Kristi Schumacher

Structural Integration

Repair, restore, revive - these are the hallmarks of Stuctural Integration Therapy. Just as your car tires start to wear out when your wheels are out of alignment, imbalances in your posture/alignment can lead to aches, pain or injury. Structural Integration, by working with the connective tissue (fascia) holding these patterns, leads to better over all function. Recipients often find relief from nagging symptoms not addressed by other soft tissue methods. Joint mobility and circulation is improved and restored. Range of motion and performance improved and overall vitality increased.

What is Structural Integration Therapy?

Structural Integration therapy is manual therapy that addresses the fascial system of your body. Your fascia is "the world wide web" of your structure. It connects, divides, makes bags for organs and muscles and gives you your sense of internal self and where you are in space. Being highly innervated, fascia also most often holds the source of our pain. It is everywhere in your body at every level down to the cellular - and in regular massage is never addressed. So in essence, when one gets a "regular" massage, no matter how good, by not addressing this vital tissue you are not getting to the root of most problems. In Structural Integration Therapy we look to restore the fascia's gliding movement that gets distorted due to injury or overuse, therefore restoring proper biomechanics, posture and circulation.

What to Expect:

Structural Integration is done clothed on a massage table and sometimes a bench. Sessions are 60 - 90 minutes long and always include a postural assessment and some movement education. I work with my fingers, hands and often forearms to lengthen or free tissue back to an optimal state. Some clients choose to only do one or a few sessions according to their needs, while others take part in what we call a "12 series".

What to Wear:

Your comfort is a priority! That said, I need to see as much of your body as possible and each session will have you in different positions on the table. Many women are comfortable in a bra and underwear, while others choose a loose camisole and bathing suit bottoms. Flexible, non-sliding materials without many constraints are optimal. Men may choose to wear shorts or briefs.

Contact Kristi now to schedule your appointment. Text 347-866-5966 or send her a note here

Kristi Schumacher

Meet Kristi

Since 1994 I have helped people of all ages navigate the aches and pains of sports and life. Currently my work is fascia (connective tissue) focused in the form of Structural Integration therapy. I help athletes and everyday folk stay mobile, energized, balanced and injury free by disrupting unsupportive movement patterns and freeing up the perpetually overlooked fascia. With my background in dance and fitness, I bring a nuanced view of the body along with a deep kinesthetic knowledge and an unending curiosity of the inner magic of the human body. I look forward to meeting you.

What people say about Structural Integration

Kristi is truly a miracle worker! As she worked layers deeper into my body, I felt stress and protections melting away-helping to reset my body from a back injury. I left every sessions felling rejuvenated, stronger, and more confident. I wish we could work together every day!! Highly recommend :)

Erin Janklow

Shifted my posture for the better and gave relief of chronic pain. Highly skilled practitioner.

Tamara Faust

Working with Kristi is an amazing experience! I was not exactly sure what to expect in the beginning, but I made a commitment to myself to finish the entire series of 12 treatments, and I'm so glad that I did!
Kristi herself, is a joy to spend time with. She is authentic, relaxed, humorous, but at the same time has the professionalism and confidence of a seasoned body worker. The work itself is fascinating. I kept finding myself asking the question; “where are you taking me?”. As the weeks and months passed I found myself becoming more aware of my body, the way I moved, the way I stood, my posture, my breath. It was subtle at first, but then more profound over time. The sessions always felt great! I was always disappointed when our time ended and wanted to say “4 more hours, please!”
When I first started with Kristi I was suffering with some pretty intense sciatic pain down my left leg, into my foot. Now that I have finished my 12 sessions with Kristi, I am astounded that my pain has been reduced by about 70% and I am finding that other, smaller issues are resolving themselves as well. I am honored to give Kristi my highest recommendation and deepest gratitude!

L. Bazzill