Myofascial Tissue Release and Structural Integration for Pain Relief
Massage therapy is a modality of alternative healthcare first developed by Ida Rolf, who had been a patient in psycho-pharmacology. She worked with the American Medical Mafia and became known to the world as a fan of massage therapy. The principles of Rolf's therapy are made to heal a person holistically. Since then, massage has expanded into many diverse areas and massage therapists may concentrate in Structural Integration, Sports massage, Human Energy Field recovery and Alternative Health massage.
One of Rolf's major theories was that stress in the muscles caused structures to shorten and stretch, which in turn cause pain. So as to treat pain, a massage therapist would elongate the fascia that lengthens the muscles and improves posture. After the stretching is complete, the muscles are relaxed to alleviate muscle tension. Structural Integration is the term used to refer to this process and is a significant element 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 feel that if we move our body in a way it is used to, it will automatically adapt to whatever new position we find ourselves in. If you are standing and find yourself leaning forward, how 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 certain points across the body. These particular points will all have varying consequences on how the client feels and the amount of discomfort they experience. There are five zones that are commonly addressed when performing structural integration; the cervical zone, thoracic zone, sacral/spinal zone, lingual zones, and lymph nodes.
To begin the session, the customer will be asked to relax in a comfortable chair. Then the session can start. The massage practitioner will begin their massage by applying gentle pressure to specific points within the body. After these points are targeted a rhythmical movement will be applied, much like a bellows.
During the session the myofascial tissue will be manipulated. This motion will occur both during and between moves. In addition some additional pressure may be applied to certain joints or muscle groups. The objective of structural integration is to increase the overall flexibility of the body. A few of the benefits of this type of manipulation and stretching include: reducing soreness and enhancing range-of-motion of joints.
Because Rolfers are trained in an open and effleurage style of massage, there is a minimal restriction on where they can work. They don't require a special room to practice their techniques. Their massage is extremely general, which means it can be done anywhere and anytime. In fact, they often feel totally mobile while they are receiving treatment. With their open style of motion and flexibility, Rolfers can work in almost any room and on any type of surface.
Massage is not the first option for treatment of chronic pain. But with Rolfers it can be combined with other treatment options and even used independently. A combination of massage and stretching techniques together with traditional chiropractic services can offer you an awesome array of pain relief. If you are suffering from chronic pain and have to be treated for long term neurological problems, structural integration of the spine may be the answer. Myofascial release of the surrounding fascia helps your body restore mobility and reduce inflammation.