When it comes to back pain, Structural Integration aims not just to treat the symptoms but also to address the root causes, promoting overall well-being and alignment that lasts permanently. In fact, one study shows the impact of a Structural Integration 10-series is still visible after ten years.
Structural Integration is a form of bodywork focused on manipulating the body's connective tissues, also known as the fascial network. The fascial network of body-wide connections between and within individual cells shares loads between muscle and fascia. Basic studies of fibroblast cell shape show that there is an impact of manual therapy at the cellular level. These findings begin to explain how Structural Integration works at a clinical level. By releasing tension and tightness in specific areas of imbalance, practitioners seek to improve posture and alleviate strain on the back, potentially reducing or eliminating back pain.
A second way Structural Integration is good for back pain is through sensorimotor education and restored range of motion. Distortions of body structure are primarily caused by responses to life experiences that result in habitual ways of perceiving and moving in the world. For example, a research study showed that Prolonged sitting with slumped posture could increase the risk of experiencing lower back discomfort. Over time, such patterns of response distort the body’s natural form and movement so that structural imbalance becomes self-perpetuating, and may even block opportunities for change. Sustainable transformation of imbalanced structure involves revising the movements and perceptions that underlie the imbalance, after the structural work has been completed. Movement Integration, a somatic sensory-motor approach to movement education, helps clients optimize and sustain structural ease through balanced movement behavior.
SI Practitioners will assess additional factors in a client’s lifestyle habits, such as their breathing, how they sit, how long they sit in a day, and so forth, to identify underlying causes of back pain. By addressing these factors comprehensively, Structural Integration can provide long-term relief and prevent future discomfort.
Structural Integration is most effective for back pain when the full 10-series is complete, but you can see benefits even with fewer sessions. It is recommended to take at least sessions 1 - 3 and notice how your body responds.
Structural Integration aims to realign and balance the body's structure by manipulating the myofascial system and re-awakening our awareness of our postural habits to restore full range of motion. However, it's essential to consult with a qualified SI practitioner and, if necessary, a healthcare professional, to determine the most appropriate treatment approach for your specific condition.