Our posture takes on a certain shape based on patterns of how we stand, sit, work and move. These postural patterns are mostly unconscious, habitual and often start as early as childhood. Genetic components can provide a predisposition for certain patterns and stress on the body. Our innate intelligent system adapts to this, overtime, to make the pattern easier. Our fascial system will shorten and thicken or lengthen and thin in certain areas to accommodate the “pose” more easily and we loose adaptability. The longer we carry this maladaptive postural pattern, the harder it is to find the full range of movement the body should have. We then overuse other muscles compensate for lack of adaptability and this can lead to unnecessary wear and tear on our bodies and potentially discomfort and injury.
Structural Integration is soft tissue bodywork with the intent of bringing more alignment to posture and adaptability to movement. Clients often report feeling taller, breathing better, and more balanced after sessions. With better posture, we are able to participate in life and activities more fully and less likely to feel pain.
Structural Integration v. Massage & Chiropractic
Massage brings overall relaxation to the body and relief to immediate aches and pains. Chiropractic work focuses largely on manipulation of bony structures in the body to address alignment of “problem areas”. Structural integration begins each session with understanding overall postural patterns, and how they are changing if you’re receiving work. If you work with a structural Integration practitioner, you will learn the area calling out in pain is often not the problem but rather a downstream affect of some other deviation from neutral posture.
ATSI Structural integration involves…
- The practitioner body reading the client with most of their skin exposed
- Soft tissue work on a massage table, while the client makes small movements
- 3-12 60-90 minute sessions, each targeting a certain myofascial line
- The client getting up multiple times to walk, move, and notice changes
- An investment of $100-$200 per session depending on commitment
How do I sign up and pay?
For more information or to schedule a session, click here. Nichole will reach out to you by phone or email to schedule your session times. Once confirmed, you may pay via Venmo, cash or check at the time of the session.