What is Structural Integration?

Structural Integration is a scientifically validated manual therapy. Dr. Ida P. Rolf developed “Rolfing,” the first type of Structural Integration, in the mid-1900s. Structural Integration focuses on the fascia (connective tissue) that surrounds the body’s muscles, bones and organs. The fascia gives muscles their shape and the body its structure. The continuing pull of gravity, physical injuries and the stress of daily activities can pull the body out of alignment. The fascia gradually shortens, tightens, and adjusts to accommodate the misalignment and asymmetry. When the body is out of alignment, it creates inefficiency and imbalance, resulting in stiffness, discomfort and loss of strength. This is, in a word, aging.

Through a comprehensive 10 series of Structural Integration, each client will receive:


• Thoughtful and systematic biomechanical evaluation

• Experienced structural bodywork

• Personalized movement education.

Over a series of 10 sessions, the whole system of fascia in the body is addressed. In the first three sessions the superficial fascia of the body is addressed. In sessions four through seven the core fascia of the body is addressed. In the last three sessions, the asymmetries of the body are addressed and the focus shifts toward integration of the individual structures into a related whole.

Why Structural Integration?

Structural Integration is an effective alternative treatment when traditional therapies have failed and chronic pain and/or dysfunction is unresolved. Structural Integration utilizes biomechanical analysis to evaluate the asymmetries and imbalances of the client, and how these imbalance/asymmetries affect the way the body moves through space. From this assessment, a custom plan is created for each client. 

Patricia became a Structural Integration practitioner because as a Physical Therapist and Pilates instructor, she found that Structural Integration was great paradigm for blending her skill set to further benefit her clients.

“What I enjoy most about being a Physical Therapist is helping people heal themselves. As a traditional physical therapist I am not always able to treat people ‘as a whole’; the system is set up to treat people as their parts. Structural Integration includes the physical and psycho-emotional involvement of the client, while addressing the entire body, layer by layer and head to toe.” ~ Patricia Sitton

* Insurance reimbursement for Structural Integration is available.

For more information on Structural Integration or to schedule a free consultation, Please contact us. Phone: 415-601-1145; or send us an email.

Patricia Sitton Physical Therapy is located in Laguna Beach and serves the communities of Laguna Beach, Corona Del Mar, Newport Beach, Newport Coast, Laguna Woods, Irvine, Laguna Niguel and Dana Point.