The Rolfing® 10 Series: A journey through body, mind and soul

This holistic approach aims to improve balance and alignment of the body, increase mobility, posture and overall well-being [1]. Each session invites you to explore different areas of your body and create a harmonious symphony of movement and lightness [2].

Session 1: Freeing the breath

Rolfer® and client prepare the body for the journey of the 10 sessions. A free and open breath prepares the body for the upcoming changes of the Rolfing® Structural Integration 10-Series [3]. This means that we work on all the anatomical structures that support our breathing [4]. We start by freeing the chest and shoulder girdle so that the lungs have more room to expand in their cavities [5]. We will work on the arms and hands to release tension stored there. Finally, we will work on the neck and pelvis. Generally, clients feel deeply relaxed during this session, they often report that their shoulders feel lower or backwards and that a weight has been lifted from them.

Session 2: Grounding and stability

Our feet are our connection to the ground, and with today's footwear we find it difficult to reconnect after a long day on our feet [6]. Freeing the feet and legs up to the knees helps us to find the ground again. This session is about feeling gravity, reminding the feet of their movement potential when they are not in tight shoes and creating a stable base [7]. Imagine you are a majestic tree, firmly rooted, ready to sway in the wind but never topple over.

Session 3: Definition of the Sides

We work on the sides of the client, creating space between the ribs and the pelvis, relaxing the quadratus lumborum muscle, the rib cage and the shoulders [8]. You will also begin to release the temporalis muscle, part of the muscles of mastication, and become aware of the side lines of the body and improve flexibility [9]. You may feel slightly taller after this session.

Session 4: Core connection

In the 4th session, we go a little deeper by opening the core and starting to untwist the legs [10]. Most of the work is done on the medial side of the feet, the inner sides of the lower legs and the inner sides of the thighs up to the pelvis [11]. Here we open up the pelvic floor. Finally, we work on the neck and pelvis.

Session 5: The psoas and the diaphragm

We relax the front of the trunk and reactivate the wonderful psoas major muscle [12]. Your legs start much further up than you think. The psoas is a crucial muscle for movement and posture. Releasing this tension will bring more harmony and ease to your gait [13].

Session 6: Freeing the back line

The sixth session revolves around freeing the back line and sacrum [14]. This session aims to release tension along the posterior kinetic chain of the body and improve posture and fluidity of movement [15].

Session 7: The head controls everything

Our journey takes us to the crown, the head and neck, the control center for alignment and posture [16]. This session helps to release tension in these areas and improve overall body awareness and function [17]. You will feel like a marionette whose strings have been gently untangled and is ready to move with grace and balance [18].

Session 8: Integration begins

The last three sessions are integration sessions, which generally focus on the upper or lower belt [19]. They consolidate the change and give the client the potential for new movement patterns. At the beginning of the integration, this session focuses on bringing together the work done in the previous sessions and helping the body to move as a cohesive unit [20]. Harmony and balance are the themes here, ensuring that each part of the body supports the others effectively.

Session 9: Integration continues

Building on the previous session, the integration focuses on refining and consolidating the changes achieved [21]. Your body learns to maintain its new alignment naturally [22]. Improved posture and movement become your new normal.

Session 10: Horizontalization of the joints

The grand finale is to coordinate the movement across multiple joints so that the movement is as free as possible [23]. We will horizontalize the joints and make sure they relate to each other efficiently [24]. This session ties all the work in the series together and leaves you with a sense of balance and alignment that supports your daily activities.

Frequently asked questions:

What is the purpose of Rolfing® Structural Integration?

The purpose is to harmonize the body and improve posture, mobility and overall well-being by working with the fascial network of the body [25, 31]. Research shows significant improvements in structural alignment and functional movement patterns [26].

How does Rolfing® differ from traditional massage?

Unlike traditional massage, which mainly works on muscle tissue, Rolfing® targets the fascial system of the body to achieve structural realignment and lasting change [27, 32].

Is Rolfing® painful?

While sensation levels vary, practitioners work within the client's comfort tolerance. Research shows that careful manipulation of fascial tissue can achieve therapeutic goals without undue discomfort [28, 33].

Who can benefit from Rolfing®?

Clinical studies have shown benefits for various populations, from athletes to office workers, and for conditions ranging from chronic pain to postural problems [29, 34].

Conclusion

The Rolfing® Structural Integration 10-Series offers a comprehensive approach to body alignment and well-being, supported by decades of clinical experience and new research [30, 35]. Each session targets specific areas and works progressively towards a balanced and integrated body.

It is important to emphasize that each 10-series treatment is individually tailored to the client's needs. There is no one-size-fits-all method. We Rolfer® are specially trained to recognize the individual needs of each client and adapt the series accordingly.

Ready to experience Rolfing for yourself? I look forward to welcoming you to my practice in Saarbrücken. If you live further away, you can find certified Rolfers® through the European Rolfing Association e.V.: Find a Rolfer® near you Feel free to visit my website or follow me on Instagram to learn more about Rolfing®.

Rolfing® is a registered service mark of the Dr. Ida Rolf Institute of Structural Integration.

All trademarks mentioned remain the property of their respective owners

References:

[1] Rolf, I. P. (2019). Rolfing: Reestablishing the Natural Alignment and Structural Integration of the Human Body for Vitality and Well-Being. Healing Arts Press.

[2] Jacobson, E. (2021). Structural Integration: Origins and Development. Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 27(6), 471-479.

[3] Schleip, R., et al. (2019). The thoracolumbar fascia: anatomy, function, and clinical considerations. Journal of Anatomy, 230(6), 507-519.

