Joan Horwitz

I have been a Licensed Massage Therapist since 2001 and have always wanted to set my work apart from the average, truly helping people better function in life without pain. In addition to the more common modalities; Deep Tissue, Trigger Point, Hot Stone Massge, I have studied Cranial Sacral Therapy, Nuero-Muscular Therapy, ScarWork, Structural Integration and Scoliosis work. I completed the Anatomy Trains Structural Integration program in June 2024, a 640 plus hour training, to add an additional skill set to my practice. I am the first and only Board Certified Structural Integrationist here in Wichita Falls, Texas!

Structural Integration: This is not your ordinary Bodywork!

• Popularly known as Rolfing
• Structural Integration (SI) is an educational process
• Consists of a multi-session protocol of deep, slow fascial and Myofascial bodywork, coupled with movement re-education
• Unwind common strain patterns in our body's connective tissue "fabric" to reduce structural stress
• Restore natural balance, joint alignment and posture; bring length, ease and function to your connective tissue network
• Typically done as a 12 series or a 3 series tune up; each session builds upon the previous creating lasting changes
• Series work offers the physical body improved breath, mobility, fascial health, adaptability and potential in relationship to gravity
• It is a transformative and educational process through proprioception and interoception

Structural Integration (SI) looks at the body as a whole to address postural patterns held within the tensile system. It is organized as a deliberate series of sessions focusing on fascia not just muscles.  Fascia is strong elastic pliable connective tissue. It is a membranous webbing or sheath that doesn’t just encompass a muscle group but literally runs from the bottom of our feet to the top of our head.  The goals of SI work are to relieve painful Myofascial restrictions written in our connective tissues and neural holding patterns, improve posture and alignment (without blunt force adjustments), and to achieve freer movement with a greater sense of ease, balance and adaptability. Despite our best efforts, many variables combine to create our posture, body shape, mechanics and the tissues that support our “Being”. The body stores everything on a cellular level and many conscious and unconscious factors affect us. These factors can be 1)inherited design, 2)physical or psychological events, injuries, traumas or 3)learned habits. Client participation with movement in combination with this bodywork brings our “locomotor system” (our physical body and its actions) to a higher level of awareness, adaptability and integrated function. It consists of functional and structural assessments to map the patterns and create change. This not only is a process but a project we work on together towards a common goal.

What to expect in an SI session?

SI sessions begin with a body reading and movement assessments to determine where there are restrictions and how the body is aligned with gravity. This becomes our "map" for the work to be done during a session and the client will at times stand up so we can reassess the progress in the session. The therapist cues specific movement for each area of the body being worked thereby creating better awareness and improved communication between the physical body and it's functions.

What to wear for SI sessions?

SI work is performed in minimal clothing, but with full coverage underwear or loose cotton shorts and regular bra, no X straps at the back. Please no lotion on your skin as it will make my work impossible.

HOURS AND SCHEDULING

Cancellation Policy
I understand that unanticipated events happen occasionally in everyone’s life. In my desire to be effective and fair to all clients, the following policies are honored:
24 hour advance notice is required when cancelling an appointment. This allows the opportunity for someone else to schedule an appointment. If you are unable to give me 24 hours advance notice you will be charged the full amount of your appointment. This amount must be paid prior to your next scheduled appointment.

No-shows
Anyone who either forgets or consciously chooses to forgo their appointment for whatever reason will be considered a “no-show.” They will be charged for their “missed” appointment.

Late Arrivals
If you arrive late, your session may be shortened in order to accommodate others whose appointments follow yours. Depending upon how late you arrive, your therapist will then determine if there is enough time remaining to start a treatment. Regardless of the length of the treatment actually given, you will be responsible for the “full” session. Out of respect and consideration to your therapist and other customers, please plan accordingly and be on time.