There are 2 main differences: the quality of touch and the intention behind it. The touch employed during a massage is characterised by the application of force and sliding along the skin - helpful for temporarily warming up the body and that's about it.

Rolfing involves a very different quality of touch. There's no sliding along the skin whatsoever and pressure is only applied to connect to the layer of tissue requiring attention. Once established, it's simply a matter of maintaining the connection as the tissues release and the tension melts away.

What is Rolfing massage? Simple - it doesn't exist! As explained in the question above, Rolfing treatment involves a drastically different quality of touch with a drastically different intention; resulting in a drastically different outcome. A bicycle and a bus are both modes of transportation, but the similarities end there.

No. Rolfing remodels your tissues in real time. The benefits are permanent; and whether or not they remain is entirely determined by the client and the lifestyle they lead. Rolfing stays with you, every step of the way.

Medical treatment comes in two forms: medicine and surgery. All other forms of healthcare, such as Rolfing & massage, are collectively known as complementary therapies as they are seen to complement mainstream medical care. The Rolfing method is unique amongst chronic pain management techniques as Rolfing treatment involves hands-on fascial tissue manipulation alone. As such it's best thought of as an alternative to medical treatment (medicine & surgery) and not as alternative medicine.

Absolutely. Most clients find Rolfing to be an ideal complement to other treatments they receive. In fact, most clients report that the benefits they derive from their existing treatments dramatically increase after they've begun Rolfing. Whatever the case, Rolfing works with you to deliver the solution you've been searching for.