Structural Integration is a form of bodywork that works to rebalance the body and restore its natural alignment. SI addresses the whole body, not just areas of concern, with a systematic approach. Working with the body's network of fascia, SI can effectively address the root cause of pain or decreased mobility. Better posture, balance, flexibility and general ease of motion are results of the work. Improvements in awareness, self-confidence and general health are also facilitated. When the body is balanced, it can move with unobstructed ease; the body is more adaptable and is able to support change and health.

The body is made up of cells, tissue and organs. The most abundant component (other than water) is called connective tissue which comes in many forms - e.g. blood, bone, tendon. Fascia is a type of connective tissue that forms the lining around muscles, blood vessels and nerves, connecting them to the surrounding tissue and holding them in place.

Fascia is important to Soma because it forms a continuous network throughout the body and provides its essential structure. Even if the skeleton is removed, the body holds its shape because of the fascia. When we are injured or use our bodies in a way that is unbalanced, the stress on the body is found in the fascia. Bindings or adhesions, where the fascia becomes "stuck," occur and this in turn pulls our structure out of shape causing pain or decreased mobility. Soma works on the fascia to release any binding and bring the body back into alignment.

For lasting effects!

There are many variations of massage all of which work the musculature in the body to release tension, increase circulation and provide relaxation. Pain relief is also achieved but regular visits are often required to keep the body feeling good and treatments are often localized to areas with issues.

Soma differs from massage therapy because it works via the fascia with the intention of restructuring and re-educating the body. Symptoms in one area may be caused by tension in a different area so working all areas of the body provides a path to balance and pain relief. By addressing the entire body in a systematic manner, chronic tension or binding can be released and habitual patterns that aren't beneficial can be addressed. The body re-aligns and awareness of the body develops to create long term change and lasting effects.

At times, Soma can be very intense and some discomfort is expected when doing deep work on tissue that is bound. While discomfort can be a signal that "it's working" or progress is being made, a no pain, no gain mindset is not the right approach. We are partners in this work so you should always let me know if the work is too deep or is causing pain. I will adjust pressure and how I am working so you are comfortable and benefitting from the work.

Sessions are typically 1.5 - 2 hours in length and, after greetings and addressing any business concerns, we will begin with a body reading. I will look at you from the front, side, and back to see how your body is currently aligned and ask you to check in with your body to bring awareness to how you feel. At this point, you'll get on the table and we start the work.

During the session, there may be times where I have you take a stroll and check in with how you feel. This isn't to tell me you feel good or you think it is working, it is really to get you to be aware of how you feel. You might feel lopsided, you might feel energized or you might not feel anything. Bringing awareness to how you feel in your body is an important part of the work you are doing in a session.

Once the work on the table is complete, I will do another body reading and there may be movement education. This part of the session is just as important as the work on the table as it provides a foundation for re-patterning movement in the body. Seemingly simple things like how we walk or get up from a chair can make a huge difference in our structure and alignment. Learning to use our bodies in a manner that keeps us structurally balanced means our bodies can adjust and respond better to tension or trauma and we can function with less effort and pain.

All Soma work is done with the client clothed - please wear comfortable underwear that provides adequate coverage. Please avoid compression undergarments as these can interfere with the work.
For women, a tube top can be provided or a NON-racerback sports bra can be worn. Access to shoulders and the back is key so straps and a racerback can get in the way.
Additionally, please keep in mind that some series sessions will require photographs in your underwear so dress/choose accordingly.

Homework? Reading materials and activities (personal logs, movement education) to support the session work are included for the client to explore outside of the appointment. None of these activities are required but clients that gift themselves the time for these explorations will often see the most benefit from the work. The series can have amazing physical benefits but there are many more opportunities for change and often the client will get much more out of the experience if they do additional work outside of the sessions.

The ideal timeframe for undergoing the series has sessions spaced one to two weeks apart. At certain points in the series, the time between sessions should not be longer than two weeks as the body is considered out of balance. This can put excess strain on muscles and may cause physical or emotional distress.
That said, the series can also be spaced out over a relatively long time frame. Blocks of sessions (1 to 3, 4 to 7) can be completed and a couple of months can pass before beginning the next portion of the series.

Ideally, clients undergo the full series to experience the greatest/most lasting effects of the work. However, the work can still be beneficial when the series is truncated. If clients cannot complete the series, they are advised to complete through session 3 or through session 7 as end points. At each of these points the body is in balance and can benefit from the completed work.