What is Structural Integration?

Structural Integration is the manipulation of the biological fabric and glue that holds our bodies together known as fascia.  Connective fascial tissue has an impact on body posture, function, and patterning.  "It is my belief that a gesture becomes a habit.  A habit becomes a posture, and eventually lodges in our structure.  These changes are rarely for the better - anything that pulls us out of alignment means that gravity works on pulling us into more misalignment or increased tension to counteract the force.  In turn, we start to compensate, which leads to symptoms of discomfort.  To defend against the pain, our bodies compensate more, and ultimately result in a host of symptoms," says Bob Vinson.  If you are experiencing pain in your right shoulder, the fascial "Anatomy Train" may be followed to the left ankle you twisted dancing at your sister's wedding.  Treatment of that entire line of fascia, from the foot to the shoulder allows a release and facilitates freedom of movement.  
 
Bob Vinson explains, "There's a phrase among Structural Integration Therapists, 'Where the pain is, it ain't!'  I find this every day in my practice. The body is an amazing puzzle, and by working with the myofascial meridians, it becomes obvious why that shoulder suddenly started hurting three weeks ago, because the myofascial meridian connects from your arch to your shoulder.  If you twisted your ankle dancing, the referral pain could be biologically linked to your shoulder."  

Working with Bob Vinson 

Structural integration is born of Rolfing, it is quite different from deep tissue massage.  Massage focuses on the muscles, and generally the client relaxes throughout the session.  Structural integration is an interactive treatment.  "Every client is actively involved!  For fascia to release requires teamwork.  While I am manipulating the tissue, the client is often being asked to stretch, breathe, and move to assist the work.  This allows the body to be 'in action' revealing where some fascia may still be 'stuck.'  As a former muscular therapist, I understand how all of the muscles and tendons interlink.  By adding the fascial component, with the client participating in movement, I see the most amazing, long-lasting results.  It's a powerful medium!"
 
Bob offers a ten-treatment series that works with every Myofascial Anatomy Train in the body.  Typically clients will engage in the series, and then come back for an occasional tune-up.  He specializes in sports-related injuries, and has volunteered as the muscular therapy coordinator for the last 20 years for the Pan Mass Challenge.  Another specialty of his integrative practice is visceral manipulation, which focuses on how our organs are "glued in."
 
For more information or to schedule an appointment with Bob Vinson in Arlington, Boston, or Gloucester, please call 978-884-4804.

About Bob...

Bob Vinson has been a body worker since 1991.  He began as a muscular therapist, a graduate from the Muscular Therapy Institute, and was a full time member of their staff for ten years.  In 1999, Bob became SI certified in structural integration.  Well respected in his field, Bob is regularly asked to teach the curriculum to other bodyworkers around the world.  "Training is fun, but right now, I'm still so completely fascinated by the day-to-day hands-on experience, that I hate to spend too much time away from my practice!"
 
Bob Vinson has built his life in the service of others.  Before Bob discovered his passion for supporting others through body work, he served as the executive director of the Merrimac Valley Goodwill Industries, and worked at the Department of Mental Health and Retardation for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.  He served his country from 1967 - 1972 as a soldier in the US Army, and from 1969-1970 was a helicopter pilot in Vietnam, where his war experiences moved him to become a peace activist.  Bob has a B.A. Degree in Sociology from UMass Amherst, and a Masters Degree from the Heller School at Brandeis University.  Bob is a compassionate man, loving husband, and dedicated father brimming with energy that he joyously shares with others.
 
While it is possible to email Bob, he subscribes to Brenda Starr's belief about technology.  The infamous comic character says, “I am not a Luddite!  I just think the mania of modern technology is bad for the species.”  So, if you would like more information about Structural Integration or working with Bob Vinson, best to call 978-884-4804.