Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

 

Some facts about the process are:

Ten sessions lasting about 60-75 minutes spaced a week or more apart

Each session specifically designed to align or integrate a part or parts of the body

An increased feeling of lift or lightness following each session

Continuing development takes place for up to a year after the sessions are complete

How does Structural Integration feel?

The area being worked will vary in sensation and feeling depending upon injuries to an area or holding of chronic stress as well as other factors. Feelings can range from pleasurable release to momentary discomfort. We work at your level and pace for receiving the work.

How does Structural Integration Work?

By lengthening and opening the patterns in the connective tissue, thickened toughened tissue becomes more pliable allowing movement and flexibility. The systematic approach to relating gravity through the myofascial layers aligns the body and improves posture. The body lengthens allowing muscles the space to work and joints the freedom to function.

What is connective tissue?

Connective tissue is the support system of the body. All the major systems of the body- circulatory,digestive,nervous, musculoskeletal, and organs are ensheathed in connective tissue. When an imbalance exists in a person's system it can be identified as a shortening, thickening, and dehydration of the tissue which impairs joint mobility and muscle function. This is usually felt in the system as chronic pain, discomfort, stiffness, or decreased flexibility and impaired movement.

What is Structural Integration?

Structural Integration is a process of re-education of the body through movement and touch. It systematically releases patterns of stress and impaired function. The primary focus of Structural Integration is facilitating the relationship between gravity and the human body.

Are there psychological benefits?

Although Structural Integration is primarily concerned with physical changes in the body, it affects the whole person. Our goal is to align the physical structure which will open up more of an individual's potential. Clients often report positive changes, stating less stress, greater self-confidence and improved ability to handle challenges as they are presented. Such positive changes have been reported in all age groups.

Does Structural Integration Last?

Yes! Photographs taken of clients' years after the basic ten series show that changes were still present and structure often improved. Keep in mind that all injuries, accidents, lengthy illnesses and emotional stress may necessitate additional work.

 

"Rolfing was a wonderful experience for me, undertaken at a particularly stressful time in my life, a time when I knew I had to nurture myself. Before beginning the ten sessions, I was seeing a chiropractor at least once a week-sometimes two or three times a week-for manipulation to correct the alignment of three vertebrae which kept coming out of place, causing me pain. Once I began the Rolfing sessions (one a week for ten weeks), my need for chiropractic adjustments decreased markedly. After six sessions I quit going to the chiropractor altogether. Frank Epstein with his considerable skill, was able to move my muscular system back into place so it supported my spine as it should. I still get periodic chiropractic adjustments, perhaps one every three months; but I am never out of alignment as I was before Rolfing. Consequently, I stay relatively pain-free"
— Linda Mason Hunter