Scott Gauthier, MS
Awarebody.com

Ida P. Rolf method of Structural Integration

What is Structural Integration?

Structural Integration is not just body work. It is a process of discovering the relationship between your body and the earth’s gravity. It is a systematic approach to releasing patterns of stress in your body, freeing you to move more easily and with less effort.

Most of do not stand in an easy up and down line. Sometimes our heads are too far forward, or our backs have too much sway. We may stand with most of our weight on one leg. There are many versions of poor posture, often caused by illness, injury, emotional stress, or gravitational forces.

The body reacts to the stress of incorrect posture by rebuilding the area with connective tissue which provides extra support, but, unfortunately, also limits the amount of motion in that area. This is often felt as chronic pain, discomfort, stiffness, or decreased flexibility.

Structural Integration works to free up the connective tissue and organize it in such a way as to alleviate stress in the whole body. Connective tissue softens, allowing movement and flexibility. Length comes into the body, giving muscles space to work and joints freedom to function properly. Posture becomes more linear and easier.

Clients often report positive changes in their emotional lives. They may carry less of “a burden on their shoulders”. Chronic body pain from old injuries, bad posture habits, and emotional trauma, diminish. Athletic performance may become easier. Clients frequently report a renewed comfort with their bodies.

How does it work?

The S.I. journey begins with the Basic Ten Series— ten sessions of approximately one hour each. The sessions build upon each other as they focus on different parts of the body. Photographs are taken of your posture to evaluate at the start, and to observe the progress of the sessions. Then while you lie on the table, the S.I. Practitioner begins the fascial work. Applying pressure to the myofascial tissues, the Practitioner will use his hands, arms, and sometimes his elbow to carefully move the tissue. You are an active participant in the work, being asked to breathe into or move the part of the body being worked. Because this is an educational process, the S.I. Practitioner will offer you information about anatomy, physiology, and movement. You will become more aware of your body and how you use it. After the 10 sessions, the body will continue to organize for another few months as you naturally learn what to do with the new found freedom.

After receiving the Basic 10 series, many clients elect to continue with advanced work. Advanced work can be done in single sessions or in a series of sessions grouped together to increase the total organization of an individual. The Advanced Five Series was developed by Ida Rolf, Peter Melchior and Emmett Hutchens as a repeatable project to awaken and assist the client in balancing the inside/outside, being/doing aspects of living.

Why I do Structural Integration

I became involved in SI because it changed my life. I used to wake up in the morning sore and aching. I just thought that was how life was going to be after years of overuse from competitive gymnastics. It took me an hour or two to “warm up” to the day. I had a Master’s Degree in Physical Education and thought I knew everything about physiology and exercise.

Then I had my first session of SI and I realized I had to throw away everything I thought I knew about the body. I experienced my body changing in ways that I believed were unchangeable. I no longer ached in the morning. I woke up happy, refreshed and ready to move. My knee pain gradually disappeared. I felt lighter and more joyful. The world was a more positive place to be.

So I went back to school and learned how to really help people.

And I offer a guarantee that you will feel changes after your first session or your money back.

Appointments

Call (720) 295-6832, or e-mail scott@awarebody.com
Click here to view Scott’s calendar.

Rates

Fees for sessions are usually $135 with payment at time of session.
Student Rate: $ 100
Children (under 16): $ 5/5 min. segment
Extended Session (90 min.): $ 175

I give discounts for children, students, and families. I also give discounts for teachers, firefighters, those in public service and safety, and non-profit/volunteer work.

I wish to make this work available to anyone who desires it. Please feel free to discuss any questions or concerns you have about payment.

Home Visits
Standard Session: $ 150 (within 10 minutes of home or office)
farther than 10 minutes: $ 150 + $ 1/mile
Extended Session: $ 175 (within 10 minutes of home or office)
farther than 10 minutes: $ 175 + $ 1/mile

Visa and MasterCard accepted. Insurance companies sometimes cover this work in Colorado, rarely in Virginia. Health Savings Accounts accepted.