Structural Integration Structural Integration (SI), the formal name for the pioneering work of Dr. Ida P. Rolf, is a multi-session process of slow fascial and myofascial manipulation combined with movement re-education. SI focuses attention on the relationships between the 'parts' of our body (segmental alignment) and its overall orientation and interaction with gravity (global alignment). At HVSI we are certified in the KMI (Kinesis Myofascial Integration) method of SI as developed by Advanced Rolfer, author and anatomist Thomas Myers. The KMI method is an evolved approach to SI that uses sensitive advanced myofascial techniques to remove restrictions in the fascial system and movement re-education to restore function to our structure as a whole. For more info on the KMI approach, visit Kinesis The significance of the fascial and myofascial system is far-reaching, providing support and orientation of our bones, nerves, organs and vascular structures as well acting as a communication network between all of these subsystems of the body. The various parts we call ligaments, tendons and muscles are all forms of fascia (connective tissue) that give us our unique shape and form. Various influences such as sitting at desks and in cars, injury, trauma, surgery, postural patterning from our early years of development and habitual movement patterns all contribute to the alteration and distortion of this global fabric. Over time these factors result in shortening, thickening, scar tissue build up and adhesion throughout the fascial network, restricting movement of the joints and global neuromuscular inefficiency. No matter the source, the neuro-muscular response that follows will involve some combination of contraction, retraction and immobility placing muscles under strain, sometimes leading to the notorious painful trigger points we often hear about. These alterations eventually lead to chronic pain and degenerative states within local regions of the body. Especially when there are chronic and long-held patterns, it is not enough to simply release the neuro-muscular holding, even though that is certainly a good start. Freeing and re-positioning disturbances in the fascial network combined with re-integration of movement patterns so that they stay easily in their proper position is necessary for long-term effect. Structural Integration is more than a set of techniques, but rather a method for perceiving these imbalances and understanding how to effectively work to re-organize the distortions and determine where the work needs to done. Often times the areas we feel pain are not the primary source of the problem. Focusing work on these painful regions could very well make the problem or imbalance worse even though it may give temporary relief of the symptom. For instance, often the tissues in the body that are over-strained through chronic elongation produce pain and trigger points, whereas the shortened and restrictive tissues responsible for holding and antogonizing the dysfunctional pattern lay distant from the sight of pain. This is often the reason why pain becomes chronic, since our first instinct is to treat the local symptomatic areas, while the source of the problem remains unrecognized, unaddressed and therefore left to progress in severity. This is why any given technique is only as effective as the underlaying principles that guide its use. Structural Integration requires professional training and certification through an accredited institute specifically for SI. When considering a practitioner, be aware that SI is not a type of massage therapy or a deep tissue technique. Although some practitioners may also be Physical Therapists, Massage Therapists, Chiropractors or such, for a safe and effective experience be certain they are also properly certified in Structural Integration. CONTACT