Structural Integration was developed by Dr. Ida Rolf in the 1960’s. The basis for this work came from her research into the properties of connective tissue called fascia. This fascia has thixotropic properties, meaning it can change forms with the addition of energy, change shape, and return to its original state.
Practitioners of this work take advantage of this property by using manual, direct manipulation techniques to help improve the body’s relationship to gravity. Patterns of movement and injury can cause less than optimal function between body segments and joints. The goal of Structural Integration is to improve alignment and functionality. The work is done in a series of 10 sessions.
The 10 series:
Structural Integration is classically done in a series of 10 hour-length sessions. Each session has a different body part focus and set of goals.
This is an abbreviated outline of each session:
Session 1. Open up the front of the body. Superficial layer fascia
Session 2. Lower body and feet. Relationship with ground, stability.
Sessions 3. Hip and shoulder girdle relationship.
Sessions 4. Inside of the legs and pelvic floor stability.
Session 5. Core and abdomen
Session 6. Back and spine
Session 7. Face, head and neck
Session 8. Lower body integration
Session 9. Upper body integration
Session 10. Whole body integration
While this is the framework or recipe, each session will vary greatly for different bodies and people. For those interested in experiencing this work, the first session is an excellent stand alone session. It is your choice to do this work, and our honor to do it. You will find there is no pressure to do all 10. It is simply a framework that has been successfully employed in the past. Phone consultations are welcome and encouraged prior to starting the work.
Metroland Article
Nick is featured in this weeks Metroland Health and Wellness article. We've always avoied the word wellness because it sounds corney but I suppose it's here to stay. The editorial features Nick with a simple explanation of Structural Integration.
"People choose Structural Integration or Rolf Bodywork for a variety of reasons. The most common goals are to regain easy and natural movement and the desire to feel more at home in the body.
Structural Integration looks at the body as a system of tension and compression, a dynamic relation to gravity. Practitioners see pain as the result of dysfunction. The byproduct of improving function is often decreased pain.
I've been a licensed massage therapist for 14 years. I spent the early part of my career chasing pain without any real sense of what was causing it. The training in Structural Integration gave me the skills to evaluate a body and it's patterns and see what causes soft tissue pain.
Grace and ease are the trademarks of alignment. Movement is pleasure in a balanced body and Structural Integration can be a tool to re-establish your body's natural potential."