Rolfing is a form of deep-tissue manipulation developed by Ida Rolf in the 1940s and 1950s. While some rolfing practitioners maintain that it can help with endometriosis, the Rolf Institute makes no such claims. There are no peer-reviewed, evidence-based studies on this issue. Alternative practitioners, who are not in the business of rolfing, tend to steer away from making such assertions. For example, "The Endometriosis Natural Treatment Program: A Complete Self-Help Plan for Improving Health and Well-Being," states that rolfing is too hard on the body and should be avoided by people with endometriosis, especially those with scar tissue from this disease.
Rolfing
Rolfing involves the manipulation of fascia, the connective tissue that surrounds muscle fiber. Rolfing proponents believe that fascia can rigidly hold muscles in unnatural positions, increasing muscular aches and pains. During a series of 10 sessions, a rolfer applies direct pressure to the fascia with the goal of re-establishing balance so the body can move more fluidly. Proponents claims that this experience affects the whole person, physically, emotionally and energetically.
Endometriosis
The interior lining of the uterus includes endometrial cells. These cells normally grow inside the female uterus and are shed during menstruation. For women with endometriosis, endometrial cells migrate outside the uterus and continue growing anywhere in the pelvic area, including the ovaries, bowel, rectum and bladder. Since these growths are not discharged, they can make sex painful and pregnancy impossible.
Treatment
Conventional treatment for endometriosis depends upon the severity of the condition and whether the woman intends to become pregnant. If the condition is mild, nothing more may be needed other than an occasional over-the-counter pain reliever. If the pain is very severe, hormonal treatments may be necessary. In some instances, a gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist is helpful because it lowers estrogen levels. These growths are estrogen-dependent. By lowering estrogen levels, endometrial growth is inhibited. For some women, surgery is necessary.
Suggestion
Endometriosis is relatively common. WomensHealth.gov estimates that more than 5 million women in the U.S. are affected. If you have extremely painful menstruation or if sex is painful, talk to your gynecologist. The diagnostic workup for endometriosis may include a pelvic exam, ultrasound and laparoscopy. Although this is incurable without surgery, in many instances, symptoms can be managed.
References
- Rolf Institute of Structural Integration: FAQs
- "The Endometriosis Natural Treatment Program: A Complete Self-Help Plan for Improving Health and Well-Being"; Valerie Ann Worwood and Julia Stonehouse; 2007
- National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases; Back Pain; July 2010
- The Guild for Structural Integration: Ida P. Rolf, Ph.D
- PubMed Health: Endometriosis
- WomensHealth.gov; Endometriosis Fact Sheet; November 2009
