The Ten Series is Dr. Ida Rolf’s original Structural Integration protocol, a structured sequence of myofascial release and movement work. Over ten sessions, it reorganizes the body from the ground up and from superficial to deep layers of connective tissue. Each session builds on the last.
Sessions 1–3: the sleeve
The first three sessions open the superficial fascial layers, the body’s “sleeve.” This frees the breath, which is central to the work, and prepares both the tissue and the client for deeper change.
- Session 1 – breath, ribcage, shoulders and hips.
- Session 2 – feet and lower legs: a stable foundation.
- Session 3 – the side of the body, relating shoulders, ribs and pelvis.
Sessions 4–7: the core
The next four sessions address the deeper “core” layers, where long-held patterns live. Aligned movement during these sessions lets you learn balance experientially: shortening only the tissue that needs to work and letting the opposing tissue lengthen.
- Session 4 – inner legs and pelvic floor.
- Session 5 – abdomen and the deep hip flexors (psoas).
- Session 6 – back of the legs, sacrum and spine.
- Session 7 – neck and head.
Sessions 8–10: integration
The final three sessions integrate the changes, with more client-led movement. The focus is moving from the deep intrinsic muscles that are built for small movements and stability, so the larger extrinsic muscles stop doing all the work. When the two layers cooperate, movement gains ease, efficiency and grace.
After the series
Clients typically keep integrating the changes for about a year. Walking, yoga, swimming, surfing, virtually any activity can be done with awareness of alignment. Maintenance sessions one to three months apart help some people, but aren’t always necessary.
Not ready for ten? Start with focused work
Many new clients come in with one specific problem. A shorter, focused series, always with the whole structure in mind, often comes first. Once there isn’t a persistent nagging issue, the full Ten Series can be done with full attention.