Treatments » KMI Structural Integration
WHAT IS KMI STRUCTURAL INTEGRATION?
KMI Structural Integration uses hands on techniques to manipulate the muscles and fascia and reorganise the body's structure. Its goal is to improve postural alignment, balance and flexibility. As a result it can be excellent at helping with many of the long term chronic problems a lot of people suffer from, like back ache, neck and shoulder pain, and can improve our wellbeing and quality of life.
KMI Structural integration features:
• 12 progressive
sessions:
Each session is normally received 2 weeks apart over a 6 month period,
but can be adapted for each individual's circumstances.
• Reorganises the body segment by segment:
Each session builds on the previous session to create better alignment,
movement and function.
• Hands on techniques:
The sessions involve hands on techniques that manipulate and reorganise
the myofascia (muscles and their connective tissue) layer by layer.
• Postural assessment:
At the beginning of each session a postural assessment is taken to
guide each session. Photos are usually taken at the beginning and
end of the 12 sessions so we can see the changes that have occured
during the structural integration process.
KMI (Kinesis Myofascial Integration) is a form of structural integration
which incorporates the Anatomy Trains concept developed by Tom Myers
into its 12 session series.
The Anatomy Trains is a tool which enables the KMI practitioner to
see the soft tissue connections throughout the body. Anatomy Trains
allows your KMI practitioner to see your body as a whole rather than
a collection of individual parts. Structural integration aims to integrate
all these parts so we can move through life more efficiently.
The myofascial system consists of muscles (greek: myo) and the connective tissue (fascia) that intertwines the muscles and forms a continuous web throughout the body. As the tightness in the myofascia is released, many of the everyday aches and pains and chronic problems that you feel can disappear and your posture can be greatly improved. Movement becomes easier and energy levels improve as your body begins to work more efficiently.
Each KMI session lasts 90 min and builds on the previous sessions, so that by the end of the 12 session series, the whole body has been worked on in order to undo restrictions and tightness within the myofascial sysyem.
WHAT TO EXPECT
This work is carried out on a massage table with the recipient in
their underwear. A typical session will start with me assessing your
posture, and then from this visual assessment I will choose which
areas are tight and restricted, and work progressively each session
in order to undo the tightness and restrictions. Photos are taken
before the first session and at the end of the 12th session as an
aid to assessment as well as a reference for the changes that have
taken place over the sessions.
The myofascia is in layers throughout our body and the outer more
superficial layers, which we call the sleeve, are addressed in the
first 4 sessions. A big difference
between massage and structural integration is that we work on the
fascia and not just the muscles: fascia binds
everything and is our organ of support so it can be manipulated and
stretched in order to allow our postures to improve. In a structural
integration session, you will be asked to do small movements as I
work on an area to help the fascia to release.
Once the outer layers of myofascia are softened and more open we are
then able to work into the deeper myofascia more effectively, and
the middle 4 sessions work on these deeper layers which make up our
core.
The final 4 sessions are the integrating sessions and give us both
the chance to go back and readdress areas in the sleeve and core which
are held particularly tight. These final sessions will also balance
the pelvic and shoulder girdles as well as the spine, and integrate
the sleeve and core so as they work with each other instead of against
each other.
After the 12 sessions you will not be expected to receive more structural
integration work for up to three to six months to allow the work to
integrate further. After that time I will invite you back for the
occasional top up session. Structural integration has been proven
to create ongoing changes for a long time after the initial 12 sessions
and there has been further visual improvement in people’s posture
a year or more after their initial 12 sessions.
BENEFITS
• Longer lasting results
• Improved posture
• Easier movement
• Increased flexibility
• Reduced or complete resolution of pain
• Less tension
• Calmer mind
• More energy
• Better awareness
Testimonial:
"Have you ever just wished someone could take the pain
away? After years of trying Osteopaths, Chiropractors, Doctors and
various massage techniques I had pretty much decided that no one could.
I had been told that I had a shoulder injury but found walking uncomfortable,
standing for more than a few minutes almost impossible, sitting hurt
as did lying down. I wasn’t in constant pain but it affected
my life, my ability to be active and my confidence. When yet another
therapy was suggested I was less than enthusiastic, but could this
be the one that made the difference? Well yes it has, and most of
the work done by Andrew has been on my hips, legs and feet !! My appalling
posture is no more, and the pain has gone, KMI Structural Integration
is not always a relaxing therapy, at times I found it very challenging
but the results are, for me, life changing. I am not “cured”
but I feel my age now, 50 instead of 90. What a relief."
Pam, Shoreham
£50 per session, each session is 90 min.
Currently I am only able to accept cheque or cash payments.
Please be note I have a 24 hour cancellation policy or the full fee is charged.
[ Back to Top ]