Ida Rolf, a biochemist, developed Rolfing over 50 years ago. Unlike traditional massage methods, Rolfing targets fascias, sheets of connective tissue that surround and support muscle. Rolfers believe that the way you use your body and your body's response to trauma and gravity cause the fascia to thicken and pull the body out of alignment. Rolfing aims to rebalance body alignment and posture. During a session, pressure is applied using the palms, fingers and occasionally the forearms to connective tissue to correct misalignments caused by injury, physical tension or emotional trauma. The sessions can be intense but at the conclusion of the session, any discomfort subsides and the patient should experience no soreness. Rolfing may help to improve a person's ease of movement and flexibility. Research shows that Rolfing relieves chronic stress. Rolfing is usually done in a series of 10-12 visits with a specific goal for each session. The Rolf Institute in Boulder, CO certifies rolfers.