What is Structural Integration therapy?

"I am not a therapist; gravity is the therapist."

 "If you can imagine how it feels to have a fluid, light, balanced body, free of pain, stiffness, and chronic stress, at ease with itself and the Earth's gravitational field, then you will understand the goals of Structural Integration!" — Ida P. Rolf, Ph.D.

 Structural Integration therapy is a method aimed at releasing connective tissues through tactile therapy and the mobilization of the fascial network, allowing the movement structures of the human body (muscles, joints, and bones) to return to their proper position according to the theoretical order and alignment of the human body. By freeing individual movement structures via connective tissue, it is possible to reach a state where only the muscle groups needed for a specific movement are involved.

 Fascia surrounds, supports, and connects all the muscles, bones, joints, and organs in our body, playing a key role in our overall health and well-being. Structural Integration therapy treats connective tissues as an integrated system that needs to be released, aligned, and balanced around the vertical axis of the human body. Balancing the body around its vertical axis means balancing the muscles – the right side relative to the left, the front of the body relative to the back, and finally, balancing the deepest muscles with the surface ones, the inner parts against the outer. Anything shortened or unbalanced causes rotations and compensations, affecting the body’s natural posture and its ease of movement.

 Structural Integration therapy is based on a system of 10 sessions, carefully structured to build upon each other. Each session lasts 90 to 105 minutes, depending on the need for thorough work on specific body parts. This sequence gradually releases, aligns, and balances the entire body, leading to its harmonization. For overall improvement, it is essential to complete all ten sessions.

 The therapy is a cooperative process between the client and the therapist, so the client’s active participation is encouraged. The therapy and its results are often felt not only physically but also emotionally by the clients. Releasing the fascia brings both physical and mental relief. Changes in posture and movement patterns are a lasting process, not only occurring during the therapy itself. After completing the ten-session cycle, these changes continue to evolve and solidify.

 Structural Integration therapy benefits everyone, not just athletes, musicians, and dancers but also children and people from various walks of life. Many professional athletes have had excellent experiences with Structural Integration therapy due to its positive influence on increasing flexibility, improving natural and correct posture, and preventing injuries.

 Structural Integration therapy is not a relaxation technique; it is an evolutionary and revolutionary method.

 The goal of Structural Integration therapy is to restore the natural balance and integrity of the body’s movement structures, increase flexibility, and reduce the energy expenditure of any movement. If you're looking for a way to achieve a deeper understanding of your body and improve its automatic and natural functioning, Structural Integration therapy is the right path