We fall down. We get up. Our bodies are amazing at adapting to our mishaps in life, structural imbalances we are born with, crunchy holding patterns created out of habitual movement. This all makes us beautiful and perfect in our asymmetry and imperfections. And sometimes it brings discomfort, pain, the moving away from fully inhabiting, fully revelling in, the body.
The Rolf Method of Structural Integration seeks a new relationship to alignment.
By manipulating the fascia – the elastic soft tissue that surrounds all of the major systems in the body – space is created between muscles and joints. Long-held holding patterns unwind, the fascia becomes more fluid where it was once stuck, and the body finds its way to a place of better balance and more ease of movement.
Tracy Dixon became a certified practitioner of the Rolf Method of Structural Integration in 1997 with the Guild for Structural Integration in Boulder, Colorado, and Sao Paulo, Brazil. She maintained a practice for 13 years in the Comox Valley, BC, and has taken her passion for this work to the mountains of India, Grecian terraces, the San Francisco Bay Area, and the wild west coast of Vancouver Island. Currently she is residing and practicing in Vancouver and we are honoured to have her skill, talent and good vibes here as part of the therapist team at Therapy Health.
CONDITIONS STRUCTURAL INTEGRATION CAN HELP WITH
Back pain, sciatica, back and shoulder tension, neck pain and stiffness, jaw pain or TMJ discomfort, tension headaches and migraines, plantar fasciitis, nerve pain, muscle cramping, whiplash, tight and/or tense/stiff muscles, muscle spasms, immobility, joint stiffness, post-surgery (6 months) recovery, fibromyalgia, body weakness, unstable/hypermobile joints, rsi (repetitive stress injuries/syndrome), tendonitis, scoliosis, muscular imbalances, weak core muscles, bulging discs, arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, diseases of connective tissue, connective tissue stiffness, scar tissue, post-partum issues, constipation, depression, and chronic fatigue.
THE TEN SERIES
Developed by Dr. Ida P. Rolf, Structural Integration consists of a unique session process called The “Ten Series”. Roughly ninety minutes in length, each session addresses specific areas as a way to affect change in the whole body, and clear the way for stuck areas to shift. Sessions 1-3 loosen surface tension, sessions 4-7 attend to more deeply held patterns, and sessions 8-10 integrate the body with movement so the structural changes will stay.
This deep, slow, connective tissue work centers around the ‘Line,’ an internal place of reference for the body’s alignment within the supportive and energizing force of the gravitational field. As Dr. Rolf said, “when the body gets working appropriately, the force of gravity can flow through. Then, spontaneously, the body heals itself.”
Once the Ten Series is finished it is recommended to allow 6 months to a year for the changes to integrate. Further treatment can then be done in the form of maintenance sessions, a 3-series, or an advanced 5-series.
It is recommend trying one session first to know if this process is a right fit for you and to come once a week while undergoing a 10-series. You will know if that is a good pace for you or if it needs to be adjusted.
WHAT HAPPENS IN A SESSION?
A session runs about 90 minutes in length. The first session is a little longer, to make time for a medical history intake, and to hear your intention and goals for coming. After assessing your posture and movement the session begins. I apply manual pressure, similar to massage, but usually slower and often deeper. Sometimes I will ask you to do some movement which supports the depth and integration of the work and helps me to assess what needs to be done.
WHAT SHOULD YOU WEAR?
Underwear! For women it is best to wear a sports-bra type bra rather than one with clasps or underwire. For men briefs are better than loose boxers. If you are more comfortable a bathing suit (2-piece for women) is fine.
WHAT TO EXPECT AFTER A SESSION
You may feel anywhere from quite energized to needing to rest or move really slowly. Regular activities can be resumed, but keep in mind that you have undergone some deep bodywork and that you will likely be more sensitized to your movements and feelings. It is totally normal for emotions to come up, and for muscles to feel like they have had a work out. Take it easy and drink lots of water. It’s great if you can allow a bit of time after the session for integration – a walk or nap can be really supportive for this.
It is completely normal for emotions to come up during a session, or after/in between sessions.
IS IT PAINFUL?
Sometimes the sensations can be strong, and much of it can feel very freeing, expansive, and pleasant. Getting to deep, underlying patterns means often going to places that have been stuck for a while, and there can be work involved to unstick them! If it’s too painful, though, the body can get tense and it will defeat the purpose. We’ll work together to find the pace and depth that is right for you.
For more information on Structural Integration and Tracy Dixon’s practice – you can visit her therapists bio or check out her lovely and informative website tracydixon.ca