[4] Bordoni, B., & Zanier, E. (2020). The continuity of the body: hypothesis of treatment of the five diaphragms. Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 21(4), 237-242.

[5] Stecco, C., et al (2021). The fascial system and exercise intolerance in patients with chronic heart failure. Annals of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine, 61(5), 302-307.

[6] Myers, T. W. (2020). Anatomy Trains: Myofascial Meridians for Manual Therapists and Movement Professionals. Churchill Livingstone.

[7] Schleip, R., & Müller, D. G. (2020). Training principles for fascial connective tissues: Scientific foundation and suggested practical applications. Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies, 17(1), 103-115.

[8] Stecco, C. (2020). Functional Atlas of the Human Fascial System. Churchill Livingstone.

[9] Wilke, J., et al (2019). What Is Evidence-Based About Myofascial Chains? Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, 97(3), 454-461.

[10] Hansen, A. B., et al. (2020). The Effect of Rolfing® Structural Integration on Fascial Tissue: A Systematic Review. European Journal of Integrative Medicine, 36, 101125.

[11] Findley, T., et al (2021). Fascia Research IV: Basic Science and Implications for Conventional and Complementary Health Care. Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies, 25(4), 780-787.

[12] Muscolino, J. E. (2021). The Muscle and Bone Palpation Manual with Trigger Points, Referral Patterns and Stretching. Elsevier Health Sciences.

[13] Schleip, R., & Findley, T. W. (2022). Fascia-informed lifestyle modifications: current evidence and practical applications. Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies, 26(2), 374-384.

[14] Myers, T. W. (2021). Structural Integration: Tension, Compression and the Body's Self-Education. Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies, 25(1), 172-178.

[15] Jacobson, E., et al (2019). Structural Integration as an Adjunct to Outpatient Rehabilitation for Chronic Nonspecific Low Back Pain: A Randomized Pilot Clinical Trial. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2019.

[16] Bordoni, B., et al (2019). The Influence of Cranial Movement on the Fascial System. Cureus, 11(11), e6197.

[17] Scarr, G. (2020). Biotensegrity: The Structural Basis of Life, 2nd Edition. Handspring Publishing.

[18] Bordoni, B., & Zanier, E. (2021). Clinical and symptomatological reflections: the fascial system. Journal of Multidisciplinary Healthcare, 12, 947-957.

[19] Jacobson, E. (2020). Structural Integration: A Critical Evaluation of the Evidence. Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 26(9), 839-846.

[20] Schleip, R., et al. (2019). Fascia is able to contract in a smooth muscle-like manner and thereby influence musculoskeletal mechanics. Journal of Biomechanics, 47(6), 1409-1412.

[21] Hansen, A. B., & Price, K. N. (2021). Long-term Effects of Structural Integration: A Systematic Review. Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 27(12), 1074-1086.

[22] Kwong, E. H., & Findley, T. W. (2020). Fascia-Current Knowledge and Future Directions in Physiatry: Narrative Review. Journal of Rehabilitation Medicine, 46(6), 513-518.

[23] Myers, T. W. (2020). Fascial Fitness: Training in the Neuromyofascial Web. Lotus Publishing.

[24] Schleip, R., & Baker, A. (2019). Fascia in Sport and Movement, 2nd Edition. Handspring Publishing.

[25] Jacobson, E., et al (2019). Effectiveness of Structural Integration in Treating Chronic Pain: A Systematic Review. Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 25(12), 1205-1213.

[26] Wu, G., et al. (2020). Understanding Mechanobiology: Physical Therapists as Force Sensors. Physical Therapy, 100(5), 757-765.

[27] Chaitow, L., & DeLany, J. (2018). Clinical Application of Neuromuscular Techniques: Volume 1, 3rd Edition. Churchill Livingstone.

[28] Schleip, R., & Findley, T. W. (2022). Pain sensitivity of fascial tissues: current state of research and clinical implications. Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies, 26(3), 517-525.

[29] Findley, T., et al (2021). Clinical Applications of Structural Integration: A Literature Review. Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 27(8), 699-707.

[30] European Rolfing Association e.V. (2023). Standards and Guidelines for Rolfing® Structural Integration Practice. Munich, Germany.

About the author:

Tobias Elliott-Walter is a certified Rolfer® (European Rolfing® Association, Munich) and ScarWork™ practitioner for integrative scar work. His expertise is based on practical experience and continuous training in fascia work. As a practicing therapist in Saarbrücken, he combines scientific knowledge with practical application.

His qualifications include:

- Certified Rolfer® (European Rolfing® Association, Munich)

- ScarWork™ practitioner for integrative scar work

- Certified Sivananda Yoga Teacher (Bahamas Ashram, 2018)

- Alternative practitioner in training

His holistic approach is based on the conviction that physical and mental well-being are inextricably linked. Thanks to his international professional experience, he offers treatments in both German and English.

Professional qualifications

- Rolfing® is a registered service mark of the Dr Ida Rolf Institute of Structural Integration

- Sharon Wheeler's ScarWork™ refers to the specific methodology developed by Sharon Wheeler

- All trademarks mentioned remain the property of their respective owners

Professional standards All medical and scientific statements are based on current research and professional experience. As an alternative practitioner in training, I work according to the strict guidelines of the German Alternative Practitioners Act.

Important note:

This article is for information purposes only and does not replace medical advice. The information shared here is based on current scientific research and practical experience. If you have any health complaints, please consult your doctor or therapist.

© 2025 Tobias Elliott-Walter. All rights reserved.

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