What is Structural Integration?
Structural Integration is an original, scientifically validated system of body restructuring and movement education. It releases the body's segments - legs, torso, arms, etc. - from life-long patterns of tension and bracing, permitting gravity to realign them. By doing so, it balances the body.

Is Structural Integration similar to "rolfing"?
Structural Integration IS "rolfing." Dr. Ida P. Rolf devoted approximately forty years of her life to creating the Structural Integration model for rehabilitation. It was her original students who came up with the nick-name "rolfing" which later became the most commonly used name for this work.

How does Structural Integration work?
Structural Integration is a process of bringing space and freedom into a person's structure by opening (or de-compressing) the connective tissue throughout the body. This is hands-on work where a trained practitioner uses various techniques (including pressure and guided breath and body movement of the client) to release compression within the soft tissue.

How many sessions of Structural Integration will I need?
Structural Integration is done in a series of 10 sessions, each session building on the last until the entire body has been opened. The body then has the freedom to re-align itself and actually be "supported" by gravity.

How long does a session last?
Each session is typically called an "hour" (eg. 1st hour, 2nd hour, etc.). In most cases a session will last between 1 and 1-1/2 hrs. This will vary depending on the session and each particular client's needs.

Do I have to commit to the entire 10 series in order to experience this work?
Even though this work is designed to open the entire body through the cumulative process of the 10 series, it is possible to experience the work in fewer sessions without committing to the entire series. Because of the nature of the work and the depth to which the work goes throughout the series there are certain points where it is more appropriate for a client to discontinue. The first point is after the first session and the second most appropriate point to discontinue is after the third session. If, after the third session you are still interested in continuing the process, it is recommended that you then complete the entire series.

Does it hurt?
Structural Integration is a very unique experience. Because the work is directed into the connective tissue rather than the muscle tissue as it is in a massage, the sensation can not be compared to what you would experience while receiving a massage. The feeling you will experience will vary. In areas where a body has suffered trauma, injury, or abuse in the past there can be higher levels of discomfort as the tissue is being opened. The most common phrase clients use in response to that discomfort is, "Oh, that hurts so good." In areas where the body has not experienced trauma, iniury or abuse, the work generally feels great.

How will I feel after having the work?
Results vary for each individual because each person is different but most commonly, the client will feel lighter, greater ease in their breathing, more fluidity in their movement and far better range of motion in their joints to mention a few. Some people feel more energized after a session and others feel totally relaxed. Generally, the client will feel more centered and grounded at the end of a session.

How long will the results of Structural Integration last?
Once the body's connective tissue has been opened (or decompressed) and the body has been re-educated as to how to move through space, it will never return to the same level of restricted movement that it was experiencing prior to going through the 10 series. The 10 series is not just body work, it is also movement education and once an individual experiences a more efficient way of moving through space, that memory will be stored in the cellular structure of the body indefinitely. If the body is neglected, the effects of the Structural Integration will regress, but it will never return to the state it was in prior to experiencing the work.

What do I do after the 1O series?
Because of the nature of this work, the body often continues to shift and re-align itself for months after completing a 10 series. Therefore, it is recommended that you wait at least six months to one year before pursuing more of the Structural Integration work. At that point you may be inclined to go through a short series (perhaps three sessions) to assist you in maintaining your body at an optimum level of efficiency. Of course, if you should suffer a trauma or injury during your integration period feel free to contact your Structural Integration Practitioner to determine the most appropriate steps to assist you through your recovery.

Will I have to alter my regular workout in any way while receiving the Structural Integration series?
You will find that throughout the Structural Integration series your body will be much more open and re-educated into more efficient patterns of movement. This will change the way your body functions during a workout. Even a slight change in body mechanics from what the body is used to during a period of heavy exertion can cause over extension and injury. For that reason, it is important to reduce your workout temporarily as your body gets used to the new patterning. Once the new patterning has been integrated into the body, it is safe to return to your regular workout. In most cases people report an increase in endurance and sometimes even strength after the integration period.

How long before I can resume my full workout?
After receiving a 10 series of Structural Integration your body will continue to shift into more efficient patterns of movement for up to a year and even more in some cases. However, if you are concerned about being able to resume a full level of workout, you will certainly not have to wait that long. After receiving a session in any particular part of the body, the flexibility and range of motion in that area is generally increased dramatically. Because of this it is much easier to over extend yourself during a workout. Reducing your workout temporarily will allow you to get used to the increased mobility without risking injury. Different body types integrate at different rates of speed so it is important that you discuss this time frame with your Structural Integration practitioner. The average integration period will be somewhere between three days and two weeks.

How should I dress for a session?
You will be required to undress down to your underwear. For women, a bra and panties or a two piece bathing suit. Sports bras can be difficult to work with.