Structural Integration Therapy

The physical forces of gravity, the stress of daily activities and physical injuries all take its toll on our body’s muscles, joints and connective tissues --- resulting in misalignment, poor posture, shortening of our range of motion, and various degrees of pain, sometimes chronic. The body becomes fatigued more easily. There is a loss of energy. And stiffness and discomfort can easily become an accepted way of life.

Structural Integration is a scientifically proven therapy that has been in use for over 50-years since being developed by the renowned Ida P. Rolf. It works to align and properly balance the body to become more flexible and facilitate movement with greater ease. Unlike massage that involves the muscles, Structural Integration focuses on the protective layers surrounding our muscles, bones and organs called the fascia or connective tissue.

Connective tissue is the support system in our body that encases our body’s muscular, skeletal, circulatory, digestive and nervous systems. The therapy lengthens the body to allow muscles and joints the space to work, and opens the patterns in the connective tissue to soften and re-hydrate the tissue that often thickens and toughens over time. In essence, Structural Integration changes the body's compensations because it organizes the imbalances in the connective tissue.

While everyone reacts differently, typical improvements in the body’s function from Structural Integration therapy include greater flexibility… fluidity of movement… better balance… increased breathing capacity… increased energy… and alleviation of any discomfort or pain that you may have. The improvement in your posture will give you the appearance of being taller and slimmer, with gains of ¼” to over 1” in height not uncommon.

Structural Integration can also promote the psychological benefit of gaining self-confidence. While it is primarily concerned with physical changes in the body, it affects the whole person. We are made up of emotions, attitudes, belief systems and behavior patterns as well as our physical being. All are related. Align the physical structure and it will open up the individual's potential. Clients in all age groups often experience positive changes, stating less stress, greater self-confidence and improved ability to handle life's changes.

A testament to the success of Structural Integration is demonstrated by the NFL Minnesota Vikings who use it to keep their players ready for game day… by world famous pianist Leon Fleisher who used it to recover from debilitating wrist and hand pain… and how Structural Integration affected Starkey Laboratories' workers compensation costs.

The Hellerwork Structural Integration Method

For those having specific goals that require achieving more from their Structural Integration therapy, John Nash also offers the Hellerwork method. Hellerwork is a powerful combination that applies deep-tissue structural integration bodywork, movement education and dialogue. The movement education process guides you to move in ways that minimize effort and tension while maintaining and improving the bodywork results. The dialogue process leads you to explore how your feelings impact your body to empower your life.