The goal of Rolfing is to release the body from learned patterns of movement and tension that cause dysfunction and pain.

A key principle behind the work is that fascia tightens from chronic dysfunctional movement and imbalanced muscular tension, resulting in contracture. Over time, the tightened fascia becomes shortened with disorganized collagen, constricting muscle contraction and relaxation, and consequently constricting the movement across a given joint.

Rolfing is a hands-on treatment that is distinct from massage in its focus on releasing fascia—the soft tissue surrounding muscles—with the aims to improve postural alignment and reduce pain.

It is meant to produce long-term changes in the biomechanics of the body.