Structural Integration

The main goal of Structural Integration is to re-align the body in gravity.  When we are in line with gravity the ground holds us up so we can stand and move with ease.

When we are misaligned the body is locked in a constant struggle to stay upright, causing tension throughout the system and particularly in and around the joints. This may manifest as pain, stress, weakness, fatigue, poor digestion, circulation and concentration, breathing problems, migraines etc.

Throughout our lives we develop poor posture habits.  We copy our parents, siblings, and peers.  We develop stress patterns from occupations such as driving and using computers.  Work and sport which involve particular postures – like golf or gardening – add to the situation.

As chronically shortened muscles lose the ability to relax, the result is a state of constant tension.  When the body suffers an injury it will compensate causing yet more holding patterns which will result in similar shortening and tension.

By the deep manual intervention of the soft elastic tissue to encourage the release of stress patterns, and enhance mobility and space.  In other words, by massaging and moving, manipulating and stretching the muscles, tendons and other soft tissue, the tension is released.

Muscles are lengthened and space is restored to the joints allowing greater ease of movement and relief from pain.

However, the body cannot accommodate the necessary changes all at once so the work is divided into 10 sessions with a week or longer between treatments.  This allows the body to integrate the work done.  Time is an essential part of the process and not just between the sessions, after the course of treatment the whole person continues to assimilate the work.

Testimonials

“I had been suffering with lower back pain and knee pain for a number of months, brought on by my job and road running.  My back pain went within the first couple of sessions, and my knee pain has completely disappeared.  I’m training for a marathon at the moment, and having Rolfing sessions with Caroline and Rosy has helped me enormously.  I recover a lot faster after a run and have no aches or pains.  I can’t recommend them highly enough!”

Rebekah Roberts – Stenographer and Marathon Runner

“After several years of suffering with back, neck and shoulder pain, I was forever stiff and uncomfortable. I also experienced searing pains down my legs which made walking extremely painful and running impossible. Structural Integration was recommended to me by a friend and after just three sessions there was a huge improvement. People were commenting on how great my posture was. Now, after ten sessions, I feel like a whole new person. I feel comfortable in my own body.”

Lucy Hibburd – Graphic Design Artist

“I suffered from constant lower back pain and terrible posture before seeing Rosy for Structural Integration. After the ten sessions my back pain was completely gone and I could stand up straight. Also my breathing had improved which was something I hadn’t expected at all! I had my last session over a year ago and I still feel fantastic.”

Jerry Probert – Paragliding Instructor

“Relief. Release. I don’t get those sharp pains in my back and shoulders anymore.”

Annie Kingsharp – Sales Negotiator

“I’ve practised and taught yoga for seventeen years but I could never do a full lotus position until I had Rolfing. My yoga has improved fantastically.”

Sue P. – Yoga Teacher

“I used to suffer terrible shin splints while running. It stopped after two sessions.”

Chris Jones – Computer Technician

“Yes, all the physical stuff, pain, stiffness, headaches etc. got better, but the best thing was I feel so much better in myself, more comfortable in my body.”

Nick Cartwright – Carpenter

“I had a hip replacement two years ago but it felt like it didn’t fit properly and still hurt most of the time. Rolfing sorted it out. I feel really well now.”

Barbara Hansford - Retired