What is Structural Integration / Manual Osteopathy?
Because it's such a new and innovative therapy, Structural Integration is best explained when it's experienced first hand. Structural Integration (aka Rolfing) is a type of hands-on bodywork based from of Osteopathy, typically done over 10 sessions. Its goal is to open, align, and balance one's body via what truly holds us together - our fascia or connective tissue. Damage to the fascia can result from many causes including: repetitive use, stress, poor diet, injury, poor posture, emotional trauma, and aging. When fascial malfunction occurs, the fascial net becomes "glued down" to the surrounding muscles and tissues, somewhat like a cast. These restrictions can impair blood flow to the fascia, become trapped in the restricted fascia, and lead to pain and tension. The manual techniques used in the "Ten Series" of Structural Integration, lengthen, broaden, and hydrate the fascial net; restoring structural balance to the body. After these changes occur, restrictions in the flow of energy and the surrounding tissues are reduced. As the fascia normalizes, pain and discomfort are eliminated.
Below is a must-read article covering the basics of what to expect, by Dr. Andrew Weil
Because it's such a new and innovative therapy, Structural Integration is best explained when it's experienced first hand. Structural Integration (aka Rolfing) is a type of hands-on bodywork based from of Osteopathy, typically done over 10 sessions. Its goal is to open, align, and balance one's body via what truly holds us together - our fascia or connective tissue. Damage to the fascia can result from many causes including: repetitive use, stress, poor diet, injury, poor posture, emotional trauma, and aging. When fascial malfunction occurs, the fascial net becomes "glued down" to the surrounding muscles and tissues, somewhat like a cast. These restrictions can impair blood flow to the fascia, become trapped in the restricted fascia, and lead to pain and tension. The manual techniques used in the "Ten Series" of Structural Integration, lengthen, broaden, and hydrate the fascial net; restoring structural balance to the body. After these changes occur, restrictions in the flow of energy and the surrounding tissues are reduced. As the fascia normalizes, pain and discomfort are eliminated.
Below is a must-read article covering the basics of what to expect, by Dr. Andrew Weil
Benefits:
The potential benefits from Structural Integration vary widely since every person's overall structure is unique, but many people have experienced:
Clients generally report a handful of the listed benefits above, however, the emotional, more intangible benefits that occur from the Structural Integration 10 series are often emphasized.
The potential benefits from Structural Integration vary widely since every person's overall structure is unique, but many people have experienced:
- feeling lighter, taller and more balanced
- better posture and improved stability
- greater energy and vitality
- reduced pain and discomfort
- increased range of motion
- movement with greater flexibility and ease
- increased confidence and self esteem
- personal growth; expanded awareness
- feeling more open, centered and connected
- a greater sense of well being
Clients generally report a handful of the listed benefits above, however, the emotional, more intangible benefits that occur from the Structural Integration 10 series are often emphasized.
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" Dani is passionate and talented at what she does - her work speaks for itself. I would recommend this work for any athletes looking for a competitive edge. Thanks Dani" - Brandon Prust, NHL Vancouver Canucks
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" I have been for many massage sessions with some of the best registered massage therapists in my area (RMTs). In addition I have seen chiropractors and had serious active release therapy (ART) and acupuncture. These sessions came as a result of compounded shoulder injuries from university level football, a hyper-extended elbow from kickboxing and a tibial plateau fracture. All of these treatment were somewhat helpful and useful for my conditions. Over a period of months and 10+ sessions, I saw some marked results though subtle. These experiences were strictly subjective in terms of results and I was always seeking more in terms of where I thought they should take my body.
In regards to my experience with Dani, my first session was a transformative. It seems like quite a bold statement to say that, but having a frame of reference with my previous experiences with professionals in the aforementioned practices, that is my opinion.
With Dani, it was not a qualitative or subjective experience where I was left to decide how I 'felt' after my session - rather, it was a quantitative, measured response that I observed. To begin my session, my posture of my entire body and my general stance was observed and measured. From there during my intense session, I was guided with the goal to realign my body. Although there were moments of discomfort that I had also experienced in my previous RMT and ART experiences, there was a real goal that we were working towards...something I don't remember ever experiencing - realignment.
After my very first session, I saw my shoulders, traps, chest and arms released and realigned. In the past when I was done my massages or ART, I felt lethargic. With Dani's treatment it was quite the opposite, it was a feeling of calmness. I was conscious of my upper body's placement. I felt, normal, I felt good. I felt like I believe I am supposed to .
In terms of quantitative results, they are quite easy to observe - look at my before and after pics. More importantly - I felt renewed.
I wish you all the best and hope that you try this treatment and see for yourselves."
Gus Klemos
In regards to my experience with Dani, my first session was a transformative. It seems like quite a bold statement to say that, but having a frame of reference with my previous experiences with professionals in the aforementioned practices, that is my opinion.
With Dani, it was not a qualitative or subjective experience where I was left to decide how I 'felt' after my session - rather, it was a quantitative, measured response that I observed. To begin my session, my posture of my entire body and my general stance was observed and measured. From there during my intense session, I was guided with the goal to realign my body. Although there were moments of discomfort that I had also experienced in my previous RMT and ART experiences, there was a real goal that we were working towards...something I don't remember ever experiencing - realignment.
After my very first session, I saw my shoulders, traps, chest and arms released and realigned. In the past when I was done my massages or ART, I felt lethargic. With Dani's treatment it was quite the opposite, it was a feeling of calmness. I was conscious of my upper body's placement. I felt, normal, I felt good. I felt like I believe I am supposed to .
In terms of quantitative results, they are quite easy to observe - look at my before and after pics. More importantly - I felt renewed.
I wish you all the best and hope that you try this treatment and see for yourselves."
Gus Klemos
Wow - Thanks for the kind words!
"Felt amazing after the first visit! Have notice a change in the way that my frame is starting to return to the way that it should be. Better range of motion and freedom of movement. Definitely would recommend to anyone. Too bad the review only goes to 5 stars. Thanks again Dani!"
- Mike Babinsky
"Felt amazing after the first visit! Have notice a change in the way that my frame is starting to return to the way that it should be. Better range of motion and freedom of movement. Definitely would recommend to anyone. Too bad the review only goes to 5 stars. Thanks again Dani!"
- Mike Babinsky
" Just finished the ten series of Rolfing (structural integration) with Dani Reid and it literally changed my life. This photo is before we started and after seven sessions. My body is realigned and I feel like a new person. Thank you for you amazing skills and beautiful spirit Dani! "
- Will Roundy
- Will Roundy
" Last night I had my first session of structural Integration done - wow! I have no words to describe how I felt and feel today. The picture shows how much stress I was carrying in my shoulders and a change in my posture at the end of the session. I was amazed at the results, I had the best sleep last night and today I have no pain and I'm standing straight! Thank you so much Dani "Posturehands", you are amazing!!!! Everyone needs to try rolfing at least once to experience this amazing treatment, I can't say enough!"
- Florencia Taylor
- Florencia Taylor