Rolfing involves manipulation of the major muscle groups and their connective tissue, called fascia. This manipulation is designed to bring the body’s soft tissue to its anatomically efficient position. The induced changes are eventually made permanent by the more efficient patterns of movement, which result. The net effect is a significant decrease in the amount of stress experienced in the body
during both normal and strenuous activities. In order to understand Rolfing, it is important to consider the nature of fascia. The word fascia comes from Latin and means “bands.” Fascia forms a continuous network throughout every part of the body. Deep fascia, as the name suggests, is found deep inside the body. It surrounds and attaches itself to the various interior structures of the body: the membranes that cover the bones, the membranes that envelop each primary bundle of muscle fibers, ligaments, vessels, nerves, bursa, lymph nodes, viscera, joints, and cartilage. In the muscles, it forms walls and separates the major muscle groups. It functions as a system of protection, padding, insulation, separation, and support for various body tissues and organs and the nerves and vessels that run through them.
