Poor Posture … What Does it Tell Us?

As you may recall, I have been working on advanced massage training developed by Erik Dalton, PhD referred to as MAT for Myoskeletal Alignment Techniques.  Recently, he was interviewed by Massage Magazine where he explains why this technique is so effective.  As I incorporate these techniques into my own orthopedic massage practice, my clients and I have begun to see and feel the healing process take place.  I continue to be impressed by how, when our bodies are given what they need, they heal naturally. 

Here’s an excerpt from the article.

Massage Magazine: Why would someone want to get training in MAT? What are the benefits for a massage therapist?

Erik Dalton: It’s important to know why we keep seeing the same distorted postural patterns, such as head forward postures, functional scoliosis, pronated feet and valgus knees. We need to remember posture is just a symptom of the underlying problem.

Poor posture tells us the brain and body are not communicating well, but it is not the main event. MAT therapists use brain-based assessments to figure out where the client’s problems are and address them at their core.

Training in MAT allows practitioners to gain basic knowledge of spinal biomechanics and joint neurology for a better understanding of protective muscle guarding. We need to ask ourselves why that knotty shoulder blade spasm keeps returning session after session and whether we want to keep pounding on it.

Remember, the brain may be layering the area with spasm because it senses instability or perceived threat.

So, the short answer to your question is that therapists benefit from MAT programs because they produce positive, observable results that lead to more referrals and better income.

As you read the article and begin to resonate with Dr Dalton’s viewpoint, I encourage you to call me for a FREE phone consultation at 412-760-1776.  We can develop a game plan to improve your posture, to melt away your pain, and to help you to become a better version of yourself.  I look forward to working with you!

Denise Fahrion is a passionate orthopedic massage therapist in the McCandless suburbs of Pittsburgh.  She personally works toward and shares with her clients ways to become “Focused. Grounded. Balanced.”