FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is S.I.?

Structural Integration is a type of bodywork that focuses on the connective tissue, known as fascia, in the body. Fascia surrounds muscles, groups of muscles, blood vessels, organs, and nerves, binding some structures together while permitting others to slide smoothly over each other. 

Fascia is designed to be elastic and move freely with muscles and bones.  Injury, stress, work-related repetitive movements and the effects of aging can cause fascia to lose its elasticity and become shorter, tighter, and more dense. Tightened fascia pulls our muscles and skeleton out of proper alignment and posture, which can cause pain, discomfort, and fatigue.

Structural Integration works to lengthen, stretch, and soften this tissue to restore postural balance, ease of movement, and a feeling of being more at home in your own body. It is practiced in an organized series of sessions or individual sessions within a framework that is designed to restore postural balance by aligning and integrating the body in gravity. Structural Integration is based on the work of Dr. Ida P. Rolf.

What does an SI Session encompass?

During the Structural Integration process changes in posture and structure are achieved by manipulating the body's myofascial system. The focus of Structural Integration is on the fascia rather than on the muscles (as in massage). The fascia is a protective layer of connective tissue that surrounds each muscle and muscle fiber. Fascia gives muscles and bodies their shape and support .

As tissue is being released, you may experience a variety of sensations ranging from warm and pleasant to uncomfortable. Your practitioner will apply appropriate pressure during the session based on your feedback so the pace of the session is under your control. Sometimes, as the tissue is released and balanced, clients experience the release of emotions, memories or traumas that have been stored in the fascial tissue. Such releases can create the opportunity for change and/or resolution surrounding the issues presented.

How many SI Sessions do I need?

Structural Integration is typically performed in a series of ten sessions to systematically release the myofascial tissue. Each session builds upon the last, addressing layers of tissue throughout the process. The SI Series is designed to balance your body in segments, with each session addressing a different aspect of your structure and movement. Once you begin the series, it is extremely advised that you complete the full series within 4-5weeks or the time in-between sessions can have a negative affect on your body, as it tries to readjust and unwind between the new space the finished sessions have created and stuck with the unfinished work.

Though the Structural Integration series is often designed to work in sequence, Head To Heel recognizes that not everyone can commit to a full series. We book individual sessions, that focus on your unique needs and use our skills to address your immediate concerns safely, and on your timeline. By doing single sessions instead of a full series, Head To Heel can replicate the same affects and we are able to lower our rate to a much more affordable option for everyone, compared to others in the industry.