Structural Integration (SI) is a transformative series of 10 bodywork sessions, developed by Dr. Ida Rolf, used to align our physical bodies and movement patterns to gravity. SI specifically reorganizes the bodies connective tissue (Fascia), which surrounds and supports every organ, nerve, bone and muscle within the body. Throughout a 10 session series, each session builds on the previous, to support ones ability to reorganize their body. As habitual strain patterns ease throughout the body, chronic pain is often alleviated.
Structural Integration is a very personal process. It is important to remember that because no two people are alike, their experience and the benefits will never be exactly the same. Feelings of discomfort or pain are often alleviated. Other often experienced benefits are greater flexibility, a feeling of lightness and fluidity, better balance, increased breathing capacity, increased energy and greater self-confidence.
While Structural Integration is primarily concerned with physical changes in the body, it affects the whole person. We are made up of emotions, attitudes, belief systems and behavior patterns as well as the physical being. All are related. Align the physical structure and it will open up the individual’s potential. Clients often report positive changes, stating less stress, greater self-confidence and improved ability to handle life’s changes. Such changes have been reported in all age groups.
Studies and clinical observation repeatedly show the benefits of Structural Integration for:
What is the difference between Rolfing and Structural Integration? "Rolfing” is the trademarked term used by members of the Rolf Institute for Structural Integration to describe Dr. Rolf’s 10 session protocol. Non-members of the Rolf Institute that practice Dr. Rolf’s 10 session protocol call their work simply Structural Integration. Some practitioners also describe Dr. Rolf’s protocol as “The Rolf Method of Structural Integration” or as "Dr. Ida P. Rolf's Method of Structural Integration".
How does Structural Integration differ from Massage Therapy? Massage often focuses on relaxation and relief of muscle discomfort and increased circulation. Structural Integration is process aimed at improving body alignment and functioning. SI is different from deep-tissue massage, in that practitioners are trained to create overall ease and balance throughout the entire structure, rather than focusing on areas presenting with tension. As a structure becomes more organized, chronic strain patterns are alleviated, and pain and stress decreases.
How many Structural Integration sessions will I need? Clients are welcome to try a single session, partial or full series to address their specific concerns. The first session is highly therapeutic on its own and gives a taste of what's to come.
Traditional Structural Integration, as developed by Ida Rolf, PhD, is 10 sessions, each one with a unique theme that builds upon the previous session. Throughout the series, we systematically work through the entire body and address all fascial layers (including superficial, deep, visceral and cranial). Read more about the 10 distinct sessions here.
Is Structural Integration painful? The simple answer is yes, it can be painful at times. However, this pain can be described as "therapeutic" rather than "injurious", and helps us understand where we've been stuck and are learning to move through. Practitioners of Structural Integration often use substantial force in order to release (unglue) adhesions between muscles and between muscle and bone. Pain associated with releasing these adhesions can be greatly lessened when the client is actively involved in moving their own body and by breathing techniques that remind the client to let go of contracted muscles.
What to wear? Unlike a typical massage treatment, in which the individual undresses and is lying on a massage table, SI sessions are practiced wearing comfortable clothing (shorts, yoga pants, tee shirts, tank tops or sports bra). A typical SI session involves changing positions often, movement education, and active assessment both on and off the table.
Structural Integration is a very personal process. It is important to remember that because no two people are alike, their experience and the benefits will never be exactly the same. Feelings of discomfort or pain are often alleviated. Other often experienced benefits are greater flexibility, a feeling of lightness and fluidity, better balance, increased breathing capacity, increased energy and greater self-confidence.
While Structural Integration is primarily concerned with physical changes in the body, it affects the whole person. We are made up of emotions, attitudes, belief systems and behavior patterns as well as the physical being. All are related. Align the physical structure and it will open up the individual’s potential. Clients often report positive changes, stating less stress, greater self-confidence and improved ability to handle life’s changes. Such changes have been reported in all age groups.
Studies and clinical observation repeatedly show the benefits of Structural Integration for:
- Pain and Stress Relief
- Increased Energy
- Flexibility
- Ease of Movement
- Posture
- Alignment
- Balance
- Being Grounded
- Deeper Sleep
- Emotional Release
- TMJ, Scoliosis, Headaches
- Enhancing Yoga and Pilates
- Pre and Post Natal
- Core Awakening
- Improvement of all body functions including: Breathing, Digestion, Circulation, Nervous System
What is the difference between Rolfing and Structural Integration? "Rolfing” is the trademarked term used by members of the Rolf Institute for Structural Integration to describe Dr. Rolf’s 10 session protocol. Non-members of the Rolf Institute that practice Dr. Rolf’s 10 session protocol call their work simply Structural Integration. Some practitioners also describe Dr. Rolf’s protocol as “The Rolf Method of Structural Integration” or as "Dr. Ida P. Rolf's Method of Structural Integration".
How does Structural Integration differ from Massage Therapy? Massage often focuses on relaxation and relief of muscle discomfort and increased circulation. Structural Integration is process aimed at improving body alignment and functioning. SI is different from deep-tissue massage, in that practitioners are trained to create overall ease and balance throughout the entire structure, rather than focusing on areas presenting with tension. As a structure becomes more organized, chronic strain patterns are alleviated, and pain and stress decreases.
How many Structural Integration sessions will I need? Clients are welcome to try a single session, partial or full series to address their specific concerns. The first session is highly therapeutic on its own and gives a taste of what's to come.
Traditional Structural Integration, as developed by Ida Rolf, PhD, is 10 sessions, each one with a unique theme that builds upon the previous session. Throughout the series, we systematically work through the entire body and address all fascial layers (including superficial, deep, visceral and cranial). Read more about the 10 distinct sessions here.
Is Structural Integration painful? The simple answer is yes, it can be painful at times. However, this pain can be described as "therapeutic" rather than "injurious", and helps us understand where we've been stuck and are learning to move through. Practitioners of Structural Integration often use substantial force in order to release (unglue) adhesions between muscles and between muscle and bone. Pain associated with releasing these adhesions can be greatly lessened when the client is actively involved in moving their own body and by breathing techniques that remind the client to let go of contracted muscles.
What to wear? Unlike a typical massage treatment, in which the individual undresses and is lying on a massage table, SI sessions are practiced wearing comfortable clothing (shorts, yoga pants, tee shirts, tank tops or sports bra). A typical SI session involves changing positions often, movement education, and active assessment both on and off the table.
