This is not massage. Structural Integration (SI) is a gentle manual therapy that works with the body's connective tissue to realign the system for function and aesthetics. This is an interactive modality where the client and practitioner work together to achieve results.

Developed by Dr. Ida Rolf, SI addresses the body’s internal system of flexible support, otherwise known as fascia. These connective tissues surround every muscle fiber, encase all joints and even have a role in the nervous system. Think of the fascial system as an intricate internal guide-wire network for the body. If one set of support wires becomes tight or out of place, the excess tension may appear as nagging joint pain, muscle soreness, or a postural shift.

To correct internal misalignments, an SI manual therapist uses mild, direct pressure to melt or release fascial holdings and allow the body to find health through the re-establishment of balance. The idea is that the slow, deep strokes of SI stimulate intra-fascial mechanoreceptors (sensory neurons of the muscle nerve), which in turn trigger the nervous system to reduce the tension of the related muscles and fascia.

SI allows the brain and nervous system to “re-boot” areas of the body that are receiving too much electrical stimulation (chronically tight or sore muscles). Once a healthy level of muscle contraction is established, the person’s entire structure is free to express a pain-free form.

 SI FAQ

A different kind of interactive bodywork experience. At times Structural Integration (SI) can feel and look like myofascial release or deep tissue massage, but it is not massage. The intentions of SI are different and involve more movement from the client than a massage session. Main divergences during a session include: multiple treatment positions, movement evaluations, client engagement, and wearing of some light clothes by the client.

During

A session typically has around 60 minutes of bodywork and 15 minutes of evaluation. The evaluation portion will consist of you performing simple movements such as walking, knee bends, and arm movements in your comfortable attire. Most of the treatment will take place on a bodywork table similar to massage, but with more engagement in the session then during a massage. Client is not under a sheet/blanket except for temperature comfort. Unlike massage, you are not dropping off your body the way one would drop off a car to get work done. This process is a combine effort of the client and practitioner. You'll be asked to perform movements alongside bodywork being performed. Each session ends with neck work and a pelvic lift where the practitioner makes contact with the sacrum to assess the nervous system.

Attire

Typically some kind of fitness attire. Wear something  comfortable that can be moved freely in that doesn't have belt loops, a lot of pockets, or anything that could get in the way of work. Men typically wear some kind of running shorts without a shirt. Women typically wear a sports bra with running shorts.

Payment

Payment for a session is due at time of service in the form of cash, check, Venmo, CashApp, Zelle, or credit cards (including HSA or FSA); insurance is not excepted. Non-credit card payments are always appreciated in order to keep fees down. Appointments cancelled/changed/missed with less than 24 hours notice of the scheduled session still have original cost of treatment due.

The hallmark of Structural Integration. The Ten-Series is a standardized recipe with the goal to systematically balance and optimize both the structure (posture) and function (movement) of the entire body over the course of ten sessions. Each comfortable treatment focuses on freeing restrictions or holdings, trapped in particular regions of the body. This specifically designed systematical approach was created to give the body the closest thing to a restart.

Ⅰ . Find The Breath 

Session one is devoted to enhancing the quality of breath with work on the arms, ribcage, and diaphragm to open the front of the body. Better movement is already beginning with better breath.

Ⅱ. Find The Ground

Session two continues creating openness in the back of the body to connect with the openness created in the front of the body from the session one. The body is given a stable foundation by balancing the muscles of the knees, ankles, feet, and toes to improve the connection to ground. As legs move more freely, that are now ready for to support the work to come forth in the following sessions.

Ⅲ. Find The Hips & Shoulders

Session three brings more length to the sides of the body to connect with how the head, shoulder girdle, and pelvic girdle are positionally related to one another when standing and moving. Movement and posture benefit from better connectivity between the upper and lower body.

Ⅳ. Free The Adductors

Session four the deeper work begins with some of the major muscles involved in movement. This opens up territory that extends from the inside arch of the foot, up the inner thigh (adductor muscles), and to the bottom of the pelvis. Feel what it is like to be a little bit taller as space opened in the lower body transmits up the torso.

Ⅴ. Free The Core

Session five balances the connection of the deep hip flexors (iliopsoas muscles) with the back and  improves the abdominal muscles (core) in relationship to the curve of the low back. Breathing continues to become easier, while being at rest sitting and standing feel more comfortable.

Ⅵ. Free The Sacrum

Session six seeks to enlist more support and movement from the legs, pelvis, and lower back (sacrum and coccyx bones). Movement becomes freed up through the spine and down through the feet improving the transmission of movement up the legs and through the torso. Legs move effortlessly and breath flows more naturally.

Ⅶ. Free The Cranium

Session seven attends to the neck (cervical) and skull (cranium) regarding their movement in relationship to the rest of the body. Tension and stress released from the soft tissue of the shoulders, neck, face, jaw, and cranium can result in more energy, and a feeling of greater wellbeing.

Ⅷ & Ⅸ. Integrate The Upper/Lower Body

Sessions eight & nine blends the previously established advancements into the body in a way that encourages connection, smooth movement, and natural coordination. One session will focus on upper body and the other on lower body. Movement in the pelvis and shoulder girdles continues to improve as areas in need of fine tuning are given additional attention. 

Ⅹ. Integrate The Full Body

Session ten focuses on integration for the entire body, serving to inspire a sense of order and balance. The opposite sides of the body move in better relationship to each other. Movement travels past multiple joints and through out the body easily. There is a greater sense of connection and wellbeing. Once completed, the wisdom of the Rolfing Ten-Series will drive and support the body with health for years to come.

AKA the "holy bone".  The sacrum bone forms the back wall of the pelvis where it distributes forces between the upper body and lower body.  It performs duel functions as the base of the spine and the fulcrum of the pelvis, keeping the body balanced and upright. It connects the upper body to the lower body via the sacroiliac joint . A more mobile sacrum can improve posture, movement, and relieve pain anywhere from hips to head.

"When the pelvis is not balanced, we do not have the upward thrust that creates zero balance, the sense of weightlessness that can be experienced in the body. When the pelvis is aberrated, it does not allow this equipoise, this tranquility in experience that a balanced pelvis shows. The combined forces acting on a balanced pelvis are in a moment of inertia near zero. It is always in dynamic action, but the forces balance out to near zero." ― Dr. Ida P. Rolf