Anatomy Trains Structural Integration, or ATSI, can be seen as a course in which you reconnect with your body in motion. Over the course of our lives, most of us have accumulated additional tension—whether from injuries, surgeries, imitating our parents or heroes. These injuries and tensions create patterns in the body. While movement often helps, most of these patterns develop beneath our conscious awareness and become part of who we are.

These patterns of chronic stress become embedded in our muscle tensions, skeletal structure, and the connective tissue known as fascia.

The ATSI approach is used to release the binding and shortening of connective tissue, which we refer to as the fascial network. This myofascial release approach aims to re-educate the body into efficient and energy-preserving movement patterns to facilitate ease of motion.

Experiencing Anatomy Trains Structural Integration (ATSI) Sessions

The Anatomy Trains Structural Integration process consists of 12 separate and progressive sessions, although the actual number required may vary from person to person.

This process takes place over a series of sessions. At the beginning of these sessions, your practitioner will discuss your medical history and help you set realistic goals for the process. They may take photos of your posture to track your progress or examine your postural patterns with you in front of a mirror.

Most structural integration sessions take place in underwear or a swimsuit. Your comfort is the top priority, but we need direct access to the tissues that restrict free movement. Much of the session’s work is performed on a treatment table, though some movements are also done while sitting on a stool or standing.

The practitioner will touch the tissue and guide you to move in ways that help release old restrictions and reposition the tissue into a more natural, free-flowing state. You and your practitioner can determine how deep or gentle the progression should be.

The 12 Sessions

The sessions cover the entire body:

• The first four sessions are generally more superficial and work to free the tissue on the front, back, and sides of the body, as well as the shoulders and arms, from any restrictions connected to the torso.
• The middle four sessions focus on the “core,” meaning the central stabilizing muscles near the spine.
• The final four sessions integrate the “core” and “sleeve” into your habitual movements and address specific concerns you may have.

ATSI sessions will bring about lasting and progressive changes that will impact your entire life.