Structural Integration (SI) is a form of manual therapy that manipulates the fascial tissues of the body. Fascia is a very adaptive tissue that connects everything in the body (muscles, bones, organs, nerves etc.) from head to toe, inside to out. It is shaped by the way we move and interact with our environment. The more we move the better shape our fascia will be in but if we are sedentary or movement has become restricted, the fascia tends to stiffen. Where there is stiffness or extra tension, everything else must compensate which leads to structural imbalance and poor posture often resulting in pain.

SI techniques aim to decompress and hydrate the fascia which creates space for joint movement.

Each session begins with a structural assessment to identify areas of restriction and how they relate to any structural issues.  Though a session may focus on a particular problem – the overall structural pattern is always considered since a whole-body perspective is better for more functional and lasting change.

What/who is the treatment beneficial for?

SI is commonly used to address any joint related issue (head, jaw, spine, limbs, pelvis, shoulder girdle etc), postural problems, movement restrictions or chronic tension and pain. It also works to open the breath and recover this primary movement that is vital to health.

What should people wear for the treatment?

The work is carried out in direct skin contact where convenient, or through light material so it is best to wear loose, non-restrictive clothes or gym kit.

How should clients prepare for the treatment?

Reports from recent scans or tests regarding musculoskeletal conditions may be useful.

Recommendation for treatment frequency

With as little as one treatment, SI can help you increase your range of movement and flexibility. Simple exercises will be offered to integrate techniques from the session to help you retrain your movement ability depending on your goals. In 3 treatments we can work the upper body, lower body then integrate via the spine however the work can be tailored to your specific needs and availability.

Contraindications

SI is not advised for those with active infections, fevers, acute inflammation, and recent trauma. Osteomyelitis, severe osteoporosis, and some forms of rheumatoid arthritis may also be contraindicated.

Please advise me if you have; an embolism, thrombus or aneurysm, epilepsy, cancer, varicosed veins, heart issues, recent scar tissue or any chronic infectious condition so I can adjust the work accordingly.

Nicki O’Clarey – Structural Integration Practitioner

Nicki has an avid curiosity and respect for physiology having studied anatomy, movement and exercise science along with various somatic movement practices for over 30 years. She particularly likes to utilise movement methods that explore natural function and awaken the senses.

Since the body is so interconnected, Nicki believes that analysing the whole-body pattern is key to understanding the cause of movement problems.

Structural Integration – KMI School for SI

Applied Functional Science Cert – Gray Institute (USA)

Register for Exercise Professionals – REPS (level 4) 

MSc Exercise (Dance) Science – LABAN 

Testimonials

Nicki is one of the most accomplished, authentic and effective therapists I have encountered in 35 years of reporting on health and wellbeing.  She tunes in to the root cause of the issue and gives a clear road-map for returning bodies to ease.  I can’t recommend her highly enough.”  

Jane Alexander – Journalist and author specialising in wellness & travel.

Nicki blends her deep understanding of exercise and movement into her SI sessions. She has a keen eye for structural detail and can spot the little things that are key to making improvements and help you to feel more comfortable in your body. 

James Earls – bodyworker, writer and lecturer specialising in Myofascial Release and Structural Integration

All Practitioners Treatments | 60 minutes / £80.00

To book a practitioner treatment, please email welcome@combegrove.com or call us directly on 01225 834644