Erik Dalton Bodywork Training Blog

A question often asked… “Is modern day footwear ruining our feet?”. For decades, the biomechanical effects of heels in everything from running shoes to 4 inch heels has puzzled researchers and fired controversy. My recent newsletter addresses this issue and the video shows an effective technique for foot, leg and back pain often caused by the shoes we wear. Newsletter – High Heels and Back Pain

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This was actually a routine that was demonstrated by one of my students at a Myoskeletal Alignment workshop. I love it, have adapted it in my own practice. It is a very effective SI joint and Piriformis routine, working all of the deep 6 rotators. Try it in your practice. Very effective. Myoskeletal Therapy complements all types of bodywork with practical strategies through restoration of proper neural, myfascial and skeletal function. The Myoskeletal goal is to establish pain-free movement during the walking cycle. If you have ever tried this technique, please let us know how it worked for your client.

How about today’s custom-fitted shoes? Do they permit natural gait? While providing custom fit, they also incorporate the usual biomechanical faults, i.e., elevated heels, lack of flexibility, toe spring, & loss of ground reaction force. Ironically, the closest we’ve come to an ‘ideal’ shoe was the lightweight, soft-sole, heel-less moccasin. Dating back 14,000 years, it consisted of crudely tanned but soft leather wrapped around the foot and held on with rawhide thongs. Presto! custom fit, perfect in biomechanical function, and no encumbrances to the foot or gait. But what about feet/knees/hips and spines that are less than ‘ideal’. Do custom-fitted shoes or orthotics help? See www.scientificamerican.com/…/episode.cfm?…running-shoes-jog-joints

Myoskeletal Alignment for “Between-the-Blade” Pain due to joint blockage and protective muscle spasm. A must learn technique for sports therapists, structural integrators and pain management bodyworkers. Click Here to view the complete article online.

Pain Management in Paradise

8th Annual Pain Management in ParadiseSet in a tropical paradise in the hills of Costa Rica, renowned Manual Therapist Erik Dalton, Ph.D. and his outstanding assistants will conduct a Myoskeletal Certification workshop May 1 – 8, 2010 at the PuraVida Spa and Resort. Perfect for the dedicated massage therapist, physical therapist, doctor of chiropractic, structural integrator or sports therapist.   Energize your practice, master deep tissue and muscle energy routines that will set you apart in the eyes of clients, referral sources and other clinicians.  This event occurs only once every year, and sells out every year.  Go to http://daltonworkshops.com to reserve your space.

I taught at an All-Canadian Conference in Winnipeg a few years ago and was surprised at the passion workshop participants had for spinal biomechanics. One school owner told me they used Philip Greenman’s “Principles of Manual Medicine” osteopathic textbook in his 3rd year classes and it was one of their most popular courses.

Do you think an understanding of joint mechanics is necessary for massage students?