The term fascia describes the tough, fibrous tissue that surrounds, compartmentalizes, and relates all the components of our bodies.  Muscles, bones, internal organs, and the nervous system are all invested in a fascial membrane that connects all to each.  Our fascial web runs unbroken throughout the course of our bodies, prompting Dr. Ida Rolf, who developed SI, to dubb it “the organ of relationship”.

There are notable differences; deep tissue massage (DTM), uses a lubricant (oil or cream) on the body’s surface, Structural Integration (SI), does not.  An SI session always begins with  verbal, visual, palpatory, and functional assessments, whereas a DTM only incorporates verbal and palpatory assessments.  DTM sessions are self-contained, and tend to touch in on your whole body each time, SI sessions build each upon the last, and are more  targeted.  DTM involves little if any active participation on your part, while during SI sessions I will frequently ask you to make specific movements to distribute the work’s effect across a greater range. DTM, while interested in identifying and alleviating areas of stress and tension, still puts a heavy premium on your comfort and relaxation.  SI sessions, while not adverse to relaxation, prioritize   sleuthing out and resolving strain patterns, with the goal of you feeling your best in the days or weeks ahead.

Tensional, fascial integrity is vital for proper balance across joint structures, and for musculoskeletal well-being.  Life disrupts this fine-tuned balance through a medley of repetitive movements, postural habits, accidents, and even surgeries. Structural Integration is built upon a unique understanding of how fascial adhesions, areas where planes of fascia become stuck to each other, transmit strain within our bodies. Therefore, it can alleviate and often resolve long-standing discomforts that other modalities were unable to touch.

In a word, no.  While a 10 series offers a comprehensive deep-dive into your structural patterning, I recognise that it is not what everyone is looking for.  Many clients come to me with a specific concern, and one or a few sessions can be strategized (and homework given) to address their needs.

Structural Integration carries a reputation for being painful, even excruciating.  My interest is in getting you out of pain, not causing it.  I will define pain here as any sensation that cannot be born without tensing against it.  Working at this level could be likened to getting into an argument with your central nervous system; a system I seek to befriend.

SI is positioned to help just about any part of your body since fascia is ubiquitous and continuous throughout our human forms.  A partial list of issues that SI is effective in treating includes:

plantar facial pain

ankle pain

knee pain and patellar tracking issues

hip pain

pelvic imbalances

back Pain 

neck Pain

headaches

shoulder Pain/rotator cuff problems

elbow pain (golfer’s Elbow and tennis Elbow)

carpal Tunnel Syndrome

TMJ dysfunction

thoracic outlet syndrome

Sciatica

Issues with gait

Massage leans heavily on broad, non-specific strokes which feel terrific in the moment, but typically offer little in the hours and days afterwards.  When I do a deep tissue massage, I will likely lean more weight into the strokes, and often move more slowly over your musculature.  Studies have shown that slow, deep pressure is more effective at engaging the parasympathetic nervous system, allowing you to access a deeply relaxed state.  DTM also uses detailed, anatomical understanding of muscle fiber direction and layering.  If I need to work a muscle that is underneath another, I can slacken the overlying muscle, allowing me to work through it without applying unnecessary force.  The desired outcome is that you not only feel deeply relaxed during the session, but enjoy its benefits in the days ahead.