How does Structural Integration differ from massage therapy?
SI usually takes place within a 10-session series of bodywork, each session building upon the previous one, whereas massage is typically single-session based. Additionally, SI is more active on the part of the client than massage. Clients will often be in a greater variety of positions than during a massage, and frequently, Jessica will have clients make small movements while applying pressure or a stroke, or at least be focusing on their breath.
Are Structural Integration and Rolfing® the same thing?
The words Rolfing® and Rolfer® are trademarked by the Dr. Ida Rolf Institute, and Structural Integration is the term Dr. Rolf first used to describe her method before later coining Rolfing®. Therefore, practitioners who study at one of the many other SI schools call their work Structural Integration. Each school has a slightly different take on Dr. Rolf’s original work, and there are over 20 schools recognized by the International Association of Structural Integrators as compliant with certain educational standards. Jessica attended the Guild for Structural Integration, the second SI school in existence, formed in 1989 by students of Dr. Rolf who were devoted to preserving her original teachings, and 10-series.
What do I wear?
Because Jessica views your structure before, during and after a session and typically works with clients while they are seated and standing in addition to laying down, women wear bra and underwear or two-piece bathing suits, and men wear briefs or boxer briefs. If this is the only thing holding someone back from doing the SI series, Jessica is happy to discuss other options.
What should I expect at the first session?
Jessica and the client will first go over the health history paperwork and information in detail and she will answer any questions that may come up. Once the session begins, Jessica will take pictures to later compare to pictures taken after sessions 7 and 10, thereby tracking any visible changes to the structure. Some clients choose to look at these pictures and discuss them with Jessica while others do not—it’s up to the individual. After this, Jessica observes the client breathing, going through simple range of motion exercises and walking. All of this gives Jessica an idea of how the whole body is working together as well as areas of restriction. The hands-on work begins after this with the client on the table.
Is Structural Integration painful?
The pressure applied during an SI session is similar to a deep tissue massage. There might be moments that are uncomfortable or painful because of long-held strain and disorganization of the tissue. Most clients speak of their experiences as a “good” or “helpful” kind of pain. Jessica wants her clients to keep her informed of their experiences and will adjust her pressure or take breaks as needed. The way to true change in the body is not to “grit one’s teeth and bear it.” More benefit will occur if the nervous system interprets the work as safe and the work is done within the client’s comfort level.
What happens after I do the 10-session series?
Comparisons of photographs taken of people after their 10-series and months and years later show that the structure often continues to change and progress as the work settles in over time and they are moving differently in their daily lives. Therefore, it is customary to wait three months or more before any further SI work is done to allow the body to process. After this time, clients may do additional sessions in a 3-series format for maintenance and further progression. Any accidents or injuries or prolonged emotional stress may necessitate doing additional work sooner. Feel free to be in communication with Jessica at any time. On average, a person may opt to do a 3-series 1-3 times per year and a 10-series every 4-5 years. All of this depends on the individual and the particular situation.
How long do the sessions last and how often do I come in?
The sessions range from an hour to an hour and a half, depending on how quickly the goals for that session are met. Clients schedule sessions from one week apart to a month apart, although it’s best for a couple of the sessions to take place with no more than a week between them. Obviously, the quicker people proceed through the series, the sooner they will likely feel better. Jessica will discuss the frequency of sessions when scheduling.
Do I have to pay for all 10 sessions up front?
No. Jessica prefers payment at the time of each session.
Does insurance cover Structural Integration?
Some insurance companies do cover SI. Occasionally a prescription from a doctor is required. Jessica is happy to give you a receipt with one of the accepted billing codes so that you may submit to your insurance and receive reimbursement.
Do I tip a Structural Integrator?
In Jessica’s experience, there does not seem to be a guideline or norm to follow here. Jessica never expects tips but always appreciates them.
Who should receive SI?
- Do you have chronic aches and pains that have not responded to other treatments?
- Do you have specific problems which have resulted from an injury, surgery or repetitive motion?
- Are you an athlete or involved in yoga or dance and would like to enhance your performance and reduce the risk of injury?
- Would you like to feel more comfortable in your body?
- Would you like to experience better posture, ease of movement and breathing capacity?
- Are you looking for a transformative experience to bring greater awareness to your physical body and enhance mind/body connection?
If you’ve answered “yes” to any of these questions, you may be a candidate for Structural Integration. SI is appropriate for people of any age, from infants to seniors.