Structural Integration Therapy sounds like medical jargon but is actually a holistic technique. It involves bodywork and manipulation focused around the body’s connective tissues. Client’s undertake a series of sessions where the therapist works to restore posture and health tightened/thickened fascia that cause pain and reduce mobility.
Here are 5 things you may not know about structural integration.
1. It is sometimes called ‘Rolfing’
Structural integration is the brainchild of a biochemist named Dr Ida Rolf. It blends osteopathy, yoga and homeopathy to work the body as a whole in a coordinated way. Any areas where connective tissues are tight or misaligned are targeted with slow, deep strokes to relieve pain and promote greater mobility.
As an homage to the therapy’s creator, the practice is sometimes known as Rolfing, and practitioners are colloquially called Rolfers.
2. It targets the fascia
Structural integration differs from many massage techniques because it looks beyond spinal care for a more holistic approach. The focus in the fascia, meaning the connective tissue that surrounds all the muscles, organs, bones, blood vessels, tendons, nerve fibres and ligaments in the body.
This network of tissues underneath the skin can be compromised. This makes it shorten and tighten, pulling at the muscles and bones to reduce mobility and cause pain. Structural integration works to resolve fascia issues by releasing this tension.
3. Structural integration is for everyone
Whatever your circumstances, issues with connective tissue can cause problems. Things that cause the fascia to tighten or shorten include:
- Stress
- Work-related issues
- Past injuries
- Repetitive strain
- Bad posture
- Long-term athletic training
- Ageing
The symptoms can be chronic pain, fatigue, discomfort and stiffness, among other things. It can even lead to depression and anxiety. By bringing the body back into alignment, these issues can fade away, helping us improve the health of our minds, bodies and spirits.
4. It’s more than massage – structural integration is somatic bodywork
Structural integration is a hands-on process. It utilises manipulation of the fascia alongside awareness and movement education aimed at improving general wellness. It can release chronic stress and tension to promote a healing relationship in the self from the inside out, restoring the body to its proper functionality.
You may already know about some of the techniques involved, as many resemble deep tissue massage. Myofascial release is an important part of deep tissue massage, and it is used in structural integration to loosen up problematic areas of the fascia.
5. It is undertaken over several sessions
A structural integration plan usually consists of 10-13 sessions for treatment. This enables the therapist to work through all your personal issues and habits to work towards your goals. Each session builds on the ones before, and there will be a range of manual manipulation of the fascia with varying levels of pressure. It resembles deep tissue massage in many ways.
The sessions are aimed at balancing your structural integrity. The work divides your body into different segments or layers. As part of the therapy, the practitioner will also evaluate your personal history, including things like work habits and posture. This enables them to factor in movement education as part of the treatment, so that you can continue the work yourself once you leave each session.
Conclusion
It doesn’t matter what journey has taken you down this healing path. Structural integration will initiate the process of restoring balance in your body. You may experience benefits like whole-body wellness, increased energy and improved emotional awareness.
If structural integration sounds like something that might be helpful for you, contact Pippa’s Movement Therapy to learn more and book a session.