Structural Integration Series of 10
Structural Integration is a process. While traditional massage offers a one-stop “fix” for a sore muscle, S.I. aims to correct longstanding maladies in the fascia (connective tissue) of the body. To do this, the S.I. practitioner uses a series of 10, 90 to 120 minute sessions. Each session focuses on a specific part of the body, building on the previous session to fully release blockages in your connective tissue and realign your skeleton.
You may choose to explore just one session first to determine if your practitioner is a good fit. There is no requirement you follow through all 10 sessions. However, the series is designed with these 10 sessions in mind, and the greatest results will be achieved after all 10 have been completed.
Outline of the 10 sessions:
Session 1: Ribs and chest, freeing breath
Areas of the body: ribcage, sternum, shoulders, neck, hips & upper legs/hamstring
Goals:
- relieve pressure in the ribcage to improve breathing
- lengthen side body away from the hips
- release the superficial fascia layer
Session 2: Lower body, support system
Areas of the body: feet, lower legs and knees
Goals:
- increasing range of motion in the ankles
- releasing lower leg tightness
- learning to distribute weight evenly on the feet, reducing the impact of shoe wearing
Session 3: Lateral body line (i.e., the front and back of the body)
Areas of the body: upper body, torso, hips, upper legs
Goals:
- restructuring the ribs, shoulder and pelvis area for better overall body support
- lengthening the midline of the body through the neck and head
Session 4: Medial body line (core and pelvis)
Areas of the body: legs, pelvis
Goals:
- strengthening the medial line to support the limbs
- strengthening the pelvic girdle to align the upper leg
- at the same time, opening the hip, freeing motion in the pelvis
Session 5: Anterior body line (internal organs & core )
Areas of the body: front of the legs, stomach, diaphragm, chest
- releasing internal structural limitations
- lengthening the abdomen for more inner space
- reconnecting with the abs and core strength
- exploring psoas balance
Session 6: Posterior line (posture)
Areas of the body: backs of the legs, glutes, sacrum, spine
Goals:
- realigning hip rotators
- freeing the sacrum (lower back)
- improving alignment of back joints
- achieving symmetry of upper and lower skeleton
Session 7: Adaptability
Areas of the body: chest, shoulders, face, head
Goals:
- strengthening connection of neck and throat/upper spine
- relieving neck tension and increasing range of motion
- releasing connective tissue tension in the face, throat and back of the head
Session 8: Structural Integration of girdle
Area of the body: Either shoulder or pelvic girdle, depending on the person
Goals:
- determining which girdle has the greater obstruction
- realigning the girdle and body around that girdle
Session 9: Functional Integration for movement
Area of the body: Girdle with most movement restriction
Goals:
- releasing blockages to movement
- learning new movement patterns
Session 10: Final integration
Areas of the body: ankles, knees, hips, stomach, neck & head
Goals:
- establishing a continued treatment plan, either with bodywork, movement or sports therapy
- horizontalizing joints