FAQs

What is the difference between Structural Integration and Massage Therapy?
Why does Structural Integration help?
What will I experience in a Structural Integration session?
Are there emotional benefits to Structural Integration?
Do the effects of Structural Integration last?
Is there a difference between Structural Integration and Rolfing®?
What are the typical goals of each session?

What is the difference between Structural Integration and Massage Therapy?

Massage Therapy provides individuals with a number of benefits, such as the relief of muscle tension and pain. Structural Integration changes the structure of the body to correct the sources of tension and pain. It encourages the body to find new ways to organize and balance itself.

Structural Integration aligns and balances the body by lengthening and repositioning the fascia. As fascia is lengthened it allows the muscles to move more efficiently. The practitioner will apply pressure to the body, working the entire fascial system in a systematic way. When restricted fascia is released and lengthened the body can return to its structurally optimal position.

Why does Structural Integration help?

The continuing pull of gravity, the stress of daily activities and physical injuries can pull the body out of alignment. The fascia gradually shortens, tightens and adjusts to accommodate the misalignment. When the body is out of alignment it creates inefficiency and imbalance resulting in stiffness, discomfort and loss of energy.

When a body is aligned and balanced it moves with greater ease. It requires less energy to function. Good posture is effortless and breathing is easier. The body becomes more flexible, more coordinated and athletic performance improves.

What will I experience in a Structural Integration session?

Structural Integration is performed in ten sessions. Each session is approximately 90 minutes in length. The ten sessions are administered progressively; each session builds upon the last until complete integration of the body is achieved. 

At the beginning of the first session the client spends some time speaking with their practitioner about the goals and intentions as applied to their unique situation and structure. Male clients receive work in underwear, women in two piece swimsuits or bra and underwear (and/or gym shorts). The practitioner will observe the client, how they stand, walk and other general movements. In some cases a photograph or digital image may be taken if the client is interested in seeing before and after results. The specific goals of the session will be discussed. The client will lie on a massage table so the practitioner can work with their body. The client will participate in the session often being asked to breathe into the area being worked on or to make small, specific movements.

During the session the client may experience a warm, pleasant sensation from the area that the practitioner is working with. Some individuals do not experience any sensation while others may experience momentary discomfort. The practitioner will apply the appropriate pressure, based on the clients needs and feedback. During most of the sessions the practitioner will help the client to become aware of habitual patterns of movement and imbalances in their body and will help them work toward making changes in these patterns in their daily life.

After the basic ten series is complete a client usually allows a period of time for the body to adapt and fully integrate before scheduling additional work. The waiting period can be anywhere from one month to one year based on the client's unique experience. After the waiting period the client can return for tune-up sessions or advanced sessions to further the process of integration. In some instances practitioners will work with clients in ongoing sessions to achieve specific goals.

Are there emotional benefits to Structural Integration?

While Structural Integration is primarily concerned with physical changes in the body, it affects the whole person. We are made up of emotions, attitudes, belief systems and behavior patterns as well as the physical being. All are related. Align the physical structure and it will open up the individual's potential. Clients often report positive changes, stating less stress, greater self-confidence and improved ability to handle life's changes. Such changes have been reported in all age groups.

Do the effects of Structural Integration last?

YES! Photographs taken of clients years after the Basic Ten Series show that changes are still present and structure often improved. Keep in mind however, as life changes, bodies change in response. Any injuries, accidents, lengthy illnesses and emotional stress may necessitate additional work.

Is there a difference between Structural Integration and Rolfing®?

Dr. Rolf originally called her work Structural Integration. Later, her techniques became known as Rolfing® and this term has been trademarked by a school for bodywork. David Cobb has been fortunate to learn Structural Integration from teachers who are dedicated to her original teachings at the Guild for Structural Integration in Boulder, Colorado. 

What are the typical goals of each session? 

Session One:

• Improve the breathing and increase vital capacity by beginning to free the rib cage.
• Begin to horizontalize and mobilize the pelvis.

Session Two:

• Begin to create "functional" horizontal hinges at the ankle.
• Begin to lengthen the back.

Session Three:

• Free the 12th rib.
• Begin to add length to the sides of the body.

Session Four:

• Continue to horizontalize and mobilize the pelvis by releasing the knee from the groin.....freeing the legs from the pelvis.

Session Five:

• Continue to horizontalize and mobilize the pelvis by adding length to the abdominal wall.

Session Six:

• Continue to horizontalize and mobilize the pelvis by freeing the sacrum.

Session Seven:

• Create a horizontal head to match a horizontal pelvis. Most of the work is done to the head and neck in this session.

Session Eight:

• Integrate the hip girdle with the core. Look for fluid movement between the legs and low back....check for restrictions within the hip girdle.

Session Nine:

• Integrate the shoulder girdle with the core. Look for fluid movement between the arms and the low back....check for restrictions within the shoulder girdle.

Session Ten:

• Put it all together. Check for an open balance across the torso, between the limbs.