Ida Rolf's Structural Integration Work has found itself a home in Naples, Florida!
Massage Naples Florida loves Structural Integration Therapy~
I know that Rolfing has earned a reputation of being a little painful at times. But have you ever talked to someone who has received the full 10 series share their perspective on the work? My clients are enthused with their newfound sense of freedom in movement and the return to a more youthful vitality. They often come back for a more advanced set of a 3 series months after integrating the original work. The feedback is that the work itself and the occasionally experienced discomfort is well worth the benefits they feel in their bodies long-term!
How does Structural Integration (SI) differ from Massage?
The difference between typical Massage and Structural Integration is that the SI practitioner is focusing on working with the fascia. With a seasoned therapist, gentle contact is initially approached by touching into the more superficial layers of this connective tissues. An organized set of sessions is implemented to hold a container for integrating the body for better alignment and functionality in relationship to gravity. Dr. Ida Rolf came up with a recipe that sets up an orderly approach to working with this weblike net from different angles moving deeper and deeper from the sleeve to the core, releasing scar tissues, adhesions and dysfunction throughout the whole body. The intention is to help the layers of fascia to differentiate, lengthen and create more space and movement within the body. More movement means more life force and dialoging within and throughout the various body systems. Because the fascia is the material in the body that contains and connects all of the "body parts", touching into one area will affect the rest of the body in a positive way. The reason why Dr. Ida Rolf created the whole series though is because when the body is touched the way the 10 series is set up, the wrappings of fascia can be released so that everything interacts in a more healthy way, and to connect the body in a way that brings about a more organized structural efficiency and integration.
To get back to the idea of discomfort of this type of work... yes it is different than massage because the tissue is being lengthened and as the contraction opens, the cellular memory of that tissue lets go of the pain that has been stored there. For example, if you fell off of a bike when you were a little child and hurt your shoulder and contracted, when the tissue is touched and you feel it deeply, the tissues awaken and that energy can dissipate. This may be pain that you have forgotten and do not register on a daily basis, but still exists inside the original area of injury.
So you may ask, why bother if I don't feel it anymore? What I have found with my clients is that when pain has been stored in the body, they may become numb there and stop using that part of their body. It's as if the brain says, "don't move, because I don't need to feel there". Eventually, all the places in the body that are carrying tension and pain stop functioning optimally. Then at some point, they make a movement, and find themselves in a lot of pain because that whole area or some connection has been ignored for so long. Recently, I worked with a client who could not move her arm well. She didn't know why. Basically, she had a frozen shoulder. But as we gently worked with the fascia, movement slowly came back. It was a slow process, but it was helpful. We communicated during the sessions, and I always respected her boundaries. It is important for the therapist to touch in with the client with questions and limits so that the body is healed rather than re-injured.
My question is... why wait until you are stooped forward, or have pulled our your back or have a very painful nerve impingement? The healthier you are when you go in for a 10 sessions, the easier the work is, and you will find yourself feeling aglow and happier with yourself and your body. Even if you wait until you are hurt or feeling pain, this work gets to the core of the problem better than anything I have found. Fascia is healthier when is lengthened, freed up and unwound. Be proactive and treat yourself well to a 10 series of Structural Work for your increased flexibility and higher energy levels.
I am a licensed massage therapist and I will offer you muscular massage work if that is what you are looking for. I understand the great benefits that come from increased circulation and lymph, de-stressing and totally relaxing with a Swedish or Hot Stone Massage. But I also see the great advantage to looking at longterm more holistic approaches to your health and wellbeing.
If you have any questions, please feel free to call me for a free 15 minute consultation on the telephone: 239 692-8486.
Warmly
Sharon Hartnett
www.massagenaplesflorida.com
www.integrativesoulandbodywork.com
