekly sessions. The therapist starts with your head and works down your body to the feet.

Varieties

There are different kinds of massage, but only one type of Rolfing.

All types of massage focus on manipulating muscle. The massage therapist kneads the muscle to relax and loosen it. In the case of an injury, deep tissue massage is often used. During a deep tissue massage, the therapist applies heavier pressure to the area to loosen muscle tissue and remove muscle toxins. This pressure also improves blood flow and oxygen in the injured area.

Rolfing always focuses on manipulating the body's soft tissues. Soft tissues include muscles, tendons, ligaments and fascia. Fascia is a thin connective tissue that holds your internal organs together. Rolfing practitioners use pressure and lifting and spreading motions to manipulate the fascia.

Emotional Component

Rolfing practitioners believe Rolfing is a spiritual process, unlike massage. People who undergo Rolfing often report experiencing emotional catharsis. Repressed memories and experiences may also surface on occasion.

Rolfing practitioners believe the body is capable of "cellular memory," which means that memories are stored in the body's soft tissues. Manipulating these tissues helps the patient release the repressed memories.