Skip to content
Therascout

Language

Therascout
What are you looking for?
Sign inSign up
Emergency: 144

Rolfing / Structural integration

Rolfing, also called structural integration, is bodywork that uses slow, deep pressure on the connective tissue (fascia). The aim is a more upright, easier posture and better body awareness. Classically, it consists of a series of ten sessions.

therapists
2
session length
60–90 min

Therascout does not diagnose. Have new, severe or persistent complaints checked by a doctor first. Emergency: 144

Origin and approach

The method was developed from the 1950s onwards by the American biochemist Ida Rolf. It assumes that working on the fascia helps the body align better with gravity. These ideas have been little studied scientifically so far.

What a session is like

Length: 60–90 min
  1. At the start, your posture and the way you stand and walk are assessed, often with photos as well.
  2. You lie on a table in your underwear or light clothing.
  3. The tissue is worked slowly and deeply with the fingers, hands and elbows, while you sometimes make small movements.
  4. Each session in the series has its own focus, such as breathing, legs or back.

Rolfing / Structural integration: what is it used for?

  • Posture problems: this is the method's main focus; studies on it are few and small.
  • Back pain: some people report relief, but there is little research.
  • Chronic pain: the method is sometimes used as a complement; solid evidence is lacking.

How well is the effect supported?

Complaints for which this method is commonly used, sorted by the state of research. The rating shows how well the effect is supported, not whether it will help you.

What do the dots mean?
Established
recommended in guidelines, well studied
Some evidence
effect shown in studies, with limitations
Limited evidence
few or weak studies
Traditional use
used, but hardly studied

The rating covers the research, not the therapist.

Therapists: Rolfing / Structural integration

  • Beat Frei

    Demo

    Praxis Frei

    Save

    Save Beat Frei?

    With a free account, your saved therapists, your compare list and your health insurer stay available on all your devices.
    Create account
    • 4.7(3)
    • Biel/Bienne
    • Languages: de
    Rolfing / Structural integrationManual lymphatic drainageConnective tissue massage
    EMRASCA
    Price
    CHF 60–130
    Next appointment
    Available Wed, 14 Oct

  • Sophie Clément

    Demo

    Cabinet Clément

    Save

    Save Sophie Clément?

    With a free account, your saved therapists, your compare list and your health insurer stay available on all your devices.
    Create account
    • Geneva
    • Languages: fr · en
    Rolfing / Structural integrationClassical massageMedical massage
    EMRASCA
    Price
    CHF 63–135

Costs and health insurance

Basic insurance
usually not.
Supplementary insurance
often 50–80% with EMR- or ASCA-recognised therapists, often up to an annual maximum.
Your insurer
Each profile shows which insurers recognise the therapist.
Price per session
Practices set their own prices; you can see them in each profile.
Recognitions explained →

Good to know

  • The classic series has ten sessions, usually one to three weeks apart; you can also try a single session first.
  • The pressure can be intense; temporary soreness or bruising is possible.
  • Mention osteoporosis, blood thinners, thrombosis, acute inflammation or pregnancy beforehand; have new or severe pain checked by a doctor first.

Training and recognition in Switzerland

Structural integration is a method of complementary therapy recognised by OdA KT; there is a federal diploma for complementary therapists (Komplementärtherapeut:in mit eidg. Diplom). Rolfing is the brand name of one school of this method. Supplementary insurers usually only contribute if the therapist is registered with EMR or ASCA.

Related methods