The Myoskeletal Alignment Approach:

Advancing Pain Relief and Structural Balance through Myoskeletal Mastery

The team attending the MAT workshop in February 2025 with Heather on the Teaching Team.

At Blue Monarch Advanced Bodywork, we take a science-based, results-driven approach to bodywork, focusing on techniques that address the root causes of pain and dysfunction. One of the most impactful methods we use is Myoskeletal Alignment Therapy (MAT)—a powerful system that blends osteopathic principles, myofascial therapy, neuromuscular techniques, and joint mobilization to optimize posture, movement, and overall function.

Honoring Erik Dalton’s Legacy

Erik Dalton, Terri, Paul Kelly, and Heather at a Myoskeletal Workshop in 2014

MAT was developed by Erik Dalton, a visionary in the field of massage therapy and bodywork. His groundbreaking work in pain relief and postural correction has reshaped the way many therapists approach treatment. Earlier this year, Erik Dalton passed away, leaving behind a lasting impact on our industry. We are deeply grateful

for his contributions and honored to continue applying his principles in our work.

How the Myoskeletal Approach Works

Unlike traditional massage, which often focuses on relaxation or localized tension, MAT takes a whole-body approach to pain relief. It is based on the idea that postural imbalances, muscle dysfunction, and joint restrictions are key contributors to chronic pain and movement limitations. Rather than simply treating symptoms, MAT identifies and corrects structural misalignments, reprograms neuromuscular patterns, and restores functional movement.

Terri and Lisa at the first annual MAT workshop in San Antonio 2024.

At Blue Monarch Advanced Bodywork, we incorporate a range of MAT techniques into our wellness, therapeutic, and restorative therapy sessions, including:

• Myofascial Release – Frees up fascial restrictions to improve mobility and reduce pain.

• Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF) Stretching – Enhances flexibility and neuromuscular coordination.

• Joint Mobilization – Restores natural joint function and relieves stiffness.

• Muscle Energy Techniques (MET) – Uses gentle contractions to correct joint and muscle imbalances.

• Trigger Point Therapy – Releases deep-seated muscular tension for long-lasting relief.

The Benefits of Myoskeletal Alignment Therapy

Heather and Terri learning in paradise at the Costa Rica workshop in 2023

By addressing underlying dysfunctions rather than just surface-level tension, MAT provides a wide range of benefits:

🔹 Chronic Pain Relief – Effective for back pain, neck stiffness, headaches, joint discomfort, and more.

🔹 Postural Correction – Helps realign the body, reducing strain and improving movement efficiency.

🔹 Increased Mobility & Flexibility – Releases restrictions that limit range of motion.

🔹Injury Prevention & Recovery – Corrects muscle imbalances to prevent future injuries and speed up recovery.

🔹 Optimized Nervous System Function – Improves neuromuscular coordination and movement efficiency.

Our Commitment to Myoskeletal Mastery

At the time of this article, all therapists at Blue Monarch Advanced Bodywork have attended Myoskeletal Alignment workshops, demonstrating our collective dedication to learning, refining, and applying this cutting-edge approach.

To further our expertise, we have developed an in-house Myoskeletal Mentorship Program, which supports our therapists in completing the Myoskeletal Mastery Program—the highest level of MAT certification. Our goal is to help each therapist reach the status of Myoskeletal Master Therapist, ensuring that we continue to offer the most advanced bodywork techniques available.

Additionally, our co-founder Heather has taken this commitment a step further by becoming a Teaching Assistant for the Myoskeletal Teaching Team. Over the past year, she has assisted in three MAT courses, helping to train the next generation of therapists in these advanced techniques. Her involvement in teaching allows us to stay at the forefront of MAT advancements and bring the latest knowledge directly to our clients

The Blue Monarch team sporting their MAT merch. You have to go to a workshop to get a Myoskeletal shirt.

Whether you’re struggling with chronic pain, recovering from an injury, or looking to improve your movement and posture, our team at Blue Monarch Advanced Bodywork is here to help. By integrating Myoskeletal Alignment Techniques into every session, we provide care that is not just relaxing but also highly effective in correcting dysfunction and promoting long-term wellness.

Book a session today and discover firsthand how Myoskeletal Alignment Therapy can help you move better, feel stronger, and live pain-free.

Erik Dalton on the drums demonstrating brain waves in OKC 2022. Did you know he was in the band The Flying Burrito Brothers?!