About Rolf Structural Integration Sessions
Sessions are 75 minutes to 90 minutes depending on how the body responds to treatment. Rolf SI is a movement-based therapy. Sessions can involve, lying on the table, seated on a stool, and standing. Please wear something you are comfortable in such as workout clothes.
Rolf Structural Integration in its original form consists of 10 sessions, addressing the entire body, with each session focused on specific areas. Sessions can take place once a week to once a month.
Rolf Structural Integration is a therapy within the scope of practice of Registered Massage Therapy. A receipt will be issued if your insurance covers Massage Therapy.
Rolf Structural Integration – Children’s Sessions
The length and frequency of sessions are determined by factors such as a child’s age, maturity and developmental factors. With younger children work can be done on the floor while playing, seated or lying on a table. With older children the traditional Rolf SI Series work is done. In a session, work is often done on the table, seated and standing. Breaks are taken when needed. Children are empowered to actively participate in their session and communication is ongoing.
For children between the ages of 2 and 7 (exceptions would be children with acute injuries, developmental concerns, etc.) the number of sessions depends on what structurally needs to be addressed, as well as what activities or sports the child is participating in. The numbers of sessions are typically 3 to 8. For children 8 to 18 the Basic 10 Series is recommended.
Rolf Structural Integration is a movement-based therapy. Sessions can involve standing, lying on a table, and being seated on a stool. Please bring shorts and a tank top or a two piece bathing suit for girls and shorts for boys.
Rolf Structural Integration is a therapy within the scope of practice of Registered Massage Therapy. A receipt will be issued if your insurance covers Massage Therapy.
Rolf Structural Integration Basic 10 Series
Session 1 – Breath
The focus of the first Rolf Structural Integration Session is to improve the expansion and mobility of the ribcage, positively affecting the vital capacity of the lungs. This allows for deeper more effective breath. The session also involves the upper legs, neck and back and begins the process of freeing the pelvis.
Session 2 – Balance and Length
The feet are fundamental to balance. They are our base and connect us to the ground. Work is focused on the feet.To add support and strength to your body’s structure, lengthening work is included to the lower legs, back and neck.
Session 3 – Side Length and Expansion
The majority of this session is focused on lengthening and balancing the tissue around the pelvis and the ribcage, affecting breath freedom and expansion.
Session 4 – Length
The purpose of this session is length from the feet to the pelvis improving support in the pelvic floor. The ground work for length in the torso is initiated. This session also includes work on the back and neck areas.
Session 5 – Breath
As in the Session 1, Session 5 focuses on expanding your lung capacity. Emphasis is on freeing the tissue of the abdominal wall from the pubic bone to the anterior ribcage. Length and space are given to tissue relating to Iliopsoas (hip flexors) and the Diaphragm. This allows the tissue at the front of the spine to lengthen upward. Neck work continues in preparation for Session 7.
Session 6 – Length and Stability
Length and balance of the back of the hips and legs are the focus of Session 6. The pelvis is then able to function from a more stable and horizontal position. The work focuses on the heels of your feet and the backs of your knees, legs, pelvis, spine, ribcage and neck.
Session 7 – Balance the Neck and Head
Now that the lower body and base of support have become more balanced and aligned, the focus in on the neck and head. Balance in the neck and cranium tissue brings the head to a more horizontal position, releasing and aligning the jaw. The chest wall and the arms are also addressed.
Session 8 – Integrating 1
Now the focus shifts to integrating the two parts of your body- either upper or lower half with its other half. This is done, by concentrating on the pelvic girdle or shoulder girdle, depending upon which half receives work first. This is the first part of the two-part session completed in session nine.
Session 9 – Integrating 2
The integration process begun in session eight by focusing on one half of the body and is now completed by concentrating on the other half of the body. Again, this session serves to integrate the two halves of your body into one integrated whole.
Session 10 – Fine Tuning and Unifying
Session 10 involves the fine tuning of function and movement from the feet to the head. The body is functionally whole and movement becomes enhanced, fluid and efficient.
Post 10 Series Rolf Structural Integration Sessions
Post Ten Sessions are beneficial when it becomes challenging to maintain alignment after the Basic Ten Series. Surgery, injury, repetitive movements (work, sport or activity related), and pregnancy can affect balance and alignment in the body. Post Ten Sessions can be target sessions to address these factors or as tune-up or maintenance sessions. The number and frequency of these sessions depend on your goals and what factors are involved.