What is structural integration?
Structural integration, often referred to as Rolfing and named after founder Dr. Ida Rolf, is a form of hands-on bodywork and movement re-education that actively works with clients to balance, ease, realign their body by releasing tension and strain. This process is often called myofascial release. Clients who receive Rolfing report a balanced, more comfortable, and flexible body.
Rolfing structural integration can help with:
Pain: Reduce chronic pain and muscle tension, which can result from physical or emotional trauma, as well as systemic conditions.
Performance: Improve performance in daily activities and sports. Professional athletes use Rolfing structural integration to break up scar tissue, rehabilitate injuries, and increase range of motion.
Posture: Correct faulty posture or curvature of the spine.
Flexibility: Restore flexibility and increase balance.
Energy: Rolfing can help revitalize energy.
Your posture can be re-aligned
From injuries to slouching, our bodies naturally become misaligned overtime. Misaligned posture can lead to pain and stiffness in our daily lives, especially as we age. It’s never too late to re-align your body so you can live pain-free.
What makes structural integration different?
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Rolfing and structural integration are often used interchangeably as they share the same principles. Rolfing is a specific type of structural integration, named after its founder, Dr. Ida Rolf. Rolfer practitioners graduate from Rolfing institutions and learn the Rolfing Ten-Series and hence, are referred to as rolfers. Both methods focus on working with the body's fascia for holistic well-being. Choosing between Rolfing and structural integration depends on personal preferences and the practitioner's training, as the techniques used are rooted in the same holistic approach.
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Structural integration and massage have distinct approaches. Massage promotes short-term relaxation and blood flow, focusing on localized tension, while structural integration takes a holistic approach to align the entire body by targeting the body's fascia—the body's connective tissue. Opt for massage for immediate relaxation and structural integration for long-lasting transformation.
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Physical therapy often targets specific injuries and conditions, whereas structural integration focuses on overall body alignment through a holistic approach to create long-lasting change. Physical therapy excels in rehab from surgery. It is often recommended for those seeking targeted techniques to address and manage specific health concerns.
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Chiropractic care primarily focuses on manipulating the spine and joints to address specific misalignments. Whereas structural integration takes a holistic approach by working with the body's fascia—the connective tissue surrounding muscles and organs. While both approaches offer benefits, chiropractic care is known for its focus on specific adjustments to the spine, whereas structural integration provides a broader and systematic transformation of the entire body. However, Savannah has developed a spinal flossing method to help realign the spine as well.
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Myofascial release (MFR) is a rolfing structural integration-based massage technique that targets areas of pain to free restraints or break adhesions in the fascia, the connective tissue surrounding muscles. It is part of structural integration, aiming to alleviate chronic pain and improve mobility.
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Hellerwork is bodywork that combines structural alignment, movement exercises, and verbal dialogue. Hellerwork focuses on emotional release and realignment of the body, complementing structural integration. It helps release tension and postural issues, allowing for increased freedom, flexibility, and well-being. By targeting the deep connective tissue (fascia), Hellerwork aims to reduce rigidity caused by gravity, stress, negative emotions, and physical traumas. This technique can help reverse the effects of aging by reconditioning the body and restoring flexibility to rigid connective tissue. It addresses issues like uneven weight distribution that can lead to body imbalances and misalignments over time.
“People are not joking when they say she is not a normal therapist. There’s a huge difference between regular massage and her structural work. I had no idea that it was so similar to Rolfing but no where near as expensive. You see and feel the difference after one session. This is for any age, any body type, you’re in pain, want to preform better, whatever. ”
How does structural integration work?
Rolfing structural integration can be performed as:
A single session for targeted relief
The first 3 sessions of the Rolfing Ten-Series
The traditional Rolfing Ten-Series
Or an advanced Rolfing Ten-Series with additional sessions
The hallmark of Rolfing structural integration is the Ten-Series, a set of ten sessions designed to systematically enhance the overall structure and movement of the body. Broken into three unique units, each session builds on the next to free restrictions in specific body regions. Sessions are typically spaced 1 to 2 weeks apart, completing within six months.
After the series, people return for maintenance sessions to preserve balance and movement quality, scheduling as needed, whether bi-weekly, monthly, or multiple times a year.
Unsure where to start? Schedule a phone consultation with Savannah to discuss the best approach for your goals. The Ten-Series may be the best fit, or we can customize depending on your needs.
Integrating Hellerwork for a truly holistic experience
Hellerwork structural integration aims to restore your body's natural alignment. Unlike other methods that offer short-term relief, structural integration specialists believe in stretching and training the fascia on a neuromuscular level. This helps make the fascia more soft and pliable, improving posture, strength, and reducing aches and pains over time.
Hellerwork consists of three components: deep connective tissue bodywork, movement education, and self-awareness dialogue. These components are designed to optimize your body's state after exposure to normal influences like aging, injury, strain, and poor movement habits.
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Deep connective tissue bodywork is a key part of Hellerwork, aiming to release tension in your fascia and realign your body. Practitioners use hands-on techniques to stretch the fascia, helping it return to a more optimal position. Releasing chronic tension can lead to a sense of freedom and well-being as chronic tension is released.
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Movement education in Hellerwork helps you become more aware of your body and movement patterns. Through this awareness, you can discover easier and fuller ways of moving in daily activities like sitting, standing, walking, and reaching, as well as in sports, hobbies, and other activities you enjoy.
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Self awareness dialogue in Hellerwork helps you become more aware and responsible for how your thoughts, feelings, and beliefs affect your posture and overall health. By shifting your attitude, you can improve your body's health and enhance your self-expression.
Who can benefit?
People from all walks of life can benefit from structural integration. Structural integration is best suited for:
People recovering from an injury, in pain or chronic pain
Athletes or engage in highly physical activities
Women in pre/postnatal state
Children and babies to help with posture, growth, and nursing
Seniors interested in more ease of movement
Victims of trauma, which is often held in the body
People who want to feel more comfortable in their body
People focused on preventative care to live a long, active life
Pregnancy, Babies and Children
Structural integration massage can support baby’s and children's growth and development, while easing the physical changes and discomforts of pregnancy. Learn how these techniques can promote balance, flexibility, and overall well-being during these important life stages.
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Hellerwork, founded by Joseph Heller, integrates structural integration and somatic education to harmonize mind, body, and spirit. This therapy enhances posture, body awareness, and breathing through myofascial bodywork, movement education, and dialogue. During pregnancy, Hellerwork can alleviate backaches and tension, promoting overall well-being and empowering women to manage their bodies and pregnancies. It also supports postural changes as the baby grows, preparing women for childbirth.
It's not advised to undergo the 10-session Hellerwork series during pregnancy. Instead, seek a specialist in prenatal and postnatal care. They can identify areas of tension in your body and your baby's, ensuring a safe environment. Techniques like spinal flossing and sacrum alignment can relieve spinal and rib compression and improve the baby's comfort.
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Alignment work through Hellerwork and rolfing structural integration is not only safe but can also be beneficial for infants, children, teens, and young adults. Sessions are typically shorter for young adults and infants because their fascia tissue is more malleable. Parents and children will be taught small increments based on the individual needs of each child.
Still have questions? That’s okay. I love helping
“My goal is your health. If structural integration isn’t right for you, I can help you find what you need.”