What is Structural Integration?
Fascia = Connective Tissue
Structural Integration (also known as Rolfing) is a hands-on manipulation of the horse’s connective tissue network. It is a systematic unwinding process.
Why do organs, muscles, blood vessels, bone, etc not just float around migrating throughout the body? Connective tissue! It anchors everything in relation to everything else. When something shifts or is injured, slack or tension result elsewhere creating discord. Structural Integration restores harmony.
Does your horse feel less fluid one direction, rotate or shift the saddle, or have trouble bending evenly? These are a few examples of imbalances in the body often relieved by removing connective tissue adhesions. When connective tissue can glide freely, the effects of injury and poor movement patterns are diminished.
How does Structural Integration differ from Massage?
Massage targets muscles with outcomes of relaxation, suppleness, improved response, and increased circulation. The results from massage are most often palliative (temporary). Structural Integration works ALL aspects of the body via the connective tissue network, resulting in long-term change to posture and movement.