What is Structural Integration?

Structural Integration is an educational process of discovering the relationship between gravity and the human being. It is a systematic approach to releasing patterns of stress in the body's structure. It frees the body to move easier and with less effort.

Most of us have trouble placing our bodies in an easy up and down line. Sometimes our heads are too far forward or our backs have too much sway. Some may stand with most of our weight on one leg. There are many versions of poor posture, some of which may have been 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 and, unfortunately, may also limit 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 lessen the amount of strain in the whole body.

By lengthening and opening the patterns of strain in connective tissue, the toughness becomes softer 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. Emotionally clients often report positive changes. They may carry less of "a burden on their shoulders". Chronic body pains from old injuries, bad posture habits, and emotional trauma diminish. Sport performances may become easier. Clients frequently report an renewed comfort with their bodies.

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The Basic Ten Series

The Basic Ten Series consists of 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 the client's posture for evaluation and to observe the progress of the sessions. Then while the client lies 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. The client is an active participant in the work, being asked to breath into or move the part of the body being worked. Because this is an educational process, the S.I. Practitioner will offer the client 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.

Advanced Work

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.  Whats after the 10 sessions

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Charlottesville Rate Schedule (as of 8/1/07)

Structural Integration

Office Visits

• Standard Session(60-75 min.): $125
  • Student Rate: $100
    
• Children (under 16): $5/5 min. segment
• Extended Session(90 min.): $165

Home Visits

• Standard Session: $140 (within 10 minutes of home or office)
  • farther than 10 minutes: $110 + $1/mile
    
• Extended Session: $175 (within 10 minutes of home or office)
  • farther than 10 minutes: $165 + $1/mile

Click here for appointment information

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Testimonials

 What People Are Saying About Working With Scott:

An Artist's View - What the Structural Integration process was like for her.

"I had no idea what Structural Integration was or how it could help someone like me with chronic lower back problems. It not only affected my lower back but it changed my entire posture. As I went through the 10 sessions (which took about 3 months due to scheduling problems on my part), I slowly began to feel changes. I guess the most prominent change is that I no longer have the weakness and pain in my lower back and hips.... I never thought that I would be able to get past my low back pain and I just assumed that I would have to get used to my limitations. Thanks to you I am well on my way to full recovery."
-Cheryl Schoenfeld

Scott:
Thanks for fitting me in!
I really felt better, emotionally and physically, after you worked on me.
You are such an incredible healer, thank you for your caring support,
Laura

"Thanks for all your incredible work. You have changed my life and I am forever grateful."
-Sara

Hi Scott,
I had lunch with an old friend this week and I told her that I had gone through the ten-session rolfing course. She surprised me by telling me that she has done it twice – once recently and the first time many years ago when she was in her late twenties. She told me that the first time, her practitioner told her not to make any major decisions during the process and perhaps for two to three months afterwards. She said that some people feel that their lives are coming unglued and her advice was to let things settle down before making drastic changes.
 
I thought about this and realized for the first time that when I came to you my life had already become unglued. I was daily walking around the pieces of my life without the energy or passion to pick up any of it. I did not have a vital interest in anything. Slowly, during the process, things began to open up. I made a decision to renew the publishing projects I’d done for the previous nine years; I began an art project, which is on-going, I’m taking voice/singing lessons; and I finally got a part-time job after a year of unemployment.  My life is now active – but it’s not the busyness that’s important – it’s the value of the things I do that give me joy. My body is still reintegrating, I’m sure. I am relatively pain-free with no need for anti-inflammatory meds or pain killers – and for that I am extremely grateful.
 
So, dear Scott, thank you for being here and doing what you do.
With much appreciation,
Pat Adler

"I particularly appreciate Scott's gentle integrative approach for myself and my patients."
- Dr. Sandra Amrita McLanahan, M.D. author of "Surgery and Its Alternatives."

"It was a complete 'overhaul' of my entire being. Once my feet found a new relationship to the ground, my hips and shoulders relaxed, and the discomfort in my neck disappeared. Without the pain, I approach all activities in a more calm and focused manner. In fact, this experience has reminded me that most problems have simple beginnings, which can be corrected."
-Chris Wray

"Hi Scott,

I have moved out to Utah and am slowly setting up my practice in equine acupuncture and craniosacral work. I really enjoyed the rolfing work I did with you--my body continues to open up and align even now. My walk is more balanced and joyful. The rolfing was an incredible experience and I am very glad I went through the 10 session series. Hope all is well with you in VA!

Sincerely,"

Katie Gardner, VMD

"After each session with Scott, I found myself incorporating the work on a very deep level, as a new connection formed between my awareness and my body. There was this unlocking of hidden memories; from childhood, from birth, from other times and spaces. These presented themselves in order to assist me in understanding who I am. Scott's presence during the sessions allowed me to listen to subtle voices that had kept me in habitual holding patterns until I was able to hear them.

Thank you Scott.
Namaste,"
Valerie Hope Cherrin

"Prior to my structural integration sessions I had been dealing with chronic neck and shoulder pain, muscle tightness, and a pain or heaviness in one lung when breathing deeply as a result of a physical condition which was exacerbated by severe emotional stress over several years. After each of the ten structural integration sessions, I could tell a change in what my body was feeling as it slowly released the years of physical and emotional pain. Even though the sessions were very intense, I always felt a release and a sense of well-being afterward that stayed with me for days. After the many months since my last session, I have not experienced the intense pain and muscle tightness or the pain and constricted feeling in my lung I had before. I also feel better equipped to deal with stressful situations and would definitely like to schedule a tune up at some time in the future.
Thanks,"
-Carol J.

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