Structural Integration (Rolf Method)

Structural Integration is a form of body work that reorganizes the connective tissues, called fascia, that permeate the entire body. Structural Integration also releases the body from life long patterns of stress and tissue adhesions, tension and bracing.

Structural Integration is accomplished by deep slow, fascial & myofascial manipulation coupled with movement re-education. Its aim is to unwind the strain patterns residing in the body’s myofascial system, restoring it to its natural balance, alignment, length, and ease.

What is Structural Integration and how does it compliment Chiropractic care?

Structural Integration works to achieve balance of tensional strains of connective tissue (muscle, ligament, tendon) and creates space by using slow applied pressure to reposition the soft tissue allowing bones to fall back into their natural relationships, optimizing joint motility and thus allowing improvement in bone alignment. In most cases Structural Integration coupled with Chiropractic care can be highly effective.

How does Structural Integration work?

It is believed to be that gravity and traumas over time break down the body’s postural alignment and throw the body’s main segments out of alignment from its center of gravity causing pain, limited range of motion, and loss of overall function. The work uses tissue manipulation techniques that re-educates the patterns in the soft tissue that holds the bone structure up right in gravity. The technique releases patterns of stress that impair function through touch and movement techniques to allow fascia to slowly elongate and realign in the proper plane of motion while resetting at a pain free functional range of motion. The after affect of a session when you stand up off the table is that gravity will re-align the body and keep it held in a more effortless upright posture. Structural Integration professionals understand the relationships that exist between regions of the body and know how to work methodically on a deeper more intrinsic level to bring about lasting change. The technique was influenced by a combination of Chiropractic, Yoga, Osteopathy, and the Alexander technique.

What does Structural Integration bodywork feel like?

Generally Structural Integration bodywork feels like slow, applied pressure, similar to a deep tissue or myofascial release therapy. Sensations typically range from pleasurable to a deeper feeling of release, depending on factors such as past injuries and chronic stress in the afflicted area that can be either physical or emotionally related. Clients report a sense of lightness, awareness and better balance. Movement feels easier and more resourceful. Feelings of wellbeing reflect the body’s higher energy level. Chronic pain or discomfort often disappears rapidly throughout the sessions or soon after.

How many sessions are typically needed until the series is complete?

Treatments can include single spot or targeted sessions to address a specific region or in a series of 10 sessions designed to correct poor posture and to optimize overall biomechanical body function.

Who can benefit from Structural Integration bodywork/Structural Integration?

Generally anyone who wants to get the highest level of performance out of their body, to relieve chronic pain and to correct bad posture are great candidates for Structural Integration bodywork.

Professional and Olympic athletes of all types have found that their bodies recover faster from an intense workout, gain more flexibility and increase range of motion in all the joints, to improve form and gain the edge they need to perform at their best.