ViaMassage & Rolf Bodywork 

 Frequently Asked Questions about

Structural Integration

What is Structural Integration? 

Structural Integration (SI) is a system of deep tissue body work and movement education developed by Dr. Ida P. Rolf. The primary goal of SI is to restore the body to its natural state of alignment and balance by organizing the body along the line of gravity.

What is the difference between Structural Integration and Rolfing?

"Structural Integration" was created by Dr. Rolf. "Rolfing®" is a trade marked name for Structural Integration used only by The Rolf Institute.

Why is SI Important?

One important principle of SI is that the body is significantly affected by the powerful force of gravity. In a misaligned state, the body's valuable resources are used inefficiently, laboring to keep the body aligned and upright. In addition, the stresses of daily life, physical injuries, unhealthy movement patterns and attitudes are things that can bring one's structure out of alignment. Over time, the body will shorten and tighten to accommodate stresses, creating stiffness, pain, fatigue and lack of well being.

What are the benefits?

The process of SI is an individual and personal process with a wide range of effects and benefits. In general, a body that is aligned and balanced in gravity moves with more ease, fluidity, efficiency and grace. Movement is a pleasure, breathing is easier and good posture is effortless.

In addition, more efficient use of your muscles allows the body to conserve energy, and creates more refined and economical patterns of movement. This can result in increased levels of energy and alertness. Feelings of stress can also decrease while your level of relaxation can increase.

SI aims to affect the whole person, emotionally, physically and energetically, by way of altering the physical structure. Our emotions and behavior patterns for instance, are often related to our physical being. As impediments to balance are removed and the body comes into greater alignment, aspects of the self may also become more aligned. An experience with SI may help release an individual's potential, promoting positive change, lowering anxiety, improving sleep, increasing confidence, and maturing emotional expression. Finally, the SI series provides increased body awareness and presence allowing for a feeling of finally being–at home...in your body.

What is a typical session like?

SI practitioners use a range of techniques to lengthen and reposition the fascia and the body. The amount of pressure used and techniques applied varies from practitioner to practitioner. A practitioner may use slow, deep, stretching strokes, or constant applied pressure. You may also be asked to move as pressure is applied or to stand and move during a session.

As tissue is being released, you may experience a number of sensations. Physically, sensations range from warm and pleasant to feelings of discomfort or burning. Your practitioner will apply appropriate pressure during the session based on your feedback so the pace of the session is under your control. Sometimes, as the tissue is released and balanced, clients experience the release of emotions, memories or traumas that have been stored in the fascial tissue. Such releases can create the opportunity for change and/or resolution surrounding the issues presented.

Movement education is also be a part of your SI series. Your practitioner can help you become aware of your habitual and inhibiting movement patterns and help you change these patterns to achieve more fluid movement. Movement education can affect your level of daily functioning by helping to change unhealthy patterns in common activities such as sitting, walking and breathing.

In 1920, Dr. Ida P. Rolf received her Ph.D. in biochemistry from Columbia University. Her scientific work in organic chemistry was at the Rockefeller Institute. Thru personal family health issues she looked at the effect of structure on function, including yoga, chiropractic and osteopathy. From this,  she developed a system called Structural Integration, a series of ten sessions of bodywork and movement education and taught this to others. Her work was holistic in nature. She trained people who were interested in her theories and principles and open to work with others at deep physical and emotional levels. Today there are more than 3,000 practitioners worldwide. 

Who Should Consider Getting Rolfed?

Dr. Rolf said that all bodies have some degree of disorder and compensation in their structure.

Do you have a history of injury or trauma and notice that the effects of your injuries are beginning to interfere with your daily life?  People of any age who suffer from any limiting physical discomfort can absolutely benefit from Structural Integration as long as the issue is in the neuromuscular system. Structural Integration combined with core movements therapy offers a long lasting solution for connective tissue issues. As the body integrates physically, one may feel changes on other levels too. Structural Integration sometimes affects psycho-emotional and spiritual aspects. The genius of SI's recipe can affect people in personal ways and is rich with new possibilities!

Credentials:

Membership is a valuable accreditation which speaks to one's knowledge and professionalism.

*American Massage Therapy Association

*National Certification Board for Massage Therapy and Bodywork

*International Association of Structural Integrators

*Guild for Structural Integration

*Certified Massage Therapist

*Certified Structural Integrator

*Certified Holistic Health Practitioner

*Former Colorado Sports Massage Team

*Former Board of Massage Examiners

(Washoe County, NV)

*Former Registered Colorado

Massage Instructor

*Nevada State Licensed Massage Therapist

*Licensed and Certified since 1989