Structural Medicine is a customized evaluation, treatment and collaborative team approach to an individual’s unique health issues. Distinctive to the field of structural integration, Structural Medicine directly addresses specific pathologies, painful complaints, and movement dysfunctions. It bridges well-established and proven evaluation tools found in mainstream medicine, such as strength, range-of-motion, and postural assessment, with the latest scientific developments in alternative treatment therapies—manual therapy, myofascial release, movement education and neuromuscular re-education, energetics, and dialogue.
The ISM Structural Medicine SpecialistTM (SMS) training program provides 2,108 hours over 4 years of intensive, hands-on instruction, more than any other structural integration program. Graduates are better equipped to provide clients with customized evaluation and treatment that specifically addresses pathologies, painful complaints, and movement dysfunctions.
The SMS training program includes a rigorous and comprehensive collection of courses in structural integration bodywork, movement, dialogue and psychology, anatomy, physiology, kinesiology, pathology, and business practices. Independent study and practicums complement class instruction.
| COURSE | HOURS | DESCRIPTION |
|---|---|---|
| Bodywork | 666 | Principles of Structural Integration I Principles of Structural Integration II Principles of Structural Integration III Techniques of Structural Integration Structural Medicine Practicum I Structural Medicine Practicum II |
| Movement | 270 | Human Evolution & Gravity/Embryology Introduction to Structural Movement Body Awareness Movement Lab I Structural Medicine Movement Practicum Communicating Movement Lessons Ergonomics/Body Awareness & Movement Lab II |
| Psychology | 194 | Introduction to Psychological Inquiry Movement and Psychology Fundamentals of Dialogue/ Movement & Psychology Intra/Interpersonal Communications I Intra/Interpersonal Communications II |
| Anatomy, Physiology and Kinesiology | 335 | Introduction to Body Systems/Physiology Structural & Functional Assessment I Myofascial Anatomy & Kinesiology Structural & Functional Assessment II Applied Human Anatomy, Physiology & Kinesiology Gross AnatomyLab: Palpate Muscles, Myofascia & Dissection |
| Pathology Course | 285 | Theory and Causes of Diseases Disease & Medical Terminology Disease Conditions I Disease Conditions II Disease Conditions III – Identifying Disease During Cadaver Anatomy |
| Business | 358 | Ethical Standards & Practices Introduction to Marketing Client Development Practice Personal Marketing I Practice Personal Marketing II Business Standards & Practices Business Practicum |
| Total Hours | 2,108* |
ISM founder and director Donna Bajelis, PT, CHP, SMS, is a nationally respected educator and leader in the field of Structural Integration. She has over 30 years of experience combined, as a Licensed Physical Therapist, Certified Hellerwork Trainer, and Structural Medicine Trainer. Top specialists in a multitude of fields round out the Institute of Structural Medicine faculty.
While our current ISM Structural Medicine SpecialistTM training program class commenced in summer 2016, select applicants will still be accepted to join the program through fall 2016. Our students come from all walks of life, and our selection process is designed to select those who have potential to be successful in our program.
The Institute of Structural Medicine’s Structural Medicine Specialist Training Program is a four-year, 2,108-hour certification program, consisting of eight to nine five-day weekends per year, held in Twisp, Washington. After the second and third year, there is a retreat intensive, also held in Twisp. Some training may take place in the Seattle area. Between segments and practicum, students engage in Independent Study and document their findings in short essays.
Students will be advised through the Independent Study process as needed. Independent Study allows students to develop their skills and understanding of the practice of Structural Medicine and to develop a future client base. Most students graduate with their professional practice already fully developed.
Training in Structural Medicine includes courses in the sciences of anatomy, physiology, pathology, and embryology, as well as exercise and kinesiology. Training will also include the arts of movement education, and the fundamentals of dialogue, personal and interpersonal communication.
Years one and two focus on the essential structural integration series. Training also covers treatment strategies and integration methods appropriate for the patient, and basics of structural movement, body awareness and usage.
Years three and four teach how to adjust structural integration methods to meet the specific needs of clients suffering from pain due to musculoskeletal and neuromuscular disorders. Students learn to use myofascial length testing, orthopedic medicine principles, and structural analysis to create customized treatment plans, and deepen their learning of structural movement and voice dialogue communication fundamentals.
Upon completion of the four-year program with a minimum of 75 percent satisfactory grade, students may sit for several examinations: The National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork (NCBTMB) exam, the Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx) developed by the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards (available in most states), or the International Association of Structural Integrators (IASI) exam. They may obtain their Washington State Licensed Massage Therapist (LMP) license, and are qualified to join professional organizations such as the International Association of Structural Integrators (IASI), Associated Bodywork & Massage Professionals (ABMP), or the American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA).
The Institute of Structural Medicine will offer an advanced fifth year option, open to students who have already completed the four-year SMSTM Training Program. Consisting of two 2-week segments supplemented by Independent Study, the fifth year teaches advanced levels of skilled practice, particularly relating to joints and neuromuscular function.
The Institute of Structural Medicine provides business education in ethics, standards and practices, and business development, providing the basis for becoming a successful Structural Medicine Specialist.
ISM awards the school diploma upon completion of the 2,108-hour SMS Training Program courses and required field experience.
