I. Rolfing vs. Chiropractic care – what’s the difference?
Many people seeking pain relief and body alignment turn to chiropractic care or Rolfing®. When exploring options for pain relief and improved body function, these two therapies often come into consideration. While both aim to enhance well-being, they differ significantly in techniques, focus areas, treatment outcomes, and long-term effects. Understanding these differences can help you make an informed decision about which therapy aligns best with your health goals.
II. Rolfing vs. Chiropractic Care: 3 Important Differences
Chiropractic care centers on diagnosing and treating spinal kinetic imbalances, particularly those related to the spine. Chiropractors perform spinal adjustments or manipulations to correct misalignments (subluxations), aiming to restore proper nerve function and alleviate pain. This approach is rooted in the belief that spinal health impacts overall bodily function.
Chiropractic Approach: Joint Manipulation & Adjustments
- Chiropractors primarily focus on the spinal column and joint alignment, often treating localized discomfort.
- Treatments involve low or high-velocity spinal adjustments to reposition misaligned joints.
- Adjustments can offer relief, but symptoms often return without addressing the surrounding fascia (connective tissue) imbalances.
- Chiropractic care may include electro-stimulation, ultrasound therapy, and other passive modalities that can provide relief but don’t always lead to long-term structural changes.
Rolfing® Approach: Soft Tissue & Fascia Reorganization
- Rolfing® works on fascia (connective tissue), not just the bones and joints.
- Instead of forceful joint manipulation, a hands-on systematic approach releases tension and realigns the body naturally.
- Rolfing® promotes long-term postural and movement improvements by reorganizing the entire body system.
- This approach is full spectrum rather than focusing on isolated problem areas, allowing for better integration and function throughout the body.
The Bigger Picture: The Body as an Interconnected System
- Pain or discomfort in one area often originates from imbalances elsewhere in the body via fascia (connective tissue) with the nervous system.
- Unlike chiropractic adjustments that focus on immediate joint realignment, Rolfing® looks at the root causes of fascia (connective tissue) misalignment in relationship to nervous system inefficiencies to help the body find a more sustainable balance rather than repeated adjustments.
III. The RolfPros Recover Right, Perform Better Program
A Comprehensive Alternative to Chiropractic Adjustments
At RolfPros, we take a full-body functional approach to healing. The Recover Right, Perform Better Program includes:
- FMS™ Screen (Functional Movement Screening) – Free Initial Assessment
- Identifies mobility and stability imbalances.
- Provides a data-driven baseline for treatment.
- SFMA™ (Selective Functional Movement Assessment)
- A 10-item full-body movement analysis to identify dysfunctions before treatment begins.
- Rolfing® Therapy for Connective Tissue Reorganization
- Releases tight fascia restores postural alignment, and enhances mobility and stability.
- LiteCure XLI Laser Therapy (If Needed)
- Uses photobiomodulation to reduce pain and inflammation naturally. This safe, pain-free class IV laser treatment strengthens damaged tissue, and stimulates ATP (adenosine triphosphate) inside the cell, providing immediate relief for many myofascial pain symptoms, inflammation, and joint disorders.
- RockTape™ Kinesiology Taping
- Improves blood flow, reduces swelling, corrects dysfunctional fascia patterns, and enhances movement mechanics.
- Corrective Movement Therapy
- Incorporates neuro-therapeutic corrective exercises to restore function and movement.
IV. Why Choose RolfPros Over Chiropractic Care?
Why Choose RolfPros?
RolfPros was founded by Fred Nehring, Certified Advanced Rolfer®, who has been in private practice since 2011. Through his Recover Right Program—which integrates FMS™ Screen, Rolfing®, LiteCure XLI Laser Therapy, RockTape™, and Reactive Neuromuscular Training (RNT)—he has helped hundreds of clients overcome physical rehabilitation challenges, sports injuries, and musculoskeletal issues.
What Sets RolfPros Apart?
- Integrative, Full-Body Focus – RolfPros doesn’t just address isolated pain points. We focus on the entire body’s alignment and movement patterns, creating long-term improvements in function and strength.
- Sustained Results – While chiropractic adjustments may provide relief, RolfPros’ Recover Right Program targets underlying fascia (connective) tissue imbalances, leading to lasting postural and structural improvements that keep you moving pain-free.
- Deeply Effective, Non-Forceful Techniques – Unlike low-high-velocity chiropractic manipulations, Rolfing®, and soft tissue techniques work with the body—to restore natural alignment without forceful adjustments.
- Function-Driven Recovery – We take a test-treat-retest approach to track your progress. Instead of just managing symptoms, we build better movement patterns for sustainable recovery and injury prevention.
- Tailored Approach for Active Lifestyles – Whether you’re an athlete, fitness enthusiast, or someone suffering from chronic pain and looking to move better, RolfPros delivers a Recover Right treatment plan that blends manual therapy, photobiomodulation laser therapy, kinesiology taping, and movement retraining to enhance performance and prevent injuries.
Commit to Performance. Commit to Recovery.
You have to decide to be successful. Today’s athletes must commit to exceeding their performance goals day in and day out – just like they do with proper nutrition, training smarter (not harder), and recovering right. It’s not a sometime thing; it’s an all-time thing.