What Is

Structural Integration – a Brief Definition

Structural Integration is a system of soft tissue mobilization and sensorimotor education that aims to balance bodily biomechanics in order to optimize individual functioning. Rather than aiming to treat particular symptoms, it focuses on improving the function of the body as a whole. (Jacobson, 2011). The head, shoulder, thorax, pelvis, and legs are brought into alignment with gravity, so that the body can be controlled more effectively in space and has more capacity for co-ordinated movement (Rolf, 1977). The original treatment series designed by Ida P. Rolf comprised ten treatment sessions, each focusing on a specific set of biomechanical changes. Today, different Structural Integration protocols range from ten to twelve treatment sessions (Myers, 2004a, 2004b).

References

Jacobson, E. (2011). Structural integration: origins and development. Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine (New York, N.Y.), 17(9), 775–780. https://doi.org/10.1089/acm.2011.0001

Myers, T. W. (2004a).Structural integration: developments in Ida Rolf’s ‘Recipe’- I. Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies, 8(2), 131–142. https://doi.org/10.1016/S1360-8592(03)00088-3

Myers, T. W. (2004b). Structural integration: developments in Ida Rolf’s ‘Recipe’—Part 2. Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies, 8(3), 189–198. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/S1360-8592(03)00103-7

Rolf, I.P. (1977). Rolfing: The Integration of Human Structures. New York: Harper & Row