WHY SI?
Chronic Pain is a serious problem in our community’s and in our country. Chronic pain can show up at any time without immediate cause. Common chronic pain can present itself from headaches to low back pain, joint pain, nerve pain such as sciatica, tendinitis or tendinopathy to name a few. Not only does this effect the person physically but psychologically, emotionally, and many times financially. According to the American Academy of Pain Medicine “The total annual incremental cost of health care due to pain ranges from $560 billion to $635 billion (in 2010 dollars) in the U.S….”
“When the body gets working appropriately, the force of gravity can flow through, then spontaneously, the body heals itself” - Dr. Ida Rolf
Structural Integration
The treatment protocol for these conditions typically consists of anti-inflammatory’s (NSAID’s), heat/ice, physical therapy, chiropractic, holistic therapies (yoga, pilates, reflexology), massage, and pain management. All of the above listed have value in treating these conditions however it is vital to emphasize that many times these chronic conditions require a full system solution. Our current approach of treating symptoms is not providing lasting effects resulting in increased frequency of care. The system point of view looks at the body as a whole and works to restore movement dysfunction for optimal functionality.
Structural Integration provides assessment based strategies to create a treatment approach in order to restore appropriate movement and integrity of the myofascial system. As a result, the body can make appropriate changes in order to heal itself. It is not uncommon to find a dysfunctional pattern away from the site of pain. An example of this may be someone who presents with right hip pain. The client may have an asymmetry in the pelvis, or an imbalance in the flexors/extensors of the leg, or poor ankle mobility. The practitioner assesses all aspects of the structure in static standing and movement in order to make sense of the probable cause of pain. Without assessing all aspects of the physical body, it is difficult to determine a plan or approach for rehabilitation.