Superficial Fascia
Fascia Microscopy by
Eric Root

Superficial Fascia
Fascia Microscopy by
Eric Root

Structural Medicine Specialist (SMS) practitioners are graduates of a minimum 2,000-hour training program at the Institute of Structural Medicine.

Welcome to Structural Medicine

Our clinical expertise is in treating structural compensation patterns, often associated with dysfunction or chronic myofascial pain. We are proud to offer one of the most advanced structural integration clinics in the nation, having treated clients from all over the U. S. and the world (see map and list). We continue to explore and advance the science and treatment of the body using manual therapeutic practices (see Philosophy of Treatment and Professional Staff).

Structural Integration:
Structural Medicine (SM) is a customized evaluation, treatment and collaborative team approach to an individual’s unique health issues. Distinctive to the field of structural integration, SM directly addresses specific pathologies, painful complaints, and movement dysfunctions. It bridges well-established and proven evaluation tools found in mainstream medicine (strength, range-of-motion, posture) with the latest scientific developments in alternative treatment therapies (manual therapy, myofascial release, movement and neuromuscular re-education, energetics, and dialogue). (See Typical Treatment Session)

"Structural medicine is about possibilities; re-creating the possibilities for your body/mind to function well and support you in your life."
     Donna F. Bajelis, PT & CHP, SMS (Founder of ISM)

Objective Evaluation:
Unique to Structural Medicine are objective evaluation procedures, such as myofascial length testing (MFLT). The objective findings empower the practitioner to formulate a customized plan for treatment of individual pathologies; provide a language to communicate intelligently and objectively with other medical professionals; provide physical measurements, pre- and post-treatment, to monitor or modify the treatment program. (See Who Benefits)

Your Fascial Structure:
Fascia is the dynamic, self-organizing connective tissue that serves as both a physical structure and a communication link throughout the body. As such, fascia is a primary link to the treatment of many physical dysfunctions, pain, or chronic pain. Structural Medicine grew out of the growing body of knowledge from manually working with fascia and its relationship to other systems in the body. (see What is Fascia?)

"Our skin is what stands between us and the world".
   Diane Ackerman

Your Shape & Posture:
Our skin is the largest organ of our body and the organ that senses the world around us. Directly below the skin is our "profundus", the most superficial layer of fascia that "contains" us, creates our shape, structure, and ultimately our function or dysfunction. It is a living tissue rich with nerves, blood vessels, components of our immune system, where our boundary begins between us and the world. Deeper and more complex layers of fascia connect us to everything within us, every organ, bone, muscle, ligament, tendon, and tissue. (See What is Structural Medicine for more detailed information).

Fascial Connections: The rapidly growing field of structural integration and new research in this field of study are finding that we are connected in more ways than we can possibly imagine. So our fascia is not only our boundary, but the continuous connection between everything within us to everything and everyone outside us, both metaphorically and physically. Newly discovered "integrins" even connect us to the inside of our cells and to the intracellular organelles and DNA.

Exploratory Approach: We invite you to come explore what is possible with the Structural Medicine approach to structural integration, an exploration of each individual's unique, history of life, held by their fascia. Our web site explains this process in detail, including educational information, handouts, answers to frequently asked questions (FAQ). (See FAQs).

"Life is not a problem to be solved, but a mystery to be lived".       Thomas Merton

Personal Commitment to Healing:
Many of our clients come to us by way of "word-of-mouth" referrals, having tried many other modalities of treatment before they received the results they were looking for at our clinic. It is an evolving field of medicine in many areas of expertise. Come find out what it is all about, be you a prospective client or a medical doctor or practitioner. We are here to support you in your journey and healing. (See Healing & Inspiration).

"Until one is committed, there is a hesitancy, the chance to draw back, always ineffectiveness, concerning all acts of initiative. The moment one definitely commits oneself, then Providence moves too. A whole stream of events issues from the decision. Whatever you can do or dream you can, begin it. Boldness has genius, power and magic in it".
  Goethe