Dr. Ida Rolf Institute

We are the school where changing lives becomes a reality

At the heart of the Dr. Ida Rolf Institute® is a dedication to the discipline of Structural Integration, a form of holistic manual therapy that focuses on the fascia. Pioneered by Dr. Ida Rolf in the 1970s, the ten-session approach she developed is the core of this rapidly growing field in the bodywork sphere. Her founding philosophy and practice of aligning the body in gravity continue to underpin our dynamic and multi-modal curriculum today.

As a thought leader in somatic therapy, our passion is teaching how to positively change lives, building a community of caring practitioners who can guide others in discovering a way to move with ease.

History of the Dr. Ida Rolf Institute

Established in 1971, the Dr. Ida Rolf Institute (DIRI) is a nonprofit corporation, organized and existing under the laws of California and Colorado. Recognized by the U.S. Government as a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt, educational and scientific research organization, DIRI is headquartered in Boulder, Colorado, and periodically sponsors additional trainings in other locations. DIRI has four international licensees with regional offices in Germany, Brazil, Japan and Canada that offer programs compatible with trainings sponsored in the U.S. Find out more about Dr. Ida Rolf.

What is Rolfing® Structural Integration?

Named after its founder, Dr. Ida P. Rolf, Rolfing® Structural Integration is a form of bodywork that reorganizes the connective tissues, called fascia, that permeate the entire body.

More than fifty years ago, Dr. Rolf recognized that the body is inherently a system of seamless networks of tissues rather than a collection of separate parts. These connective tissues surround, support and penetrate all of the muscles, bones, nerves and organs. Rolfing Structural Integration works on this web-like complex of connective tissues to release, realign and balance the whole body, thus potentially resolving discomfort, reducing compensations and alleviating pain. Rolfing SI aims to restore flexibility, revitalize your energy and leave you feeling more comfortable in your body.

Essentially, the Rolfing process enables the body to regain the natural integrity of its form, thus enhancing postural efficiency and your freedom of movement.

Certifications and Accreditation

The Institute sets high standards for candidates, students in training, and members as reflected by its Code of Ethics, Standards of Practice, and Continuing Education.

The Rolfing® Certification Program is accredited by The Commission on Massage Therapy Accreditation. To graduate from an accredited program all three phases of the program must be attended at The Rolf Institute in Boulder, CO. Regional and International programs are not accredited by COMTA.

As a school, it is approved and regulated by the Colorado Department of Higher Education Division of Private Occupational Schools.

The Rolf Institute is approved by the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB) as a continuing education provider under category A.

The Rolf Institute is approved by the Colorado State Approving Agency for Veteran’s Education and Training benefits.

The Rolf Institute is approved by the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment to provide services to clients of the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR). Only the Rolfing Certification Program offered solely in Boulder, Colorado is eligible for benefits. 

The Rolf Institute is an equal opportunity organization and as such does not discriminate based on age, disability, race, color, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or national or ethnic origin.

Research of Rolfing® Structural Integration

Rolfing Structural Integration has been the subject of research studies at several major universities, including Harvard Medical School, the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA), Stanford School of Medicine, and the University of Sao Paulo. These studies demonstrate the positive effects of Rolfing Structural Integration. Learn more about our research efforts.