Here is what a typical 10 Series looks like:

Sessions 1-3 affect the superficial layers of fascia known as the sleeve.

In order for you fully experience the potential change and freedom available to your body, Structural Integration is done in a systematic series of treatments. This core system is known as the 10 Series. The 10 Series is Dr. Rolf’s original recipe that thoroughly affects superficial, intermediate and deep layers of the myofascial system. By lengthening and reorganizing the entire fascial matrix we are able to create space in your body so that all of your muscles, bones, tendons and joints can move freely and easily. In turn, most areas of chronic tension and discomfort are drastically reduced or they disappear altogether. Treating specific symptoms as is generally done in Massage, Physical Therapy, Chiropractic and other forms of manual therapy, often yields less than desirable results. Research shows this may be attributed to the fact that the original cause of the strain is somewhere else in the fascial matrix.

•Session 1

Direction of up and out. Superficial layers of the thorax, neck, arms and pelvis. This session creates a sense of lift by creating space between the ribcage and the pelvis. Quality of breath is improved.

•Session 2

Direction of down. Superficial layers of the feet, lower legs, knees, upper leg and lower back. This session creates a better sense of being grounded. Collapsed or raised arches, achy knees may see a noticeable change. You may feel better balance and support from your feet. Once quiet feet may have a sense of being awake.

•Session 3

Dimension of depth. Superficial and mid layers of the torso, shoulders, pelvis. This session works to establish a lateral line that distinguishes the front of your body from the back. The goal is a better relationship between your upper and lower halves. You will feel easier contralateral movement.

Sessions 4-7 begin to work the deeper layers of fascia known as the core. We work to free and organize these deeper layers.

•Session 4

The base of the core. From the medial arch up to the base of the pelvis. Rotations in the hips and knees start to unwind. You get a better sense of your core being an energetic line that starts at your feet and works its way up towards the top of your head. You will have a better sense of your legs and feet comfortably supporting your upper half.

•Session 5

Anterior line/front of the core Abdomen, thoracic cavity, shoulders. In particular, we focus on the psoas. The psoas is a true gem of the core that is often collapsed due to countless hours of sitting at a desk. You may experience a feeling of being open and long in the front.

•Session 6

The back line/back of the core. From the neck down to the end of the spine. The goal of this session is to establish length in the back of your core to match the length that was created in the front of your core in Session 5. You will experience undulation in your spine.

•Session 7

The top of the core. Work is done in, on and around the head. Deep layers of the anterior and posterior neck are balanced. The goal of this session is to free the head from the neck and shoulders and allow it to move freely on the top of your spine.

Sessions 8-10. The integration sessions. Up to this point in the series we will have created space and easier movement in both the superficial and deep layers of your body. Sessions 8-10 focus on integrating the upper and lower halves and functionality of the joints.

•Session 8

Generally, in this 8th session, focus is put on the lower half of the body and how it integrates with the upper half of the body. Rotations and shifts that remain are addressed in this session.

•Session 9

Session 9 focuses on integrating the upper half with the changes that occurred in the lower half after the previous session. Rotations in the arms, shoulders and neck are addressed and balanced.

•Session 10

The final integration. Focus is given to the joints of the ankle, knee, hip and key spinal curves. Most of the superficial layers of the body are covered in an attempt to integrate all of the joints. At this time the series is complete and it is time for you to embrace the cumulative space and ease of movement that has appeared in your body.

All sessions include movement education during and after. Optimal ergonomics, body awareness and effective breathing techniques are discussed. All sessions include detailed neck and back work at the end of the session, except for Session 7 where it is done at the beginning of the session.

After the settling in period you may choose:

Post 10 Series. The series will usually consist of 3-5 sessions, depending on your specific goals. Severe conditions of scoliosis, genu varum (bow legs), genu valgum (knock knees) and spinal compression generally improve significantly with a 10 Series.

Occasionally these conditions require more attention if symptoms still persist. To embrace being free of pain and discomfort and choose to call me the next time that something feels a little off.

If you are an athlete and want to maintain yourself at a high level, you might want to continue with a maintenance plan that will include myofascial work and sports massage.

If you work long days at a desk and you feel like you are still struggling to stay balanced because of the tension and stress, you can come see me for more traditional massage or a hybrid massage that will include trigger point work, mind-body dialogue and some mild to moderate structural work. As mentioned above, we want to be cautious not to over process your body.

From our Patients

Louie was absolutely phenomenal! His bio online really made me feel interested in learning about what he does and what was possible for me. From the moment I spoke to him on the phone, he made me feel very comfortable and I could tell that he really cared about my emotional and physical well-being. Upon meeting Louie, my impression was that he was a stellar guy who truly cared about helping me to feel my best in my body. We talked through a lot of emotional patterns as well as physical patterns and I learned about what I needed to do to make myself feel better. He shows you how to breathe properly and how to release that last bit that you’re holding onto in your body and it makes a physical difference! I had such an amazing time and it was way more healing than a therapy session and a massage combined. It was something completely different where you’re not just putting a Band-Aid on your discomfort or pain but actually getting to the root of the issue and working through it. Over the course of the next few days, I have felt absolutely great! The best I’ve felt in a very long time! I intend to come back and I hope to spread the news so that others can enjoy the benefits that Louie can provide as well!

Kristie Kay

I had never experienced anything like Structural Integration before. I would describe it as a cross between physical therapy and deep tissue massage. It is not a one hour fix. It is a systematic approach of realigning the entire body to work together and in harmony. It is a process and takes time, but it is well worth it as the results are long lasting. After the first session, I felt lighter and was very pleased with the results. About a week later I was rear ended at high speed, which totaled my car, gave me a concussion and set me back quite a bit. I continued my sessions with Louie and have little by little, gained back what I had lost in mobility. I am very tall and up until a few weeks ago, continued to experience a lot of muscle fatigue which made it very uncomfortable for me to stand without leaning against a wall (or whatever I was standing next to) for support. I did not feel comfortable supporting my own frame. After my last session, Louie somehow realigned my upper torso to be in balance with my legs, so I can now stand for an extended periods of time without leaning on anything for support. It is the first time I have felt comfortable in my body. Thank you Louie, for working with me and listening to my symptoms. If you are not satisfied with the short term results of traditional massage, give Structural Integration a try, it works!

Cindy Sharp

Louie at PainStop Therapy is awesome!! He was the one to finally be able to help me with issues I was having with my hips and lower back after 10 months of physical therapy elsewhere and only seeing off and on results and still being in chronic pain. After only 3 visits with Louie, my sciatica is gone and now, my hip and back pain is pretty much nonexistent. I’m grateful to be able to walk again and not be in pain. I highly recommend Louie and PainStop Therapy.

Stephanie Taylor

There is a distinct difference between getting a massage, and the body work done by Louie at PainStop Therapy. Louie helped me better understand what a past injury has done to my body, how I am moving differently, and how I can correct how my body responds to that injury and the pain I am experiencing. Instead of just rubbing the pain away temporarily, Louie gave me knowledge on how to focus on being more consciously aware of my body, and what I can do to help it move properly and pain free.