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1) What is the difference between Rolfing and Structural
Integration? top
“Rolfing” is the trademarked term used by members of
the Rolf Institute for Structural Integration to
describe Dr. Rolf’s 10 session protocol. Non-alumni of
the Rolf Institute that practice Dr. Rolf’s 10 or KMI
12 session protocol call their work simply Structural
Integration. Some practitioners also describe Dr.
Rolf’s protocol as “The Rolf method of Structural
Integration” or as Dr. Ida P. Rolf's Method of
Structural Integration. My school (KMI) was founded by
Tom Myers who was an original student of Ida Rolf. His
knowledge, experience and devotion to Ida's work have
been incorporated into a fine school for the advancent
of Structural Integration.
2) Is
Structural Integration painful? top
It can be. Practitioners of Structural
Integration often use a lot of force in order to release
(unglue) adhesions between muscles and between muscle
and bone. Pain associated with releasing these adhesions
can be greatly lessened when the client is actively
involved in moving their own body and by breathing
techniques that remind the client to let go of
contracted muscles. SI practitioners vary in their
philosophy about pain. Some agree that it must be
painful because the techniques they learned were direct
and deep to the tissues. KMI SI is greatly different in
that the hands on applications are not as direct, but go
as deeply into the tissues. This makes a more
comfortable experience for the the client.
3) What
is the difference between Structural Integration and
Chiropractic? top
As a generalization most Chiropractors do little or no
soft tissue mobilization (ungluing of muscle, tendons or
ligaments). Chiropractic, again as a generalization,
focuses primarily upon the alignment of the spine and
upon easing strain upon the spinal nerves resulting from
poor spinal alignment. Practitioners of Structural
Integration focus upon improving a persons’ overall
posture and function.
By remobilizing the body’s muscles and soft tissue
layers, joints can be untwisted, bones can and will
shift their positions and long term structural
imbalances can be resolved.
4) What
is the difference between Structural Integration and
massage? top
Structural Integration is defined by a 10 or 12-session
organizational protocol, not by the techniques the
individual practitioner utilizes. There are many
techniques a practitioner can utilize to release the
body’s muscle and soft tissue layers.
What sets Structural Integration apart is its unique
organizational viewpoint.
5) Do
I need to go through all twelve sessions? top
Clients often come into my practice
with specific requests. My shoulder is not working
right, a back problem or even sore feet. I often apply
SI techniques to help with specific problems. And people
do get better. I would like to stress one point. More
often than not the problem area was just the indicator
for a deeper more bodywide problem with posture or
perhaps a distantly related injury. Yes, I can help
relieve the painful site in perhaps a few sessions, but
I would really like to help correct the cause that is
likely deeply rooted in your posture. I however will
work aggressively to meet your requests.
6) What
will it feel like between sessions? top
The first few days after a session are
usually the time of greatest change. Somewhat like the
first day after heavy excercise, you may feel a bit sore
the next day. After that you may experience ongoing
shifts in balance and awareness. Most people experience
feelings of lightness and improved comfort and ease of
movement.
7) How
often should I come in for a session? top
Sessions are scheduled using the
following priority: 1 week minimum to 3 weeks depending
on how well you do after your first session; then your
budget ; and finally time slots available. To get the
most from your sessions, you should establish a
regular pattern that feels right for you. Each session
is a building block for the next session, and keeping a
momentum is important --- but I must say its not
mandatory. I simply want you to get the best experience
possible.
8) Are
the changes obtained by Structural Integration
permanent? top
The simple answer is yes....but, it takes more than
Structural Integration for people to effect change in
their lives and body. Structural Integration is very
powerful and highly effective at improving a person's
range of motion and posture.
Teaching a person new ways of moving, breathing, and
helping them release emotional holding patterns held
within their body is also critical.
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