Frequently Asked Questions
1. IS STRUCTURAL INTEGRATION PAINFUL?
Structural integration, otherwise known as Rolfing, often has a reputation of being a painful experience. This is not necessarily true. A less direct and lighter touch, gradually ‘melting’ into the tissues can get to a deeper level and have a more profound effect on the client by creating a more long-term postural change. The process of opening the myofascial tissues can be ‘sensationful’, involving feelings of stretch, or burning, as in exercising unused muscles. In my work, the client is in full control of the intensity of the touch. This pain is frequently described as a ‘good’ hurt. Each client’s tolerance is different. Together we can find the right level of depth that suits you and gives you the maximal benefit of achieving a balanced body without inflicting pain that can be more detrimental to your body.
2. WHAT DO I WEAR TO EACH SESSION?
I recommend that you wear underwear, bathing suit bottom or shorts that allow movement(running shorts or spandex shorts work well) and bra or cami to allow proper postural observation.
3. WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT AT MY FIRST SESSION?
The first session will begin with an interview of your medical history and current habits. We will then discuss your individual goals and expectations. Each session will begin with an assessment of your posture and movement to observe for imbalances in the body. We will then determine how many sessions will be most beneficial for you, but also be affordable for you.
Throughout each session, you will be asked to move in different ways while I perform manual techniques to aid in releasing tension in the myofascial tissues and help with realignment, as well as improving body awareness. You will also be asked to get up and move periodically during the sessions to help you see and feel the changes.
4. CAN I GET AN EMOTIONAL RESPONSE FROM THE WORK?
Yes. Traumatized tissue or long-held postures can contain emotional pain. At any point during the series, you may encounter an emotional response i.e. sadness, or anger. We are trained to sensitively work with you around these releases as they relate to your body structure. These emotional feelings related to the work may come up during the session or between the sessions. It is not unusual to have odd feelings between sessions. Past pains sometimes resurface for short periods of time. This is often a positive sign that the process of unwinding is occurring. Please consult your practitioner if these feelings cause more concern.
5. HOW MANY SESSIONS DO I NEED?
I offer a 3-Series, 6-8-Series or 12-Series sessions.
The 3-Series is a great introduction to structural integration to help discover troubled areas in the body. Clients often return in the future to try the 12-Series or do the 3-series several months after having received the 12-Series for a tune-up session, to help ease the effects of overuse and daily life activities.
The 6-8 Series and 12-Series sessions dive in more depth to all the myofascial tissues in the body, to help obtain balance between all the myofascial meridians in the body.
These sessions are not an ongoing, endless therapy, however.The goal is to give you the tools to keep you feeling and moving well over the long run. We recommend you do not receive another series for about six months. You can have periodic tune up sessions as needed.
***Sessions can be designed and adapted to your needs. Upon assessment, we can implement a plan to work with your whole body with a structural integration approach to what is affordable and workable for you.
6. HOW IS SI DIFFERENT FROM MASSAGE?
Structural Integration is a systematic whole-body approach to free restrictions and shortening of connective tissues that we refer to as the fascial network, to help address the imbalances in the body. Structural changes are made in this work, which can be profound and long-lasting.
There are many forms of massage that can benefit many people. The main focus is to reduce stress and tension in the muscles. It offers a short-term relaxation or relief of pain. It does not address the structure of the body. Structural integration can change the structural balance in the body and provide long-lasting ease and relief.
7. WHAT KIND OF PROBLEMS CAN SI TREAT?
Structural integration can address many musculoskeletal issues including low back pain, neck pain, TMJ dysfunction, headaches, hip, and other joint pains, poor posture and body mechanics, chronic recurrent injuries in the body, various shoulder dysfunctions i.e. frozen shoulder, rotator cuff injuries, pelvic and spine malalignment, tendonitis, and scoliotic patterns.