What is the difference between massage and Rolfing® Structural Integration?

In order to determine a difference, one has to ask “What is the same?”.

Both massage and Rolfing® involve touching the body. This is generally called “bodywork”.

But that is where the similarity ends.

Structural Integrators have separate, specialized training, that is different from massage therapy training. Yes, we both touch the body, but Structural Integrators are taught to be instruments of change of bodily structure (called Structural Integration for that reason) and taught to notice minute changes of posture, of balance, of the effects of gravity, interactions between fascial layers that often are far from where the “problem” can manifest. Our training consists of looking at the body as a holistic system, and with a keen eye, sensitive hands, and listening heart, we help change a human being for the better, to allow that person to exists easier, better, in the field of gravity.

So, that is the difference, Structural Integration is a separate pursuit from massage, with its own goals, methods, training, schools, culture, and results.

There is an Association for Structural Integrators which approves training programs. That Association is called the "International Association of Structural Integrators" (IASI). I studied at the Dr. Ida Rolf Institute, which is an IASI approved institution. If a person claiming to be a Structural Integrator is a member of IASI, or is affiliated with an IASI approved institution, then at the very least this means that they have trained in a reputable school that teaches Structural Integration. Contact us today to schedule your Rolfing® Structural Integration sessions!