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What is Structural Integration, Rolfing, Structural Myofascial Therapy?  

     Structural Integration, also known as Rolf Structural Integration (called "Rolfing" by the students of the Rolf Institute) is the therapeutic bodywork known as “Structural Integration” developed by Dr. Ida P. Rolf.  What defines Structural Integration is the specific organized 10 session protocol, which releases soft tissues, joints, and incorporates teaching new ways of breathing and moving to improve a person's range of motion and posture.  The specific "10 sessions" as a series is known as Structural Integration or “Rolfing”. 

Structural Myofascial Therapy is best described as deep, slow, specific, engaging.  A very small amount of wax on the therapist's hands, arms and elbows is the only lubricant used to grip the tissue and release deep layers along specific myofascial lines. Sometimes uncomfortable, usually relaxing, always beneficial.

This work is NOT a massage, but rather a mobilization and reorganization of “stuck” restricted areas of soft tissue that contribute to pain and postural compensations. Several dedicated sessions can provide long lasting improvement, which in turn, reduces overuse/repetitive strain injuries. 

In my practice I often use the principles, techniques and methods of Structural Therapy, in combination with some massage in a session for a therapeutic target and relaxing treatment. 

Postural Somatic awareness enables one to realize where they hold tension, where they "are in space/gravity" (proprioception) and includes awareness about posture and repetitive actions which contribute to overuse. Modifications and lifestyle changes may be beneficial for bringing about lasting postural changes.