Structural Integration and Wellness

Materials

• Text - 256 pages
• Multiple-choice test
• Certificate upon completion

Description

Structural Integration and Wellness blends the theories of Ida Rolf and Moshe Feldenkrais with modern massage therapy techniques. This text-based program is designed to empower therapists with both foundational knowledge and advanced skills, this course dives into the fascinating relationship between posture, structure, and functional movement, offering a practical, hands-on approach to improving client well-being.

What You'll Explore:

• Discover the subtle yet impactful signs of structural imbalances that affect posture and movement.
• Master key concepts from Hellerwork, postural integration, and Zen bodywork, adding depth and diversity to your therapeutic toolkit.
• Uncover the three paradigms of practice as defined by Maitland, and gain a deeper understanding of the intricate layers of muscle organization and connective tissues.
• Delve into the embryogenetic systems, connecting the body's developmental origins to structural wellness.
• Learn effective techniques for addressing postural-structural dysfunctions, especially those related to the axial skeleton, and integrate standing, palpatory, and gait assessments into your sessions.

Course Highlights:

• A deep dive into the historical evolution of Structural Bodywork, how it's shaped by the philosophies of Rolfing and Feldenkrais, and its applications in today's therapy landscape.
• Clear, step-by-step guidance on applying myofascial release, stretching, and other bodywork techniques that seamlessly fit into your existing massage routine.
• Beautifully illustrated with photographs and diagrams, this course breaks down complex anatomical and mechanical concepts into easy-to-understand visual formats.
• Learn the "why" and "how" of each technique with structured protocols that offer practical solutions for musculoskeletal imbalances and injuries.

By the end of this course, you'll walk away with a refined understanding of human structure, confident in your ability to address postural and movement dysfunctions, and ready to integrate these advanced techniques into your practice for lasting client results. Perfect for massage therapists seeking to expand their skills in a way that bridges theory with practical application, Structural Integration and Wellness is a must-take course for elevating your bodywork expertise.

Course Objectives

1. List at least two visible and two hidden signs of structural dysfunction.
2. Identify the key principles in Hellerwork, Postural Integration and Zen Bodywork.
3. Recognize Maitland's three paradigms of practice and list the main characteristics of structural bodywork.
4. Describe the somatic perspective of complementary therapy and compare therapy techniques and practice levels within the somatic discipline.
5. List at least three elements of the embryogenetic systems that relate to structural bodywork and recognize at least three models for understanding human structure.
6. Correctly identify each of the following:
• The tissue layers of the body and the roles of each
• The three main levels of muscle organization
• At least two potential spaces in the body
• The types and functions of connective tissue
• The main types of cells found within connective tissue
• The mechanical characteristics of fascia
7. Compare and contrast tonic and phasic muscles.
8. Identify reasons for musculature injuries or disorders that may lead to structural adaptation and/or structural dysfunction.
9. Recognize at least three postural-structural dysfunctions that are related specifically to the organization of the axial skeleton; define “inspiration fix” and “expiration fix,” and list the consequences of leg length discrepancy.
10. Recognize the key elements of at least five of the following models:
• Internal-external model
• Janda's approach
• Feldenkrais
• Hanna's extension of Feldenkrais
• Schleip's extension of Hanna's ideas
• Myer's Anatomy Train concept
11. Compare the key elements of each of the following: standing, palpatory, and gait assessment and identify the rules for strategizing structural bodywork sessions.
12. Identify general protocols for addressing imbalances in at least four areas of the sagittal plane.
13. List the areas of the lateral line and the medial leg line of the frontal plane and identify the general protocols for addressing asymmetries in the frontal and traverse planes.

Course Reviews

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Instructors

Sharon Burch, MSN, RN, NCTMB

Sharon Burch holds a Masters Degree in Nursing and has been practicing as a nurse since 1974. She is currently a Registered Nurse in the state of Arkansas. Additionally, Ms. Burch studied under many of today's leaders in massage therapy and bodywork during the 1980s, became Nationally Certified through the NCBTMB in 1993 and holds a professional membership with the AMTA.

As founder of Health Positive!, Ms. Burch has created over 60 home study nursing and massage continuing education programs, performed over 65 public, live educational presentations, has written two published books, served as a member on the NCBTMB Continuing Education committee and was a founding member of the National Association of Nurse Massage Therapists.

Sharon is an instructor on many of the Institute's programs and has authored and co-authored various ethics courses and additional titles such as Touch for the Seriously Ill, Stress Reduction Through Bodywork, Staying Well – Naturally, Cardiopulmonary Health and Illness, Chronic Pain Management, Marketing Massage in Four Easy Steps, Preventing Medical Errors, HIV Update for Massage Therapists and Bodyworkers, Understanding HIV, Massage for Edema and more.