Rolfing structural integration treatment of cervical spine dysfunction
From: J Bodyw Mov Ther. 2009 Jul;13(3):229-38
Misalignments in the body compromise the architectural integrity. At the tissue level, fascia shortens and thickens as the body engages in compensatory strategies to maintain itself upright; these changes are known as myofascial contractions. In physical therapy, there are several methods by which practitioners treat neck dysfunction. However, studies showing the effect of those techniques are limited. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of rolfing structural integration in neck motion and pain levels of 31 subjects who received rolfing structural integration. Rolfing structural integration is a type of therapy that focuses on aligning the human body with gravity.
This retrospective study, over a period of 3 years of clinical practice, analyzes changes in motion and pain levels at the neck for 31 subjects who completed the rolfing structural integration in 10 basic sessions. Participants were evaluated before and after they received rolfing structural integration. The data collected included: age, sex, occupation, referral source, diagnosis, height, weight, photographs of postural views, range of motion, pain, and functional complaints. Range of motion was assessed with the use of an arthordial protractor.
The mean pain levels and active range of motion of the neck before rolfing structural integration significantly changed after the treatment: there was a decrease in pain and an increase in active range of motion. Pain levels/active range of motion-age within-subject effect demonstrated significant difference only in pain at best and rotation right; the mean pain levels in the older group decreased by 67%, and the mean active range of motion for rotation right in the younger group increased by 34%. In this sample, pain now was reduced more than pain best and pain worst. Increased motion for lateral flexion was more than rotation, extension, and flexion. This investigation demonstrates that the basic 10 sessions of rolfing structural integration, when applied by a physical therapist with advanced rolfing structural integration certification, is capable of significantly decreasing pain and increasing active range of motion in adult subjects, male and female, with complaints of neck dysfunction regardless of age.
