Structural Integration – the Method
Full-Body Fascial Work
Structural Integration is a manual full-body therapy and focuses on optimizing the body’s entire fascial network.
Through a well-conceived series of treatments, the entire fascial network is treated in an anatomically and functionally appropriate sequence. SI therapists apply special fascia release techniques for this purpose.
Posture and Movement Patterns
Structural Integration addresses dysfunctional posture and movement patterns. Patterns include, for example, our typical posture or our gait. These patterns develop over a longer period due to various influences.
Dysfunctional patterns burden our body and our health. They generally manifest as chronic imbalances, pain, asymmetries, and restricted movement.
Such unhealthy patterns can also arise from internalized stressful emotional experiences and traumas.
Dysfunctional patterns are very difficult to change without therapeutic intervention, because they are physically fixed in the fascial network and skeletal system and stored in the cerebellum.
The restoration of a well-functioning fascial system through Structural Integration has the greatest influence on dissolving or at least reducing stressful patterns fixed in the body.
Goals of Structural Integration
- Eliminate asymmetries and rebalance the body
- Aligning the body in gravity to promote efficiency in movement
- Reduce or dissolve dysfunctional posture and movement patterns
- Increase mobility and movement quality
- Enhance physical well-being and bodily functionality in daily life
- Improve body awareness
- Promote the physical resilience of clients
- Activate the self-healing powers of clients
While Structural Integration does not specifically focus on the alleviation of pain and other physical complaints, such alleviation is a typical and welcome effect of our therapy.
What to Expect During Treatment?
Well-Conceived Treatment Series
The treatment series is divided into three consecutive phases and follows an anatomically and functionally well-conceived structure.
- First, the superficial fascia are treated and the compensations located within them are released.
- This is followed by work in the deeper fascial layers, where the fundamental disturbances are located.
- The series concludes with the integration phase, during which the interplay between deep and superficial structures is optimized.
In the course of this therapeutic process, the body is gradually rebalanced, the fascial tissue is freed from disturbances and made fully functional again. At the same time, clients experience greater freedom of movement and learn how to integrate more functional movements and postures into their daily lives.
The treatment series consists of ten to twelve sessions, each lasting 75 to 90 minutes. The sessions take place at intervals of one to several weeks.
Individual Adjustments
Each treatment series is tailored to the individual. Therapists consider personal needs and concerns, physical condition, fear of touch, and traumas, as well as individual goals. The duration and intervals of treatment are also determined with the clients.
Therapy Break and Follow-up Treatments
After the treatment series, a longer break is always taken. This provides clients with the opportunity to integrate the physical, emotional, and mental developments. Follow-up treatments are only advisable at a later stage.
Means of Structural Integration
In Structural Integration, deep tissue techniques, known as fascial release techniques, are employed. These techniques are suitable for altering fascial tissue and initiating an
To support our clients in integrating the physical changes that have occurred, we also use exercises to further enhance body awareness. Targeted movement sequences enable clients to explore regained movement possibilities, integrate them into the body, and transfer them into daily life.
Everyday movements at work, during leisure, and in sports can also be specifically analyzed, altered, and optimized thanks to the new movement possibilities.
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FAQ
What is the difference between Structural Integration and Massage?
Massage relaxes or activates muscles and promotes blood circulation. It usually has only a short-term effect and does not fundamentally or sustainably change the body.
Structural Integration, however, aims for a fundamental and sustainable improvement of posture and movement patterns. It permanently relaxes muscles, increases mobility, promotes body awareness, and balances asymmetries.
Is Structural Integration the same as Rolfing®?
Within the Structural Integration method, there are various training approaches. Rolfing® - named after the method's founder, Dr. Ida Rolf - is a trademarked term and the most well-known training approach.
Is Structural Integration solely focused on bodywork?
Indeed, SI therapists primarily work manually on the fascial network. Additionally, during the course of therapy, conscious training of body awareness and practicing new movement sequences play a role.