In 2007, a Fascia Research Congress abstract on standing and balance was presented to Harvard Medical School. In this report, Edward Hemberger, a practitioner of Structural Integration, LMT, in Boonton, New Jersey, submitted the following case study which underlines the efficacy of facial manipulation.

OBJECTIVE: To document Structural Integration in individuals with peripheral neuropathy.

BACKGROUND: Peripheral neuropathy describes damage to the peripheral nervous system, the vast communication network that transmits information from the brain and spinal cord (the central nervous system) to every part of the body. Peripheral nerves also send sensory information back to the brain and spinal cord, such as a message the feet are cold or a finger is burned. Damage to the peripheral nervous system interferes with these vital connections. Like static on a telephone line, peripheral neuropathy distorts and sometimes interrupts messages between the brain and the rest of the body.

CASE STUDY: 77 year old man has 25 degrees of Scoliosis and Neuropathy in the feet and legs, resulting in loss of balance. Had been using a cane for 18 months at suggestion of his attending physician.

As a previous massage client of mine, I recognized the potential of Structural Integration as a solution to his problem.

RESULTS: After two 60-minute structural integration sessions, patient stated he felt his feet and legs “for the first time in 10 or 15 years”. When patient returned for third session he was walking freely without a cane, and has continued to walk for four subsequent months without a cane.

DISCUSSION: Lengthening the back as the heels become free to extend the entire back of the body can lengthen the back of the torso, develop a sense of lumbar balance and help the patient feel more “rooted” to the ground by restoring sensation to legs and feet.

The basic premise of structural integration as developed by Dr. Ida Rolf is that the body is organized in space and in the gravitational field, especially the upright position. The components of the body must be in proper distribution and balance for economical movement with minimal stress. As a result of psychical trauma or emotional stress muscles and other tissues become displaced with compensatory adaptations of other muscles and fascial connections, often at distant points in the body. Through shortening and thickening of connective tissue and habitual patterns of movement, these muscular changes become chronic and involuntary.

Structural Integration has a reputation for helping people feel more balanced and grounded and move with greater ease. In the basic 10 series of sessions, Structural Integration systematically addresses the places of strain, misalignment, and restricted motion that exist within the body pattern as a whole. Through observation and tactile recognition of muscle and fascial tension, the practitioner identifies areas for release. 

Location:  Offices in Boonton and Montclair. Ed Hemberger, MT, ART is Certified in Structural Integration, and for 18 years worked with and was mentored by Dr. Tom Findley, a Certified Rolfer. For more information, call 973-462-3112, email  [email protected] and visit HembergerStructuralIntegration.com. See ad, page 10.