Is a therapeutic approach developed by Ida Rolf & further refined by Tom Myers. While it shares similarities with remedial massage, its primary focus is on posture & the long-standing patterns your body has adopted to cope with pain & daily activities. By addressing these patterns, Structural Integration aims to correct & realign your body, enhancing your posture & overall well-being. Thereby creating more space within your body & allowing for greater movement & comfort.
How is it different to a Remedial Massage?
Your therapist will have a look at the patterns your body has created. Throughout the session, they will guide you in specific movements to identify what's functioning well & what may be stuck in dysfunction. These movements are essential for facilitating release & supporting the re-education process needed to establish new patterns.
There will also be moments where you'll step off the table & go for a brief walk. This allows you to feel & experience the changes happening in your body in real-time, bringing awareness to areas you may not have noticed before. By doing this, you help your body adapt to the changes, reinforcing that it's perfectly fine to feel different.
Some common questions about a session:
* What should I wear?
Please wear underwear, a two-piece bathing suit, or loose-fitting gym clothes as you'll be required to get on & off the table, walk around the clinic, & perform certain movements. This allows the therapist to observe your body & the patterns that are changing throughout the treatment. Rest assured, you are in a safe & comfortable environment, & you will be treated with the utmost respect at all times.
* How many sessions to I need?
Twelve sessions (also called the 12 series) which go for 60-90 minutes. Each session in the series has a different area of focus. The first four session focus on opening, freeing, & releasing the superficial layers of the body. The next four sessions focus on the deeper layers & then finally the last four session integrate & bring all the work from the previous eight sessions together.
*What if I cannot commit to 12 sessions?
I get it, it's a lot to commit to! You can do three blocks of four session with a break in between each block, or you might consider the 3 series. The 3 series consist of three sessions in which we dedicate one session to the lower body, one to the upper body, & finish with an integration session that brings it all together.
*I'm loving the results I'm getting in the 3 series; can we switch to the 12 series?
Short answer no. They are structured differently & therefore you will need to finish the 3 series first before starting a 12 series.
How often should I do a session?
This is completely up to you. If you feel like you can handle two sessions a week for several weeks then we can do that, if you want to do one session a month that is OK too.
Ideally, sessions should occur every 1-2 weeks. If the therapist notices a significant change or shift in your condition, they may reschedule your next appointment either earlier or later to allow you more time to adjust. However, this is only a recommendation & the decision is yours.
How do we track the progress?
During the initial appointment, you will be asked if you would like photos taken. Photos are a valuable tool to observe the changes occurring & serve as a reminder of your progress, & helps you avoid reverting back to old patterns. If you feel uncomfortable with having photos taken for any reason, that is perfectly acceptable; there is no judgment here. Photos are just one way to track the progress.
Other ways include how you are feeling before/after & in between your sessions, any changes in your pain levels, whether they increase or decrease. Additionally, keeping a journal can be a valuable tool to reflect on your experiences & insights that arise throughout our journey together.
What are some of the benefits I can expect?
Results differ for each individual. However many people find that it enhances their body awareness & improves alignment, resulting in greater mobility & less pain. This ultimately leads to a more comfortable & active lifestyle. Furthermore, people often feel taller & more relaxed in their bodies, which significantly enhances their overall well-being.
Qualifications:
*Structural Bodywork Certificate - Anatomy Trains Australia
*Anatomy Trains Structural Integration Practitioner Training (twelve series module) - Anatomy Trains Australia