Anatomy Trains Structural Integration explores the dynamic between posture and movement, challenging fascial restrictions or weakness to create balance and self-reliance.
Structural and functional assessments help the therapist identify soft tissue restrictions and determine the most effective fascial release techniques to use, for long-lasting results.
Anatomy Trains Structural Integration is a holistic way of working. Working one on one, the client will be able to understand how movement inefficiencies can lead to muscular overuse, restricted movement and pain, often in muscles distant to the original issue.
Anatomy Trains Structural Integration differs from massage. Massage employs various techniques that lift, pump or manipulate the muscle tissue to create relaxation and improve blood flow to muscles.
Structural Integration focuses on the fascial layer above, around and inside the muscles, tendons and ligaments. The techniques are more gliding movements applied in specific directions to create change in the fascial layer.
Your therapist should start each session with a postural analysis, taking note of any restrictions or changes. You will be asked to perform different movements to help determine the best course of action for this particular session.
Each session may be very different, depending on what is trying to be achieved, and how much change has happened from the previous sessions.
While your therapist is performing the postural analysis and testing you may be required to be undressed to your underwear, or form fitting clothing. This allows the therapist to see the shape and movement of the body easily, without having to imagine or feel it through several layers of clothing.
Treatment will take place on a massage table or seated in a chair, depending on the area of concern.
Often your therapist may not work the area you think is the issue. We look up and down the body to determine where the imbalance and dysfunction is originating from. So, don’t be worried if you have an issue with your hip, and your therapist starts by working with your feet. Treating your feet to ensure they are in the correct position, will have an impact on your hips.
The motto Less is More certainly applies to Anatomy Trains Structural Integration. While it may feel like the therapist is not doing much, changes to fascia can be quite powerful.