History:
Structural integration was founded on the research and ideas of Ida Rolf. Interested in finding solutions for her own health problems, Dr. Rolf spent years studying and experimenting with different systems and techniques. The notion that proper body alignment and physiological functions are closely related forms the basis of this holistic therapeutic system of soft-tissue manipulation and movement.
This system of body therapy, known as Rolfing, seeks to address imbalances within the body that place greater demands on muscles and connective tissues.
Modality:
Unlike massage, Structural Integration works by manipulating the connective tissue, known as fascia. Fascia is a very complex and often misunderstood tissue that is essential for stability and movement. Composed of a web of fibrous, gluey, wet proteins that permeate the entire body encasing, separating and stabilizing the muscles, bones and internal organs and acting as a biomechanical regulatory system.
Structural Integration is a system of body therapy that balances the body by lengthening and adjusting the position of the fascia, allowing muscles to move and contract with greater efficiency in accordance with Rolph’s initial postulation.
During a session, practitioners will apply pressure to targeted areas of the body, working and manipulating the fascia in a systematic manner. When the force and pressure restricting the fascia is released, it is able to return to a more structurally optimal position.
The fascia acts as a distributive network for the forces and compression that the body is subject to during athletic exertion, traumatic physical events or accidents and even everyday activities. Fascia that is no longer able to distribute compressive forced effectively can result in misalignment issues that may lead to physical inefficiency, muscle stiffness and discomfort or chronic aches and pains.
Structural Integration seeks to restore the body to proper alignment through a series of sessions that involved balancing the body in segments, before returning to a vertical alignment.
Benefits:
The potential benefits of structural integration can include enhanced flexibility, restored or expanded range of motion, improved balance and breathing capacity and a greater sense of energy and self-confidence.
Structural Integration is a unique process for each participant, and no two people will have the same experience or benefits. This body therapy process can be used to alleviate or reduce feelings of pain, fatigue and discomfort, and may even produce physical changes as the body is restored to proper alignment.
What to Expect:
Structural Integration is performed over multiple sessions, each one being about an hour in length. Ideally, these sessions should be scheduled once a week without interruption.