Structural Integration

---

We are all affected by the field of gravity in which we exist, regardless of how little general awareness we have of this fact. When we live with physical restrictions and imbalances in our bodies, we can feel "weighed down," since gravity exerts its force on us unevenly. We are akin to structurally unbalanced buildings, and we force our bodies to expend extra energy just to hold us up.

Structural Integration frees us from these restrictions. By establishing a vertical line of organization through our structures (sometimes referred to as a "plum line"), this system of bodywork provides us a higher level of organization and functioning. Structural Integration leaves clients feeling "lighter," "longer," and "more upright." While relieving symptoms is not the primary goal of Structural Integration, many clients report relief from long-standing patterns of restricted movement and chronic pain.

Ida P. Rolf: Creator of Structural Integration

---

Dr. Rolf was a rare person with incredibly creative insight - one who had the ability to see things in a new way. This, along with her curiosity, vision, intuitive nature, and, the gift of her hands, led her in the 1930s and '40s to have many breakthrough experiences while working with chronically disabled people who had been unable to find help elsewhere. The sequence of work that emerged became known as Structural Integration. For the next thirty years Ida Rolf devoted herself to developing her technique and training programs. Her legacy lives on in the work of Structural Integration.

How does Structural Integration work?

---

Structural Integration helps realign the body by manipulating the connective tissue known as "fascia." Fascia provides structural support, and is responsible for forming the shape of the human body. Fascia wraps through and around all the body's structures, including bones, ligaments, tendons, muscles, and organs. Like plastic wrap, facia forms a sleeve that "closes off" the end of one structure and then continues on to the next, so that it actually exists as one continuous sheath throughout the entire body. My sense of fascia is that it indeed is an organ system in itself, the organ of oxymoron: it not only connects us from head to toe, it separates and compartmentalizes our entire structure.

Fascia can be affected by injury, illness, surgery, and other physical or emotional stressors. Any of these factors can, either immediately or gradually, cause an imbalance in the body's facial network. An imbalance occurs whenever fascia becomes "tight" or shortened. Examples include sprains, strains, tendonitis, repetitive use syndromes (such as carpal tunnel), surgical scars, or emotionally-based muscles tensions and trauma.

As it shortens, fascial tissue becomes dehydrated. Adjacent layers of the involved fascia tend (like plastic wrap) to adhere to one another, further inhibiting their normal function. Pain, stiffness, or diminished flexibility anywhere in the body can signal a fascial imbalance.

Through hands-on bodywork and movement "cues," Structural Integration helps restore and normalize areas of affected fascia. Clients often experience an immediate sense of relief, and may discover increased breathing capacity, improved range of motion, or freedom from chronic tension and pain. The physical release may even facilitate emotional release, and it is usual to hear clients report positive shifts in their capacity to manage stress and in their overall sense of well-being.

What are the sessions like?

---

Each of the Structural Integration sessions lasts one to one and a half hours. The Basic Series consists of ten session; appointments are best scheduled anywhere from one to three weeks apart. Your practitioner may use their fingertips, palms, and even forearms to help hydrate and "release" your fascia. You are a partner in this process, and you may be asked to focus on your breathing and other movement to maximize the outcome of the work.

Structural Integration is sometimes known by its nickname, "Rolfing" ®, although that term has been service-marked by just one training institution. The nickname honors the late Ida Rolf, who first developed this work. Unfortunately, Rolfing has the reputation of working so deeply as to be uncomfortable. While it is true that you may find some areas more sensitive than others, keep in mind that these are your sessions. Your practitioner is a partner who works with you, not on you. You control the pace and level of each session.

Does Structural Integration last?

---

Yes! Client reports, as well as "before and after" photographs, all provide evidence that the effects of Structural Integration can last for years after the completion of the actual sessions. Attention to your posture, lifestyle, and any "movement cues" suggested by your practitioner will enhance the results you experience.

While Structural Integration offers lasting change, we are all subject to the stresses of life, both physical and emotional. Some clients choose to follow up their basic series with "post-ten" sessions, which I refer to as 'tune-ups' or deepening of the initial work. It is customary to wait several months for your body to integrate the work of the ten-session series before scheduling more appointments. If you are interested in receiving additional work, you are welcome to discuss the details and scheduling with your practitioner.

Unlike the Connective Tissue Massage, which can be demarked by level and intensity from Structural integration as well as dimensionality, Structural Integration is NOT for everyone. A conversation with me as your Practitioner would be highly recommended and my practice is usually to offer an initial Connective Tissue Massage as a precursor to the Structural Integration work for you to feel the work and for me to be able to advise you about the nature of your system at this time and the likelihood of Structural Integration to be the modality of choice. Feel free to contact me for a phone consult.


My gratitude to Pat Christopherson, Structural Integration Practitioner, colleague and dear friend, for her generosity in lending me the bulk of this copy for our website.

For more information or to schedule a session please email Ruthann Pisaretz at ruthann.pisaretz@cardinalcenterforhealing.comor call (703) 352-8535 [Ext. 4].