How long are the sessions, and how much do they cost?

 Each session is 75 minutes and costs $140, payable by cash or check, and payable no later than the end of each session. I also accept all major credit cards with an additional $5 fee.

How does Structural Integration work? 

Structural Integration is a hands-on method of changing the structure of the body so that it is aligned with gravity. The basic format for the work as created by Dr Rolf is a series of ten sessions. Each session builds on the last, and in each session we will be  looking at and working with different areas of the body. By working slowly with the fascia and evoking movement from you, we can lengthen and open places where the fascia has become "glued" or sticky. Fascia shortens and thickens to hold things together. So this opening should allow your body, with all of it's innate intelligence, to reorganize and align in a way that should give you more ease of movement, freedom of breath, and comfort from pain and discomfort.  To give an example; imagine that you sit at a desk for the majority of your work day. You find yourself  hunched over as you type at your computer, and your neck tends to be somewhat bent as you look down at your  screen. Well, all the muscles of your neck, shoulder, and upper back are having to compensate for this, and the fascia has had to knit together around the muscles to hold everything in place in this compromised postural pattern. Most likely you are experiencing daily discomfort because of this.  So we would address this area, as well as all the other areas of compensation that have occurred throughout the rest of the body because of whatever may not be working. Our tissues are a continuous web, and so of course anything traumatic that occurs in our structure has reverberations throughout. Through the process of the ten sessions, these painful patterns can unwind and change back to something more appropriate and comfortable. 

Does it hurt?

Structural Integration (Rolf method) has a reputation for being painful, and because of that can be intimidating to receive. However there has been an evolution of this work since it was first developed. There is an understanding now that by working with a persons nervous system, meaning a level of sensation that a person can continue to move their own body into when requested and stay present with, that the results are actually much more effective. I always strive to make sure that you are comfortable, and I check in often as a session progresses to be extra sure.  The work can at times be intense, as areas that are especially bound up get released, but it should never be to the degree that it is truly painful.

How many sessions does it take?  Does it last?

I recommend that you start with a series of ten sessions, that will allow us to make dramatic and lasting changes in the whole structure. Many people will try the first session, to see if they like the work before deciding to do the full ten series.  After the basic ten series, people will generally have significant changes, and sometimes feel like they are living in a new body, and at that point we would take up to six months to let the body integrate the changes before we do any more work. It not necessary to repeat the ten series or at least not for a number of years, and any sessions  after the 10 series would be advanced work, wherein we would build on the existing changes. Often times the changes that have occurred during a ten series can last a lifetime, with your body never going back to the same discomfort or exact problem. However as we all know life is dynamic, and always moving, and our human bodies live within this dynamic changing world, with the constant demand of gravity.  New difficulties are bound to arise, but having the foundation of a ten series means a greater capability to respond and adapt to life's challenges.

Who would benefit?

Truly anyone living in the gravitational field will benefit from this work. Old or young, man, woman, child. While Structural Integration is mostly concerned with changes in the physical structure, it affects the whole person. We are emotional, mental, and physical beings. As our body becomes more aligned, the rest of us will tend to follow and come into a new state of balance. The benefits can include:

• Ease from discomfort and pain

• More aligned posture with better stability and balance

• Greater flexibility and increased range of motion

• A feeling of lightness and fluidity

• Increased breathing capacity and vitality

• Feeling more open, centered, and connected

• A greater overall sense of well being

• Appearing taller and slimmer

• Increased athletic ability and performance

• More self-confidence

What issues can Structural Integration help with?

There are no guarantees that Structural Integration can cure any ailments, nor is the purpose of the work to treat any particular symptom, but it has been known to help a great deal with the following challenges and more: 

• Chronic Pain / Tension

• Recovery from Surgery/Injury and possibly avoidance of Surgery

• Headaches, including Migraines

• Back pain, knee pain, hip pain

• Scoliosis, Spinal Lordosis and Kyphosis

• Whiplash

• TMJ problems

• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

• Plantar Fasciitis

• Tennis Elbow/Golf Elbow - Tendonitis

• Frozen Shoulder syndrome

• Foot problems (Cavus arch/high arch, Flat feet)

• Fibromyalgia

Is there a cancellation policy?

Yes there is! Please give me at least a 24 hour notice if you cannot make it to a session. I charge full price for any missed sessions without a 24 hour notice. 

What should I wear?

For ladies, sports bras, and yoga/workout/bike shorts are best (I don't recommend wire frame bras), and yoga pants, sweatpants and t-shirts are great if that is most comfortable for you. For Men, shorts, tank tops, t-shirts and even sweats are all okay. Cotton and snug fitting clothing are optimal. I can work through clothes but it takes more effort to be as effective.  I do have a changing space in my office for your privacy.

How do I schedule?

Please feel free to call or text me to schedule an appointment. My cell number is (707)292-4953.

Where can I find out more?

If you have any questions not covered here, please don't hesitate to call me. Also you can read more about Structural Integration at any of these sites:

The Guild for Structural Integration - www.rolfguild.org

The Rolf Institute of Structural Integration - www.rolf.org/ 

The International Association of Structural Integrators - www.theiasi.net/