Pediatric Rolfing

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About Dr. Ida P. Rolf

Founder of the Rolf Method of Structural Integration

The Woman Who Revolutionized the Power of Touch

Dr. Ida P. Rolf, a pioneering biochemist and visionary healer, forever changed the way we understand the human body. Through decades of research and practice, she developed what is now known as the Rolf Method of Structural Integration — a unique approach that uses precise touch to free the body from patterns of tension, they have either inherited or acquired through life’s tribulations Her work laid the foundation for what we now call Rolfing®, a practice that has helped thousands of people — from infants to adults — live freer, with more balanced bodies & lives.

A Legacy of Science, Structure, and Spirit

Dr. Rolf earned her Ph.D. in Biochemistry from Columbia University in 1916 and went on to conduct groundbreaking research at the Rockefeller Institute. Her scientific background gave her a deep understanding of how the body’s connective tissues shape health and movement. Combining her knowledge of anatomy, movement, and physics, she discovered that when the body’s structure is aligned with gravity, energy flows more freely — resulting in better health, coordination, and emotional balance.

Her Vision for Children and Families

One of Dr. Rolf’s most heartfelt beliefs was that the benefits of Rolfing should begin early — even from birth. She often emphasized that the physical patterns formed in infancy can shape how we stand, move, and feel throughout life.

Inspired by this philosophy, Robert Toporek, one of her direct students, expanded her legacy by developing Pediatric Rolfing — a specialized approach to support babies, children, and entire families through gentle structural work.

“When you change a child’s structure, you give them freedom for a lifetime.”
— Dr. Ida P. Rolf

Continuing Her Mission

Today, Robert Toporek and many other Rolfers worldwide continue Dr. Rolf’s mission — bringing compassionate touch and structural integration to people of all ages. Her teachings live on through practitioners, educational programs, and families who have experienced firsthand how Rolfing transforms the way we live in our bodies.

Visual Story

This page will include archival photos, quotes, and possibly a timeline graphic showing Dr. Rolf’s journey — from her early studies to the creation of the Rolf Institute and the continuation of her work through Robert Toporek.