Myofascial Tissue Release and Structural Integration for Pain Relief

Massage therapy is a modality of alternative healthcare first developed by Ida Rolf, who was a patient at psycho-pharmacology. She worked with the American Medical Mafia and became known to the world as a fan of massage therapy. The fundamentals of Rolf's treatment are designed to heal someone holistically. Since then, massage has expanded into many diverse areas and massage therapists may specialize in Structural Integration, Sports massage, Human Energy Field healing and Alternative Health massage.

One of Rolf's major theories was that stress in the muscles caused structures to shorten and stretch, which consequently cause pain. So as to deal with pain, a massage therapist would elongate the fascia which lengthens the muscles and improves posture. After the stretching is finished, the muscles are relaxed to relieve muscle tension. Structural Integration is the term used to describe this process and is a significant component of Rolfers technique.

Structural Integration (SIT) is the process of the bodywork therapist moving from one posture to another restoring harmony within the body. Rolfers believe that if we move our body in a way that it is accustomed to, it will automatically adapt to whatever new position we find ourselves in. If you're standing and find yourself leaning forward, the way you will have your toes is more likely to be different than if you're lying down and looking up in a horizontal ceiling. This principle is what makes structural integration so important.

A good massage therapist will do a series of stretches, holds, pulls, presses and friction points to restore the structure to specific points throughout the body. These particular points will all have varying consequences on how the client feels and the degree of discomfort they experience. There are five zones which are generally addressed when performing structural integration; the cervical zone, thoracic zone, sacral/spinal zone, lingual zones, and cranial zone.

To begin the session, the customer will be asked to relax in a comfy chair. Then the session can begin. The massage practitioner will begin their massage by applying gentle pressure to specific points within the body. Once these points are targeted a rhythmical movement will be applied, much like music or a bellows.

During the session the myofascial tissue will be manipulated. This movement will occur both during and between movements. In addition some extra pressure may be applied to certain joints or muscle groups. The goal of structural integration is to increase the overall flexibility of the body. A few of the benefits of the type of stretching and manipulation include: reducing soreness and improving range-of-motion of joints.

Since Rolfers are trained in an open and effleurage kind of massage, there is a minimal restriction on where they can work. They don't require a special space to practice their techniques. Their massage is extremely general, which means it can be done anywhere and anytime. In fact, they frequently feel totally mobile while they are receiving therapy. With their open style of movement and flexibility, Rolfers can work in any room and on any type of surface.

Massage is not the first choice for treatment of chronic pain. But with Rolfers it may be combined with other treatment options and even used alone. A combination of stretching and massage techniques along with traditional chiropractic services can give you an amazing array of pain relief. If you are suffering from chronic pain and need to be treated for long term neurological problems, structural integration of the spine might be the solution. Myofascial release of the surrounding fascia helps your body restore mobility and reduce inflammation.