A Holistic Approach to Bodywork and Posture
I found SI (Structural Integration) at a very transitional stage in my life, as it seems many people come to find it. I had been working in restaurants for years, and was suffering from neck and low back pain. Additionally, I seemed to be hurting myself everytime I did anything active—something that was very frustrating to a former ski bum and river runner who spent the majority of his twenties using his body in a demanding way.
As I began an SI series, I immediately became aware of the fact that my head was so far forward that it might as well have been coming out of my chest! As I found awareness through the work, I began to move effortlessly and to feel at home in my body. I felt empowered to be my own authority.
After only four sessions, I knew that I wanted to share this work with others.
How does it work?
As we live our lives, we bump our heads, fall off bikes, and sustain all kinds of big and small injuries. Our bodies adapt and compensate for these injuries. Eventually these compensations begin to develop less-than-optimal postural and movement patterns that become ingrained in our bodies.
That’s where Structural Integration comes in. It is a holistic type of bodywork that uses both manual therapy and movement education to help clients move with greater ease and feel more comfortable in their bodies.
As opposed to many corrective therapies, Structural Integration works systematically throughout the entire body to bring clients into alignment, instead of working solely with symptoms.
Structural Integration takes advantage of our body’s incredible ability to adapt, specifically to changes in the fascial system (our connective tissue). By using a systematic approach, SI uses slow, gentle pressure to release the tension and stress that we hold in our bodies. Each session builds upon the last and the work begins to have a compounding effect. By releasing the tension and stress held throughout the body, SI brings the human structure into alignment with gravity.
Who benefits from this work?
Structural Integration is tailored to the client on the table. From retirees looking to rediscover their moxy, to athletes who want to play pain-free again, or those who spend the majority of their lives sitting, Structural Integration helps clients of all ages find comfort and ease. It is ideal for self motivated people who dare to question societal norms on health and happiness.
What does it help with?
Structural Integration helps improve:
alignment
posture
movement patterns
balance
circulation
neurological functioning
flexibility
chronic pain and stress
energy levels
Bobby Ibarra, Board Certified Structural Integrator, is a father of three, an outdoor enthusiast, and athlete. In his practice, he strives to help clients find ease by revealing their natural alignment.