Structural Integration (Rolfing) - Bodywork in Madison

The Structural Integration Experience

The most common way to begin Structural Integration work is with what is commonly referred to as the "10 Series". This consists of 10 sessions lasting 60-80 minutes which are designed to balance your body in segments with each session addressing a different aspect of your structure and movement. The results become cumulative as each session adds to the results of the previous ones. The amount of time between sessions varies and is determined on an individual basis. The average spacing is generally one to three weeks apart.

The process begins with a consultation to understand your goals as well as a brief exploration of health and personal history to help guide the process. You will be observed as you stand and move to assess levels of balance and alignment.

While lying on a table pressure is applied to your body in a systematic way incorporating a variety of techniques including slow, deep stretching strokes and constant applied pressure to unwind strain patterns. No oil or lotion is used in SI to ensure direct contact with the fascia. You participate by directing attention to your awareness of sensations, impulses, thoughts and images. You may be asked to breathe into a particular area or to make subtle coordinated movements in response to the pressure. The pressure of the manipulations combined with your attention and responses facilitate release and realignment of your body's segments.

I will also help you become aware of habitual and inhibiting movement patterns and will incorporate movement education to help you change these patterns and achieve more fluid movement. These changes in activities such as sitting, walking and breathing can affect your level of daily functioning. The aim is to empower you so that the work becomes your own and continues even off the table.

After the basic 10 Series is complete a client usually allows a period of time for the body to adapt and fully integrate before scheduling additional work. This wait period could be anywhere from one month to one year depending on the individual needs of the client. Following this wait periodic tune-up sessions will help to refresh the feeling of integration and balance in your body as well as address acute injuries or imbalances which have developed in response to additional stress, trauma and lifestyle changes.