Structural Integration
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What is Structural Integration?
Structural Integration(aka Rolfing) is a hands on therapeutic process-based approach to somatic education developed by Dr. Ida Rolf. The human body has a natural capacity for effortless support and efficient function. However, life circumstances challenge this on a daily basis. These challenges include our adaptations to accidents and injuries, occupational hazards(sitting at computers), surgeries and emotional traumas.
Over the course of our lifetimes our collection of adaptations can lead to pain, discomfort, decreased energy and poor health.
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Reported benefits of SI include:
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Better balance and coordination
Decreased pain and discomfort
Deeper sense of breath
Increased mental focus
Greater range of motion
Increased flexibility and fluidity of movement
Improved athletic performance
Calmer, more centered mind
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Structural Integration supports overall well being. The process is designed to unwind fascial patterning and restore organization to the body. The goal of SI is to instill and support a more resilient functioning physical body.
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Photo by Shane Dante
Photo by Ryan Scavo
Is this like massage or chiropractic work?
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SI is unique from other modalities of bodywork. The focus of this work is on the fascia. This means that we are working with every part of the body, including skin, muscles, tendons, ligaments, bones, organs as well as the circulatory and nervous systems. Since the fascia is everywhere, the work is global in nature. Which is why its benefits can be so far reaching. The client is an active participant in the sessions therefore our desire and willingness for change dictate the results we receive.
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What is fascia?
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Fascia is connective tissue. You can think of it as protein tubes filled with water molecules. These tubes create a lattice throughout the entire body, connecting cells to one another. It literally holds us together and gives us our shape. This lattice can be loose or tight, thick or thin depending on what the body needs. If you removed all of the cells from the body and only the fascia remained, you would still be physically recognizable as yourself.
The fascia is always responding to structural events in the body, such as movement, pressure, tension, torsion and stretching. The fascia also responds to psycho-emotional events such as fear, anger and sorrow. It is the repetition of these events that cause the structural imbalances that we address in this work.
Is SI painful?
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Historically, Rolfing has had a reputation of being painful. However, this is no longer the case. With an understanding that intention and time effect change in the fascia, practitioners have turned away from muscling into the tissue of a client. This evolved approach allows change to occur at a pace which is manageable. Most often, clients describe the sensations as therapeutic with an edge of curious intensity.
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How many sessions should I receive?
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Almost every client will sense that something in them has changed at the end of the first session. However, SI is process oriented work. Dr. Rolf developed what she called The 10 Series, which are ten goals that are addressed in corresponding sessions. Each session prepares for the next and build off the previous. By committing to this process, clients will have the chance to experience the full potential this work can offer. Post 10 Series work can be weekly, monthly or at whatever pace desired. Once the initial work is received, the client will have an intuitive sense of what they need and how often.
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Sessions are approximately 75 minutes : $160
4-Handed Sessions with William Green and I are available for those who have completed a 10 Series. Contact me HERE to see if 4 Handed work is right for you. 75 minutes : $300
Photo by Ryan Scavo
Testimonials
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On 4-handed work:
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“Anna and Bill have crafted a singular magic that as not been readily available, until now.
Both are gifted Rolfers in their own right, however, the synergy that results from their 4 handed work together speaks to the marriage of skill, intuition and experience.
In a silent choreograph these two moved slowly, dance-like, around the table; 2 hands, three and then four hands on my body. Working, guiding, kneading and reaching into the lost places of me where bone, sinew and muscle intersect. With skillful insight, compassionate hands and gentle directives like “Step down through there and extend out from here”, my body yielded and they realigned and remembered me home.
Afterwards, upon standing, I found myself unsteady initially in this newly molded self; like a spindle legged fresh born foal rising for the first time. As the moments passed and I found a new way of being embodied, I discovered myself to be refreshed, expanded, taller, revitalized and deeply grounded in both the temple of my body and spirit of my heart.
The blessing of this work continues to reverberate long after having left Anna and Bill’s table. To treat oneself to this 4 handed session is not only self honoring to the physical form, but a must in order to continue the journey back to the Soul.”
-Christin
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On the 10 Series:
My only regret is that I did not find Anna sooner! I had heard rumors of Rolfing previously: that it was painful, forceful and I envisioned bones popping… This could not be further from the truth and experience I received.
With Anna I felt fully seen, cared for and safe. Her technical experience and intuitive nature allowed me to release old worn patterns, literally lengthening my limbs and opening my eyes to circumstances, emotions and positions of my life that needed attention. I will always consider Anna a true healer and friend, and I am endlessly grateful I took the leap to receive this incredible healing practice. THANK YOU ANNA! You allowed me the strength that comes from ease
-Sophia
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I am so grateful that Anna has been by my side to guide and support me through this journey. Through her skilled Rolfing work, my quality of life as a working mom significantly improved. I was able to feel pain free, stronger, and energized each day. This helped me in all aspects of life, especially with running after a toddler. The confidence from feeling good in my body made me feel ready to have another baby. Throughout my second pregnancy, Anna helped me adjust to the ever changing demands of my body. After we welcomed our second child to this world, Anna was the one that nurtured me through the healing process so that my body could feel whole again.
Although I’ve worked with various professionals, I trust my body in Anna’s care.
-Pattie
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“My name is Lex. I am 13 and I did the Ten Series. I was experiencing knee and heel pain when I would play sports. My mom and I came to Anna hoping that this would go away, and it did by about the third or fourth session. My body also looks more upright and my body feels more relaxed and loose. I haven't experienced pain from body parts since I finished the Ten Series! During the sessions I could feel some pain, but it wasn't that bad, and after the session my body felt good and relaxed. I think its pretty amazing how Anna could just get rid of my knee and heel problems throughout the Ten Series, and I am very grateful that I completed it. Anna is a very outgoing, nice, fun person and she helped out my body greatly.”
-Lex
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“I am a young, active, 70-year-old who wants to make the most of the years ahead! In the past, I have enjoyed massage, acupuncture, chiropractic, and other health/wellness services. When a good friend suggested I contact Anna and I began a regimen of Rolfing, I knew I had found an incredibly effective way to feel, and to be, better. The change I have felt in my body; how much more comfortable I am in my body; and even in how I move through life… is nothing short of remarkable. It is a holistic approach to body wellness and Anna is a gifted, completely wonderful, practitioner.”
-Eva
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“Anna is amazing! She helped me transform my life in many ways. This was my first experience with Rolfing and I am amazed at the results both in how I feel and look. The Rolfing 10-Series helped move traumas trapped in my body and triggered healing for me in many aspects, not just physical. I feel lighter and my energy flow is more open. I’m making space for new aspects of life to enter. Anna is so caring and supportive. I’m so glad that I experienced this connection.
Anna helped me to learn so much about my body and the correct way to walk. I learned that resistance is a big thing for me. I have been living in resistance and enduring a life I wasn’t enjoying living. After working with Anna, I am more confident in my body and who I am as a person.”
-Kathleen
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“Rolfing with Anna has been far and beyond my expectations.” [Throughout the 10 series,] “I noticed I was sleeping better”, “I woke up with zero tension in my body! “
“I was happier. Plain and simple. My mood was noticeably lighter.”
“I noticed I could handstand and move/ flow and truly articulate my body, as it never had before.”
” I felt strong and fluid like water. Being able to release so much energy in my physical body just felt SO good.”
"Now as I've done all 10 sessions, my alignment is straighter, stronger and more fluid as it's never been before.
I would *highly* recommend this work from Anna. She's an authentic person who is truly tapping in and healing with her heart and soul. “
-Larry
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