Joanne Hopkins
Certified Practitioner of the Rolf Method of Structural Integration
The Ida P. Rolf Method of Structural Integration




MASSAGE AND STRUCTURAL INTEGRATION


Who Can Benefit from Structural Integration?
Athletes, dancers, students of yoga and meditation, musicians, business people, people riddled with chronic pain and stress, people from all walks of life and all ages come to Structural Integration not only for relief from pain and stress, but also for improved performance in their professions and daily activities.

The goal of Structural Integration is to have a fluid, light, balanced body – free of pain, stiffness and chronic stress.

What is Structural Integration?
Structural Integration is an educational process of understanding the relationship between gravity and the human body. It is a systematic approach to releasing the patterns of stress and impaired functioning of the body’s structure. Most of our bodies are misaligned which often results in poor posture. As we grow older, this changes our relationship to gravity and our posture worsens. We often ‘shrink’ in height and flexibility is slowly lost.

How does Structural Integration work?
Structural Integration effectively lengthens and opens the patterns in the connective tissue. The tissues, otherwise know as the myofacial system is very tough and strong. It is essentially, the support systems of the body. All of the major systems in the body – circulatory, digestive, nervous, musculoskeletal, and organs – are sheathed in connective tissue. Connective tissue that is healthy and balanced is characteristically flexible, elastic and resilient. Yet, naturally over time, the tissue responds to gravity, illness, injury, emotional trauma and everyday stress. Any of these factors will immediately. Or over time, cause an imbalance in the connective tissue. When imbalance does occur, the system’s healthy characteristics are affected. The imbalance is identified as a shortening, thickening, and dehydration of the tissue which impair joint mobility and muscle function. This is usually felt in the body as chronic pain, discomfort, stiffness or decreased flexibility and impaired movement.

WHAT ARE THE BENIFITS?
Structural Integration is a very personal process. It is important to remember that because no two people are alike, their experience and the benefits will never be exactly the same. People often appear taller, slimmer and
exhibit a more structurally aligned posture. Some actually gain anywhere from ¼” to over 1” in height. Feelings of discomfort or pain are often alleviated. Other often experience benefits of greater flexibility and range of motion, a feeling of lightness and fluidity, better balance, increased breathing capacity, increased energy and greater self-confidence.

HOW DOES STRUCTURAL INTEGRATION FEEL?
Structural Integration is a very personal process. It is important to remember that because no two people are alike, their experience and the benefits will never be exactly the same. People often appear taller, slimmer and
exhibit a more structurally aligned posture. Some actually gain anywhere from ¼” to over 1” in height. Feelings of discomfort or pain are often alleviated. Other often experience benefits of greater flexibility and range of motion, a feeling of lightness and fluidity, better balance, increased breathing capacity, increased energy and greater self-confidence.

The Basic Ten Series
The Basic Ten Series consists of ten sessions, running 1-1.5 hours per session. Each of the ten sessions constitutes a particular intention, carefully addressing the holding patterns and developing more balance, length and lift in a specific region of the body. The process involves the Practitioner applying pressure to the myofascial tissue. This is accomplished by using their hands, arms and sometimes their elbow to carefully move the tissue in certain areas. The connective tissue is systematically softened and lengthened, area by area, session by session, until a new, more balanced pattern gradually emerges.

Since the rhythms of respiration are an intricate part of the process, the client is often asked to breathe into the area being worked, as well as to make small movements through the related joint.

Does Structural Integration Last?
YES! Photographs taken of clients years after the Basic Ten Series show changes were still present and often improved.

Keep in mind however, as life changes, bodies change in response. All injuries, accidents, lengthy illnesses and emotional stress may necessitate additional work.

What is the Cost?
The total cost of the Basic Ten Series is $1350 or, $135 per session.

Keep in mind however, as life changes, bodies change in response. All injuries, accidents, lengthy illnesses and emotional stress may necessitate additional work.


Post Ten/Advanced Series
When the Basic Ten Series is completed, it is recommended that a client allow a period of six months to a year to pass before scheduling more work. This waiting period allows time for integration of the body. After the waiting period, clients may wish to return for more advanced work, dealing again with balance, movement and awareness.

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