Erik Dalton

Founder of Freedom from Pain Institute & Dalton Myoskeletal Alignment Techniques, Massage Therapy Hall of Fame, Faculty at ISU

Erik Dalton, PhD, is a prominent figure in the field of manual therapy and an Affiliate Faculty Member in the Department of Applied Medicine and Rehabilitation at Indiana State University. He has made significant contributions to the field through his development of Myoskeletal Alignment Techniques (MAT), a comprehensive approach to pain management that integrates deep tissue work with an understanding of the nervous system's role in physical pain.

Background and Education

Dalton holds degrees in clinical psychology and philosophy from the University of Oklahoma. His career began in the early 1980s after being inspired by Dr. Ida Rolf, which led him to study various forms of bodywork, including osteopathic techniques under Dr. Philip Greenman at Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine. Over his more than 40 years in practice, he has focused on addressing chronic pain and movement disorders through a holistic lens that considers both physical and psychological factors.

Contributions to Indiana State University

In 2012, Dalton partnered with Indiana State University to establish the Advanced Myoskeletal Massage Therapy program, making it the first major university in the U.S. to offer a minor degree in this area. This program is designed for health professionals such as athletic trainers, physical therapists, and occupational therapists, equipping them with specialized skills to enhance patient care.1 3 In recognition of his contributions, Dalton was named a Distinguished Affiliate Faculty Member at the university.1

Professional Achievements

Dalton has been recognized for his work with several accolades:

Inducted into the Massage Therapy Hall of Fame in 2007.
Received the One Concept Lifetime Achievement Award in 2012.
He is a lifetime member of the International Association for the Study of Pain.2 3

Current Work

Dalton continues to teach and practice manual therapy at his Freedom From Pain Institute in Oklahoma City, where he offers courses on Myoskeletal Alignment Techniques. His work emphasizes understanding pain mechanisms and developing effective treatment strategies for chronic pain conditions.2 3

In summary, Erik Dalton's extensive experience and innovative approaches have made him a leading educator and practitioner in manual therapy, significantly impacting both academic and practical fields related to physical medicine and rehabilitation.