Ida Rolf developed a systematic way of looking at and working with the body. This recipe starts more superficially in the initial sessions to prepare and open the body for deeper work in later sessions.
 
Unique to Rolfing is integration after opening and releasing the body, creating more space and available movement. The person needs to learn how to use all that new ability and form new, more efficient, graceful and pain-free movement patterns. Integrating the body by teaching it better ways to move allows it to let go of habitual patterns that have led to discomfort. More natural movement patterns can develop that require less energy or extraneous movements, so the body can reach improved alignment. When the body is well aligned, it is able to maintain balance and function in gravity with minimal muscular effort.