What Is Structural Integration?
Structural Integration, also known as Rolfing, is a method of alternative therapy initially developed by Ida Rolf, PHD. It is typically offered as a series of ten hand-on healing sessions, sometimes called a" Recipe", sometimes also called"Rolfing Circle". These sessions are typically provided in a non-clinical setting, like a home or clinic, and concentrate on the entire body, not only one technique or area of healing. Patients work with their own body systems to address their condition, and learn techniques for prevention and maintenance of good health. The purpose of every structural integration session is straightforward: identify patterns of movement patterns inside the patient's body. Once identified, the practitioner then uses those patterns to create a personalized treatment plan to specifically address each patient's needs. This process not only helps patients move freely but also improves their health, self-esteem, self-confidence, breathing control, strength and flexibility. Since structural integration focuses on movement patterns, sessions normally consist of massage, stretching exercises, and bodywork, all of which are beneficial for motion and flexibility. The goal of this type of therapy is to help patients who experience chronic pain and anxiety. Among other things, this program can help to alleviate and prevent the onset of pain and stress, through a combination of massage, stretching and movement exercises. Additionally, it can improve athletic performance and lessen the risk of injury. This has been used by athletes and other sports fans for decades, helping them overcome injuries, manage stress and optimize muscle strength and flexibility. Of course, there are many benefits to incorporating this kind of massage therapy into an athlete's training routine. As an athlete progresses through their training, it's typical for them to experience pain, often in the back, legs and joints. In order to help combat this stress and pain, a good therapist will identify areas where your system is most vulnerable and tailor a program that addresses these particular problems. Through structural integration, a trained professional can help patients find the ideal balance between relaxation and increased strength and flexibility. The massage therapist uses techniques like gentle gliding motions, trigger point stimulation and trigger point release to work on the muscles and soft tissues, releasing tight knots that have built up and leading to pain and strain. For athletes and those who have experienced trauma, this form of treatment has proven especially beneficial. Among other things, it can help reduce the amount of tension that's associated with any given movement. For example, if an athlete is running uphill, they may feel a lot of tension within their quads. By using structural integration methods, the therapist can gently encourage the muscles to flex and extend, while simultaneously reducing the amount of tension which is being held in the quads. Then, this can permit the athlete to become more portable and give them increased levels of energy. Another common problem that is addressed during the structural integration process is problematic posture. A person may be suffering from a number of musculoskeletal and neurological imbalances which are causing them chronic pain, stiffness and instability. In order to restore proper posture, the therapist may use the right tools. They may use a range of tools such as boards and pillows, TENS machines, straps and heat pack mittens that will help the patient achieve a more aligned body posture. Often, a customer will experience muscle atrophy when they spend too much time in a hyperactive state. This is one of the key causes for chronic pain and uncertainty. Using the right tools, such as TENS machines and other structural integration tools, the therapist is able to reduce and reverse the effects of chronic tension within the muscles, thus helping them return to a normal condition more quickly. The greater strength and mobility is also known to decrease the quantity of nagging tension in the muscles, ligaments and tendons. The lower back is particularly important to address during the Structural Integration procedure. When using an ATE machine or a TENS machine, it is important for the therapist to determine whether or not the individual is experiencing a normal level of gravity. If a person is experiencing severe discomfort and weakness, they may benefit from a complete decompression of the spine. But if gravity is still too high, the therapist may want to try a partial decompression of the spine or they might seek to use TENS in order to increase the quantity of traction that is placed on the fascia. Many physicians and therapists are now recommending that their patients do a Structural Integration Therapy together with a manual lymph drainage to help loosen and improve the overall performance of the lymphatic system. Even if the symptoms are not fully resolved, the improved freedom that includes the reduced stress on the muscles and tendons will make the patient's condition better.