The founder of Rolfing, Ida Rolf, received her Ph.D. in biochemistry from Columbia University in 1920. She went on to further her research in organic chemistry at the Rockefeller Institute as one of very few women working in the field. Driven to find solutions to her own health problems as well as those of her two sons, she then began studying and experimenting with different systems of healing and manipulation.

She explored many forms of alternative healing including homeopathy, osteopathy, chiropractics and yoga. The notion that proper alignment, physiologic function and anatomical structure are related is the basis of many of these healing methods.

She believed that the imbalances in structure placed demands on the body’s pervasive network of soft tissues: muscles, fascia, tendons and ligaments, thereby creating compensations throughout the body structure.

Dr. Rolf posed this question: “What conditions must be fulfilled in order for the human body-structure to be organized and integrated in gravity so that the whole person can function in the most optimal and economical way?”

Her life’s work was devoted to this investigation, which led to the system of soft tissue manipulation and movement education known as Structural Integration or Rolfing. In order to pass along her work to others and to make the education process accessible, she developed an expedient series of ten sessions, which came to be known as The 10-Series.

Dr. Rolf passed away in 1979 after 50 years of study and work. She continues to be recognized as a pioneer and leader in soft tissue manipulation and movement education. It is estimated that more than a million people have been Rolfed to date.