How is SI different from Massage or other bodywork?

Does the work last?

Do I have to commit to the whole series?

What conditions can be helped with Structural Integration?

Can you cure my particular issue?

Are there Risks?

Does the work hurt?

What do I wear for a session?

How much does a session cost?

Is your work covered by my insurance?

How often should I have a session?

Do I have to be in pain to benefit from Structural Integration?

How long does it take for changes to appear in my body?

What if I am Seeing a Chiropractor? ...other types of therapy?

What Exercises are appropriate between sessions?

What Happens After I Have Finished the "The Series"?

How is SI different from Massage or other bodywork?
Structural Integration is unique because it is a holistic and systematic process for achieving optimal somatic structure and function by way of the permanent resolution of somatic fixations. Massage is most frequently aimed at providing relaxation or local (but usually temporary) pain remediation.

Does the work last?
Yes! Photographs taken of clients years after the Basic Series show that changes were still present and structure often improved. The body continues to integrate the work long after the series is complete. Keep in mind however, as life changes, bodies change in response. Any new injuries, accidents, lengthy illnesses or emotional stress may necessitate additional work. The desire to acquire greater levels of personal growth may also stimulate the client to seek further work.

Do I have to commit to the whole series?
Structural Integration is a process that is experienced within the context of the series of sessions (Ida Rolf’s “Recipe”). If you want to achieve the optimal results possible with the process of Structural Integration then yes, you should commit to the complete series.

However, no commitment is necessary to work with me. I am firstly here to support your goals, not mine, so I am available for remedial work on an as needed basis.

If you have undertaken the SI process in previous years, and are ready to again move forward in your personal development, then a basic series may or may not be appropriate. We will work together to create an advanced program which best supports your goals.

What other conditions can be helped with Structural Integration?
People completing the Structural Integration process have reported improvement with a wide variety of conditions such as: Asthma, bursitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, coccyx injury, fibromyalgia, frozen shoulder, golf elbow, headaches, hip replacement, infertility, knee replacement, kyphosis of the spine, lordosis of the spine, migraines, neck pain, osteoarthritis, plantar fasciitis, post surgery recovery, post delivery recovery, rotator cuff rehabilitation, reflux, sciatica, shin splints, sports injury, scoliosis, stress management, tendonitis, tennis elbow, thoracic outlet syndrome, TMJ and whiplash injury.

Can you cure my particular issue?
I am not a physician and I make no claim to the curing of any medical condition.

Your body is the real healer. I cannot “make” you get better. I can only cultivate the conditions for health. My role is to help remove the barriers that prevent your body's healing mechanisms from operating at their fullest functioning. That being said, I am confident that every client I have worked with would testify to their satisfaction with the results they achieved in working with me.

Are there any Risks?
When delivered by a trained professional, Structural Integration is safe for both adults and children. However, SI is not a substitute for medical treatment. There are a few contra indications such as severe inflammation or edema which I screen my clients for.

Does the work hurt?
If you ask ten different people who have undertaken SI you will get ten different answers to this question. My work will NEVER create damage or harm. However the work can occasionally be intense. Particularly if we choose to work through scar tissue, or if there is a deep emotional charge being held. Everyone's threshold for pain is different, so I work with each client as the individual that they are. I work at a level and speed that is appropriate and acceptable to each client.

What do I wear for a session?
Most clients wear athletic oriented (generic non sexy) underwear. A bathing suit is an acceptable alternative. For women, if choosing a bathing suit, a 2 piece is best, but your comfort is most important so please choose whatever works best for you.

How much does a session cost?
Current Rates are:
Sessions last 1.5 to 2 hours.

 

Yucca Valley Studio $135 per session

Resort Cities at your location $150 per session

 

BioDynamic CranioSacral session in Yucca Valley $110

Is your work covered by my insurance?
Unfortunately probably not. It is possible that with a Doctor’s prescription, my work may be covered under an insurance claim, but I do not process claim forms or make insurance claim reports. Please consult your Doctor and Insurance company.

How often should I have a session?
Most clients find that once a week is ideal.

For some people once every 2 weeks might be better, and for advanced clients as often as twice a week can be good.

Do I have to be in pain to benefit from Structural Integration?
Although people often come to Structural Integration seeking relief from their pain, the process of Structural Integration offers so much more. Personal growth, emotional balance, psychological transformation, and increased sense at wellness are the less tangible but often most powerful aspects of the process.

How long does it take for changes to appear in my body?
Some people feel significant change as the session takes places. Others report significant change occurs hours or even days later. For some people, weeks go by until realizations of change are noticed.

The changes that occur are personal and everyone's experiences are unique. The only consistency with change is that it is always occurring.

It is fairly common to see even greater change in a client 3 months after completing the process than that which was observed right after the last session.

What if I am Seeing a Chiropractor? ...other types of therapy?
SI is very different than chiropractic work however the two can enhance each other. Chiropractic seeks to move bones back to their proper place and restore joint function. SI seeks to create a tensegrity balance in the connective tissue matrix that holds the bones and which binds everything together and gives the body its shape. Since bone is imbedded in this soft tissue matrix, if the soft tissue around a bone is pulling or holding in an old pattern, the bone can be pulled back into the old pattern shortly after a chiropractic manipulation. SI balances the soft tissue around the bones so they can stay in place when manipulated. Receiving chiropractic adjustments during your SI series is fine. To avoid overwork, it's probably best not to receive adjustments and SI on the same day.

Massage and other forms of bodywork are a great way to relieve stress. If you receive regular massage, it is usually fine to continue doing so. I do suggest that you do not receive any "deep tissue" or "myofascial release" work while you are going through the SI series as it is possible that those techniques (which are derived from SI work but lack the holistic basis) may interfere with the systematic approach of the series.

Structural Integration is also especially powerful in relationship to movement education modalities such as Feldenkrais, Alexander Technique, Continuum, and Pilates. I have also found that the SI work deepens and enriches Tai Chi/Chi Kung and yoga practices.

What Exercises are appropriate between sessions?
I will be giving you a few simple yet powerful exercises as homework which will help the work progress. If you are already participating in a regular exercise routine, I recommend that you pay close attention to how your body is responding to those exercises. Generally, I recommend easing off on machine reps and heavy strength training for a bit as these activities can create structural shortness. Stretching, yoga, and fluid, easy exercises like Qi Gong, Tai Chi or dance are the most compatible with SI.

What Happens After I Have Finished the Basic "The Series"?
I recommend that you allow at least three months to pass before scheduling additional SI work. This allows time for your body to "integrate" the work it has received.

There are times when the basic Series isn't quite enough (such as when recovering from a major injury). This doesn't happen often, but in these cases we'll decide together what to do (such as what interval to continue receiving regular work) and then proceed. Unlike massage, with SI you can become over worked. I do offer Bio-dynamic work to my clients without restrictions as it supports the SI work without danger of overworking the myofascial system.

Tune-up sessions – work that is spaced at appropriate intervals designed to maintain the level of balance achieved in the basic series.

Advanced series – work grouped in 3-5 session series designed to use the basic series as a template for a broader level of balancing and integration.

First aid – individual sessions intended for help during the recuperation period of an injury to minimize the long term effects on structure and balance.