Structural Integration is based on the principles and teachings of Ida P. Rolf. Ida Rolf earned her undergrad at Bernard College in 1916 and then a Doctorate in Biological Chemistry from Columbia University in 1920. After achieving her PhD she spent the next 12 years of her life doing biochemical research during the height of an influenza epidemic that took out an estimated 5% of the world’s population. In 1927 she took a leave of absence to study mathematics and atomic physics in Europe. This was also at the height of physics research where scientists like Heisenberg, Schrodinger, Niels Bohr, Einstein and others were hashing out the details of quantum mechanics.

She would go on to continue her education of the human body and its relationship with gravity through the 1930’s. She explored osteopathy, chiropractic, yoga, Alexander technique, and Korzybski’s work on the states of consciousness. It was these practices that influenced the creation of the 10 session series of manipulation’s known as Structural Integration.

Ida would continue to practice this art of healing for the next 30 plus years, eventually opening the Rolf Institute of Structural Integration in 1971. Structural Integration continues to grow in its understanding of the body’s true relationship with gravity and its effects on every facet of human life. In 2007 the first Fascia Research Conference was held in Boston, Massachusetts as well as the second meeting of the International Association of Structural Integrators. The first nationally recognized test for Structural Integration Licensure was administered as well, adding to the already high standards required for entrance into the field of Structural Integration.

Who does Structural Integration Help?

Whether you are a desk jockey, work on a job site, save lives in a hospital, teach America’s youth, or running a household your body needs to be in balance.  The repetitive motions and stresses of each of these very important jobs cause the human body to drop into an imbalanced structure.  If you add that to gravity pushing down on you then many of the pains you experience on a daily base aren’t so hard to grasp.  Our world today is not made to work with the body so the body needs tuning up now and again to work with the world. You will find your job and life easier to handle when you no longer need to force yourself to stand up straight.  Structural Integration is not a replacement for exercise and healthy eating, but you may find yourself more willing to walk to the store and buy an apple if you know it isn’t going to hurt when you stand up.  I’m here to change your life, not just your day!.

What is a Session Like?

Each session is hands on and interactive with the client.  Sessions are performed in a private room making use of a massage table and a Structural Integration bench.  Male clients are in boxer briefs or basketball shorts; female clients a sports bra and workout shorts is preferable but the work can be done with loose fitting clothes (we work within your comfort level.)  The work itself is done within a person’s tolerance level, often times feeling great as tissues and muscles are released from their tight restrictions.  In some areas of the body where tissue is particularly adhered a feeling of stretching or a light burning will be felt as the tissue is lengthened and freed (this feeling is common and perfectly normal.)  Clients are directed through a series of movements as the SI practitioner holds the tissue so that the client is freed through their full range of motion, also allowing the client to control the amount of sensation they feel by how fast they move.  Although not required, pictures are highly suggested to be taken before the first session and after each following session so both the client and SI practitioner may track the progress.  These pictures are the property of the client and are protected by federal privacy law unless otherwise released by the client.  Single sessions are available for spot work, but to feel the best results the full ten sessions is suggested.  Each session builds upon the previous to create total balance..