Frequently Asked Questions

Structural Integration is a method developed by Dr. Ida P. Rolf in the 1950's as a way to address and improve the relationship of the human structure to Gravity.  This method is also known as rolf-ing after Dr. Rolf, 

In practice it is a hands-on method of bodywork, focusing on freeing up stuck fascia (connective tissue) in order to allow the body the space to best approach the position of least effort and most ease.  Over the course of 10 sessions, usually done weekly, the whole structure is addressed, head to foot (but not in that order).  Sessions usually last 60-75 minutes.  The goal is to bring out an improved/upgraded version of your structure. One that is freer, feels lighter, has more space, and is longer and taller.  A structure that uses Gravity to support it, not one that is constantly fighting against Gravity.  

Most likely, yes, but I don't know for sure as this is dependent on various factors.  Most of my clients first come in with some type of chronic pain or discomfort complaint.  The vast majority of them see lasting improvements that exceed their initial expectations.  Most chronic pain or discomfort issues are related to structure, so if we can improve structure, the pain or discomfort often leaves.  Depending on the beginning situation, the going may be slower or faster, but in general, I've found that when someone comes in truly seeking a better situation for themselves and are able to commit to at least three sessions, they are able to find the help they are looking for.  If I feel like I can't help, I refer out to other practitioners I think may be able to.  

As long as a few months have passed since the surgery (better to wait about 6 months after major surgery if possible), it is possible to specifically with the scar tissue, which can bring tremendous relief.  Depending how much scarring there is, it may be possible to work bits of scarwork into a regular ten-series, and sometimes this demands a session or two all of its own. Scar tissue can and will change with the right touch, and it doesn't matter how old it is.  Scarwork is light, pleasant, and painless.  I learned scarwork work from Sharon Wheeler, an original student of Dr. Rolf, and include this in sessions as necessary.  

It is also possible to do stand alone sessions only for scar tissue.  Issues that can often be addressed with this work are nerve damage/issues (lack of sensation, tingling, etc.), lack of mobility, discomfort in or around the area of the scar (some people are uncomfortable touching their own scars, for example), the scar distorts the surrounding tissues, things have felt off or unusual about your body since the surgery or injury.  The scarwork can help normalize these.  

Absolutely.  For me, it is the perfect combination of strategy, discipline, patience, listening, learning, honing of skills and totality of focus directed towards helping others become closer to themselves, and comfortable with who they are.  I really love doing this work.  

In my experience and understanding, there isn't any separation between emotional and physical.  I think that the confusion is from the fact that we are taught about the physical body primarily through the visual (anatomy drawings, etc, which are most of the time artistic renditions of cadavers), and through our intellect.  As someone who has been involved in martial arts and other movement disciplines from a young age, when I talk about the physical body I am talking about the experiential physical body, not the pictures in a book.   Emotions are something that we feel, and we need a body to feel them.  They are an actual physical feeling.  If the physical body is made to be more comfortable, the emotional pain or intensity from a past wound will almost always lessen in direct proportion to the body approaching balance.  

No.