Structural Integration
Release Pain, Improve Posture, Breathe Easier, Move Effortlessly
Release Pain, Improve Posture, Breathe Easier, Move Effortlessly
Structural Integration is a form of bodywork or manual therapy traditionally performed in a series of 10 sessions, each focusing on specific areas of the body. It is intentional, targeted, gentle Myofascial strokes to release the body's fascial connective tissue restrictions, uplift, restructure, and balance the body. It was developped by Ida P. Rolf (trademarked as Rolfing).
Benefits include:
release chronic pain & tension
gain effortless movement & range of motion
improve posture & imbalances
breathe easier
improve body awareness (embodiment)
Fascia is thin, tough fibrous connective tissue that permeates the entire body starting under the skin (superficial fascia), through muscles & organs, around nerves and vessels, all the way to the bones. Fascia supports and wraps around the smallest structures (cells) to whole structures (organs, muscles, bones), and creates body cavities. It provides shock support, holds & shapes the body, allows smooth movement, transmits force, transfers water & fluids, and senses pain. In fact, fascia contains more nerve endings than muscle does, this is why the focus of Structural Integration is fascia (Myofascial release).
When the body is well-hydrated and active, fascia remains flexible and soft. However, lack of movement, inflammation, injury, stress, poor nutrition, environmental factors can cause the fluid between the layers to dry and become sticky. This tightness can restrict movement, cause painful knots, or lead to musculoskeletal conditions (plantar fasciitis, carpal tunnel, frozen shoulder, fibromyalgia, etc.).
Everybody has fascial restrictions, inefficient body posture & holding patterns, musculoskeletal discomfort/pain/tension (injury, surgery, stress, repetitive movement, etc.). Yes, everybody can benefit from Structural Integration!
However, not everyone is a good candidate for SI. If you have no contraindications (no health risks) to receive deep tissue massage, SI is safe for you. Please let us know if you have specific health questions or concerns.
Session 1 focuses on the breath (uplift) and Session 2 targets the feet (foundation). Depending on client's needs, Session 1 and 2 can be switched. The rest of the sessions should be performed in order as they systematically target unraveling of the fascial restrictions in a specific process to cover every layer of the whole body.
Balanced Soma will offer the traditional 10 Series (10 sessions) 90 minutes each. The sessions are currently on sale for $90 until the end of 2026.
We like to observe our clients standing and walking while having as unobstructed a view of the tissues as possible. Please wear what you feel comfortable being seen in: underwear, cycling shorts, sports bra, tank top, tube top, bathing suit, etc. Please contact us, if you have any questions regarding attire.
Depending on the schedule, sessions can be booked weekly, or bi-weekly. We do not recommend going longer than one month in between sessions, otherwise sessions may need to be repeated.
Every body is unique and each session will be tailored to the needs of the client. Additional sessions can be added to the traditional 10 as needed to address any unresolved restrictions. We will provide guidance and recommentations as needed.