Structural Integration, defined by the International Association of Structural Integration, is a type of manual therapy that focuses on the connective tissue, or fascia, of the body. Fascia surrounds muscles, groups of muscles, blood vessels, organs and nerves, binding some structures together while permitting others to slide smoothly over one another.
Structural Integration was invented and championed by Ida P. Rolf, rooted in the teachings of osteopathy and hatha yoga. Structural Integration, outside of traditional medical practices, viewed the myofascial network as the primary influencer of bony alignment, posture, and movement. Rolf was influenced by Moshe Feldenkris and Buckminster Fuller, drawing on the tensegrity model of the latter in form and function to realign the body's energy around the central axis and more efficiently counter the effects of gravity. Tom Myers expanded upon Rolf's contributions and developed the Anatomy Trains system in the 1990s and has been supporting and evolving this work ever since, providing research and confirmation to his findings in the dissection lab. These efforts are foundational and mark the leading edge in broadening the discourse to include human neurology and functional movement patterns to map a more comprehensive understanding of the neuro-myofascial web.
Structural Integration was founded as a series of 10 sessions by Rolf, but was expanded to 12 sessions by Myers under the Anatomy Trains system. Clients are encouraged to experience the series in its entirety, allowing for maintenance sessions as required. However, clients can also elect a modified 3-series or schedule individual sessions.