STRUCTURAL INTEGRATION
Structural Integration Packages
Packages must be paid on the first session or at the time of booking the first appointment.
Sessions lasts approximately 90 minutes.
By Appointment Only
Wed, Thur, Fri, Sun
THE PROCESS
How is the 10 session series structured for me?
Each session 1-10 have specific goals for success in the following session. While the goals remain the same for the most part, the way of achieving the goal is different for every individual.
The 10 series of Structural Integration can be broken down into 3 parts.
Part 1 (Sessions 1-3)
Emphasis on balancing and freeing the external layers of the body, balancing the shoulders, creating support in the feet and legs. By freeing and balancing our arms and legs we are creating space for the “core” of the body allowing expansion upward and outward.
Part 2 (Sessions 4-7)
The “core” sessions focus on freeing deeper restrictions in the musculoskeletal system. This is where holding patterns and emotions can be held unconsciously in the tissue. The core structures of the body are not only located in the abdomen, but they are all tissue that assists us in subconscious function, breath, digestion, balance, and standing erect are just some of their traits.
Part 3 (Sessions 8-10)
Integration Sessions. Now that the body has received work throughout it is time to re-educate the newly balanced structure to continue to balance itself. Left to right, front to back, top to bottom, diagonally, and most importantly inner and outer “core and sleeve”. New movement patterns are introduced, and integrating a deeper sense of how movement in one part of the body effects the entire body.
What happens when the 10 series is over?
Upon completion of the Structural Integration series, the body continues integrating for the next 4-6 months, or longer depending on how much you “live” the newly introduced concepts of movement. Taking time off is recommended but a client is free to receive follow up work when they feel necessary, after 6 months, good upkeep could be every 3 weeks to a month.
In the case of scoliosis, scar tissue, or other debilitating cases continuing the work with focused intervention on the issue can be beneficial, and in some cases necessary.
Common Questions
What is Structural Integration?
Structural Integration, (SI), is a process of freeing deep rooted, dehydrated, stuck fascia. When fascial adhesions are freed, the body is able to experience expansion, more mobility and decreased sensation of discomfort/pain. Dr Ida Rolf, the creator of SI, determined that the constant force of gravity pressing down on a disorganized structure was sure to increase chaos and ensure failure. By freeing the fascial system (the organ of form), the body is balanced and less force of gravity affects daily movement patterns.
Does Structural Integration Hurt?
With SI the client is likely to experience touch on a very deep layer. While pain can be associated with the work, it is most likely a "hurts good" sensation. Often, pleasure from the release outweighs the initial pain of a contacted area(s). Pain can not only manifest itself physically but emotionally as well. Emotions can and are stored in the tissue of the body. Emotional, physical, and environmental trauma can be released during a session; proper care needs to be taken with any emotional responses that may arise throughout this process. Realizing old issues can be difficult without the proper resources.
How Many Sessions Does It Take?
Structural Integration is typically done in a 10 or 12 session series. Each session has a goal that is designed to lead into the next. The goals for everyone remain the same for the session but the means of accomplishing the goal is unique to the clients body, and what they need to progress successfully in the sessions.
Sessions are typically done 1 week apart but could be bi-monthly or even 2 sessions per week, (the ladder is less common and can be a lot to process for someone).
If you aren’t sure about the 10-12 week commitment, I recommend at least 3 sessions. 3 sessions give time to accomplish the goals established from the client and offer a chance for the client to get familiar with the Rolf method of Structural Integration.
Stand alone “fix it” sessions can be done, and while relief can be accomplished in 1 session, most likely there are deep rooted issues that need to be addressed, which take time. The fascial system is truly an interconnected system and should be treated as such.
What Should I Expect? What Should I Wear?
Structural Integration sessions typically run 90 minutes.
Sessions start with a body assessment, visual assessment of the skeletal system is very beneficial in creating a plan of treatment for misalignments, imbalances, and overall tonicity throughout the body, followed by the hands on work.
A typical session will require clients to be clothed (men boxer briefs, speedos) and women (bra and underwear, short shorts).
Client is asked to be in underwear because it is common for the client to get up off the table during a session to check the progress of the work.
What is tensegrity?
Tensegrity is a compounded word meaning tension and integrity. Buckminster Fuller created a type of Architecture that holds its form from holding a structure tight but also expanding it outwards in a balanced state, much like our bones and muscles do. This way of looking at the body gives us the opportunity to realize that a structure that is dysfunctional in one part may manifest itself in another part. For example, if the sack hurts between the shoulder blades, it is most likely the victim, not the culprit. The source of the pain must be investigated elsewhere in the body for longer lasting effect.
What Is fascia?
Fascia, the organ of form, is found in and around every muscle, bone, cell in our body. It is ligament, tendon, scar tissue; it holds our organs and intestines in their appropriate places, and it provides lubrication for sliding surfaces. The lubrication characteristic of fascia is a key factor in the health of the system. When we are impacted with injury or sickness, lack of movement in the tissue makes surfaces glue to each other and dehydrate. The clients movement and hands-on intervention geometrically and dynamically can free stuck layers, expand awareness of clients body patterns, and rehydrate the tissue ensuring longer lasting results.
VIDEO RESOURCES
If you want to dig a little deeper into the science of Structural Integration, view these vids for a deeper understanding.
