What is Structural Integration?
Structural Integration helps integrate the body's structure as a whole so it can function properly with gravity. We do this through a series of 10 sessions that work with the body's muscles, tendons, and fascia to reshape it into a balanced structure. This process involves slowly and firmly manipulating the soft tissue, which helps the body relax and release tension. Each session has specific goals and intentions to help reform the body. These sessions build on each other to improve results. As we allow the body to release unproductive holding patterns, movement patterns also start to change, which can prevent re-injury or the return of old tension with the new structural changes.
"When the body gets working appropriately, the force of gravity can flow through. Then, spontaneously, the body heals itself."
~DR. IDA P. ROLF
Reasons to Experience Structural Integration:
Chronic pain
Benefits of Structural Integration Include:
The Classic 10-Series
The Sleeve Session 1.
Session 1
In addition to starting work on any specific structural issues, the main goal of the first session is to free the breathing We aim to evoke a more balanced and efficient breathing pattern by freeing fascial restrictions around the torso, shoulders, neck, and head. We also begin the process of mobilizing and horizontalizing the pelvis by working around hip joints and legs. The client is shown the benefits of enhanced breathing awareness and is often given homework based on addressing specific breathing issues.
The Sleeve Session 2.
Session 2
We work mainly with feet, lower legs, and knees to establish a more stable and adaptive base of support for changes that will take place later on in the upper body. Improved awareness of our connection with the earth will also help to establish a firm sense of ‘place’, a sense of belonging without which it may be difficult to move on mentally and emotionally.
The Sleeve Session 3.
Session 3
Specifically, we will invite front/back balance through work with the side surfaces of the legs, arms, torso, neck, and head. Work will continue to free the breath and evoke four-way movement in ribs, Energetically, the aim is to bring awareness of energy flow down the lateral sides of the body from sky to ground.
The Core Session 4.
Session 4
In this session we begin working to establish a core of support in the legs, from the inner arches of the feet up the inside surfaces of the legs to the pelvic floor. We also need to lengthen and ease the spinal curves and evoke sense of energy flow up through the core from ground to sky.
The Core Session 5.
Session 5
The theme of session five is to teach walking with ease. Connecting the legs to the spine through the iliopsoas muscle and using the spinal engine greatly improves efficiency and lessens stress and strain on the lumbar spine and hip flexors (so often the cause of low back pain).
The Core Session 6.
Session 6
The goal of the SI Practitioner in this session is to continue the work started in session five by working with restrictions in the back, the legs, and pelvis to enhance somatic awareness and bring a 2-way flow of subtle movement to the spine.
The Core Session 7.
Session 7
If you have trouble saying “Yes” or “No” or suffer from continual backache, eye strain, TMJ problems, headaches, or vertigo then it may just be because your head is in the wrong place. Balancing the head on the shoulders is a vital piece of the jigsaw in bringing a body into line with gravity. In this session, the SI Practitioner continues easing restrictions in the upper back, shoulders, and neck and begins work on the muscles and fascia of the face and inside the mouth for a balanced relationship between cranium, spine, and mandible.
The Integration Session 8.
Session 8
Session eight begins the closure cycle. By now the unique structural issues of each client are in the foreground. Session eight is the final opportunity in this cycle to resolve any specific structural imbalances before bringing everything back together in sessions nine and ten.
The Integration Session 9.
Session 9
SI does not seek perfectionism, just the best that the body will allow in its present state of being. To this end, the S.I.P process puts a vast amount of new information into the body in terms of changed structural relationships and new movement possibilities. Whilst the aim is to liberate the whole person it can also be a bit confusing on both the conscious and subconscious levels. Therefore, in the final two sessions, the S.I. practitioner must make sure that all of this new information is integrated to the best effect by the client and that the client has a clear idea of what might be thrown away and what might be usefully explored further.
The Integration Session 10.
Session 10
The SI Practitioner works all planes of the body, enhancing the effectiveness of breathing as well as bridging old with new patterns. This is a time to reflect on what has been gained from the process and what has been accomplished.
Common Questions
Does Structural Integration Hurt?
It might be a little painful in the beginning but as the entire body learns to release and relax, the discomfort is often transformed into pleasant sensations. The majority of the time, a first-time client will say, “I thought this would hurt but it didn’t."
▸What Should I Wear?
Women normally wear a two-piece bathing suit, yoga clothes, workout outfits, or underwear. The bra should not be restrictive. Men wear either gym shorts, swim trunks, or underwear. The ideal clothing is what makes you comfortable without restricting my ability to work on your body.
▸What Takes Place During a Structural Integration Session?
The sessions are performed in a sequential manner, so each session is different and based on the work of the previous sessions. I have multiple goals when I treat a client:
· Reduce or eliminate the pain that is causing the client to seek treatment
· Address the cause(s) of client’s pain
· Begin work on the aspects that will enhance the client’s body’s performance and the stability of the improvements
I start each session by reviewing the last session and the progress of the client. I observe the client’s body movement, let the client lie on the S.I. table, and work first on the areas that will provide the most change.
Your soft tissue (myofascial) changes when I slowly and gently apply pressure to specific areas and levels. In tense areas, I work at the pace of releasing to avoid pain. If you have pain, it will change into a sense of relaxation and calm with the release. Each subsequent time we work on one of these areas, you’ll be more relaxed.
▸How is Structural Integration Different From Other Therapies?
Like massage and physical therapy, S.I. works with soft tissue. The massage generally addresses problems that are more acute in the muscle system with a primary goal of relaxation. Physical therapy focuses on using strengthening exercises for rehabilitation. But S.I. cannot work on clients after an injury until they have gone through their rehabilitation process.
S.I. focuses on organizing the soft tissue system; I do not do bone adjustments. I refer clients to chiropractors or osteopaths for those types of adjustments.
After an S.I. series is completed, a client often finds that therapists and doctors enjoy working with them because it is easier for a client to relax and hold his or her treatments longer.
▸What Can I Expect From the Session?
A Structural Integration session is not exactly like a massage. Clients often report sleeping deeply the night after the first session and feeling relaxed or tired for a few days. There is usually no soreness after the session, but sometimes you can feel a little sore, like after a good stretch. It is recommended that you wait at least a day after the session before doing any workout.
▸Do I comment on a 10 session Series?
I recommend trying the first three sessions to get a sense if the 10 series is right for you. If at any point we feel that we are not making enough progress, I will try to recommend you to a modality and practitioner that will work for you.