I was amazed at how good the poses felt. Down dog actually felt like a really deep stretch from my Achilles to deep into my shoulders, rather than the torturous pose it used to be. My hamstrings and hips have remained loose after the SI work we did this summer. I feel like I can go deeper in both Warriors I and II, which only encourages me to continue with my practice. Its amazing how working through the "trouble spots" seems to have released my whole body, which in turn has had a positive impact on my yoga practice."
-Stephanie P.

The Ida P. Rolf Research Foundation encourages and supports interdisciplinary, scientifically sound research focusing on the therapeutic mechanisms, clinical effects, longer-term health effects, and utilization of Structural Integration, a therapeutic method designed to evoke whole body improvement of function and well-being.  Foundation grant-making focuses on bringing together scientific, medical, and related professionals with practitioners of Structural Integration at several levels to explore, define, verify and expand the scientific bases of Dr. Rolf’s concepts and their role in improving the human condition.

Thomas Findley MD, PhD Executive Director of the Ida P Rolf Research Foundation, recently reported plans on hiring a part-time administrative director based at the Executive Director's office In Livingston, New Jersey. "We now have, after the foundation has finished it's full second year, the financial resources to establish this as a full time position, if necessary," said Findley.

The Foundation’s inaugural event was the First International Fascia Research Congress (FRC) in October 2007. The conference was dedicated to fascia in all its forms and functions and drew 700 people from 28 countries. In 2008, the Fascia Research Congress came under the umbrella of the Foundation and continues to bring scientists and clinicians together to share their ideas and explorations.

The Second FRC convened in Amsterdam in 2009 and was attended by 550 people from 40 countries attended. The Third International Fascia Research Congress will be held March 28-30, 2012 in Vancouver.  There are now 5,000 people on the FRC email list. 

Representatives from The Solberg Center will attend the 2012 event in Vancouver and look forward to seeing others at the conference while we all expand, incorporate and promote Dr. Ida P. Rolf's vision.

Visit The Solberg Center Website to read articles about Rolf Structural Integration research or find a practitioner.

I suppose if we, practitioners of the Rolf Method of Structural Integration, were questioned as to "why we perform the work we do", the answers would be varied but supporting a common theme. Maybe it would be that we are the natural evolution of the pioneering work of Dr. Ida Rolf, or that we are natural nurturers, etc.
However, the prevalent theme would seem to be the gratification we receive when a client comes to us, more often than not, as a knock on the door of the last house on the block, for some form of relief. Then finds that relief!
My latest example would have to be a recent client, a 17 year old female, suffering from scoliosis. As a high school student, she found it almost unbearable to sit in a school desk, unable to focus or concentrate due to the pain of her condition.
As a parent I know I would entertain any possibility and be willing to go to whatever length necessary in search of help for my children and hers are certainly no exception. They made the drive from Oklahoma to Plano for their daughters session. Her spinal curvature was so severe that not only was it extremely painful, her self-esteem was suffering because she didn't think she "looked cute in her clothes anymore."
She bravely embraced her first session in our Plano, TX center and immediately began to report positive results.
She was also able to sit and focus for the hours necessary in a school desk to take the ACT exam.
After two more sessions she reported that all of her pain is gone, and her spinal curvature was lessening. Smiling, she even said she "looked cute in her clothes again."
Why do we perform the work we do? Her smile was the only answer I needed.

The Solberg Center for Structural Integration has recently produced a new series of videos.  We have had them professionally shot and edited.  We are most proud of the 4 part series of a demonstration of a session including analysis and before and after pictures.  There are videos of Virginia and I sharing our heart about our mission and vision and two really important interviews of my father Ken Solberg, Certified Advanced Rolfer since 1974 and personally trained by Dr. Ida Rolf.

"ROLFING and PHYSICAL REALITY" by Dr. Ida Rolf

Excerpt and Comments by Dallas Rolf Practitioner Michael Solberg

 Solberg Center for Structural Integration

"Rolfing seeks to enhance function by changing structure. As Rolfers, we see that bones are held in place by soft tissue -- muscles, ligaments, tendons, etc. If a muscle is chronically short, it will pull the attached bone out of balance. Repositioning the bone is not enough; the individual muscle and allied tissue must be lengthened if the change is to be permanent. In addition, when one part is in trouble, when one part is in trouble, the body as a whole gets out of balance." 
Dr. Ida P. Rolf PhD

reader's comments: As a Practitioner of Rolf's Structural Integration, I love this quote as it makes very clear and simple that the bones are passive to the soft tissue. Later in this chapter of her book, "Rolfing and Physical Reality", Dr. Rolf explains that soft muscle tissue is in fact passive to the fascia connective tissue. This explanation of fascia governing the organization and balance of bones and muscles is how I like to explain the difference between Structural Integration work and Massage Therapy (muscle release therapy) or Chiropractic (skeletal manipulation). It is easy to see why fascia reordering is so lasting when reading her explanations of fascia being the "organ of support and organ of shape". 

For more information or to order this book contact us:

info@solbergcenter.com              or visit our website

972-398-3430