Myoskeletal Alignment Techniques (MAT) Workshops
Break the Pattern: MAT for Upper & Lower Crossed Syndromes
Fox River Grove, IL. | March 6–7, 2027 | with Nate Fay
Two Days. Two MAT Protocols. An Immersive Hands-On Experience.
Working through two 12-step MAT protocols inspired by Vladimir Janda’s Upper and Lower Crossed Syndromes, you’ll explore how Erik Dalton combines soft-tissue mobilization, assisted stretching, joint mobilization, and active client movement to address restrictions and encourage more comfortable, efficient movement.
With an emphasis on demonstration, partner practice, and feedback, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to experience the techniques, practice them yourself, and develop the touch and precision that make MAT such a distinctive approach to bodywork.
You’ll learn to:
- Two Complete MAT Protocols. Learn structured upper- and lower-body protocols that organize Erik Dalton’s techniques into practical, easy-to-follow treatment sequences.
- Upper Crossed Syndrome. Explore hands-on techniques for the neck, shoulder girdle, and thoracic spine, addressing commonly restricted tissues and helping restore comfortable movement throughout the upper body.
- Lower Crossed Syndrome. Practice techniques for the lumbar spine, pelvis, hips, and gluteal region, exploring the relationships between the structures that contribute to lower-body mobility and stability.
- The MAT Toolbox. Expand your skills with myofascial techniques, contract-relax stretching, joint and capsular mobilization, and other distinctive methods from Erik Dalton’s approach.
- Movement Enhancers. Discover how simple client movements, including breathing, gentle contractions, and active joint motions, can be incorporated into manual techniques to engage the nervous system and encourage change.
Through demonstrations, guided partner practice, and coaching from experienced MAT educators, you’ll refine your touch, expand your technical skills, and leave with a versatile collection of hands-on techniques you can bring directly into your existing bodywork practice.
Less lecture. More table time. More techniques in your hands. Leave with two powerful protocols that address your clients’ most common pain issues.
New to MAT? This is an opportunity to experience Erik Dalton’s unique hands-on approach firsthand. You’ll learn two organized protocols and develop a practical collection of techniques that can add new dimensions to the massage and bodywork you already provide.
Already Practicing MAT? Revisit familiar techniques with fresh attention to the details that matter. Refine your touch, improve your body mechanics, explore the use of movement enhancers, and strengthen your fluency with two of Erik’s foundational treatment protocols.
Meet Licensed MAT Educator Nate Fay
Nathan Fay holds a Diploma in Osteopathic Manual Therapy, and a Master Myoskeletal Therapist® certification from Dalton Myoskeletal. Nate has studied extensively with Erik Dalton to become a Licensed MAT Educator in 2020. An LMT for 20 years, Nate teachers MAT internationally and maintains a thriving private practice using MAT to support bodywork clients in Connecticut.
“Nate has a well-honed gift for presenting technical material in a smooth, well-rehearsed, seemingly effortless manner. Nate has an impressive background and the experience to stand behind this impressive catalog of therapeutic work.”
Participant, Meredith, NH, 2026
“Nate took extra time to circulate the classroom and check on the positioning and accuracy of our hands, elbows, posture, etc.”
Participant, San Francisco, CA, 2026
“I was already using a lot of the techniques in my treatments and stretches. I am super excited to have a deeper understanding of what is actually happening and how I can add more to them.”
Participant, Red Deer, AB, 2026
“Nate is an amazingly gifted teacher. All that material in another person's hands could get lost and become very confusing. Nate made it seem simple, but we all know the years of research, love, and care that it took to create a course like this. Nate presented it with the same care, clarity, and respect it deserved.”
Participant, San Diego, CA, 2026
“Nate is a fantastic educator! He's very clear in his instructions and easy to follow. He's also just a cool guy and made it a lot of fun!”
Participant, San Diego, CA, 2026
“I think MAT should be taught in massage school. It's an eye-opener on postural dysfunction and also saves the practitioner from using excessive hand and finger movements.”
Participant, Red Deer, AB, 2026
“This was my first-ever workshop as a massage therapist, and it was the best experience! I was very nervous, but our educator Nate and the teaching assistants were amazing and made the nerves go away. Nate would also take time to help us one-on-one whenever he could. I cannot wait to attend more Erik Dalton Myoskeletal Workshops!”
Participant, San Francisco, CA, 2026
“I felt we covered a lot of material, but the teaching pace was not rushed. The use of videos and slides was effective. I liked that hands-on time was short and frequent, not requiring us to practice too many techniques at once. I have a short memory span, so it helped a lot.”
Participant, San Diego, CA, 2026
“This is my second MAT workshop with Nate and his team, and this one was exceptional. We all had a blast, and the TA team was second to none. I always feel challenged the entire time, and this one was no exception. The amount of one-on-one work with both the TAs and Nate is what really makes this course stand out among the rest.”
Participant, Meredith, NH, 2026
“I found the workshop a wonderful balance of therapeutic assessment and treatment options for a multitude of presentations, with a sprinkling of humor mixed in.”
Participant, Meredith, NH, 2026
Location
Massage Therapy Education, 912 Northwest Highway, Suite 209, Fox River Grove, IL 60021. The venue is within 25 miles of Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD).
Continuing Education
This workshop is approved for 16 CE hours by the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork (NCBTMB).
Schedule March 6–7, 2027
Day 01: Registration and setup begin at 8:30 a.m., with class running from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., with regular breaks and lunch.
Day 02: 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m., with regular breaks and lunch.
Supplies
Massage tables will be provided. Bring sheets, face cradle, face cradle cover, massage lubricant, and snacks. If you are traveling by air, let us know and we will arrange a massage table for you. Wear comfortable sports clothing in layers as hotel and classrooms are typically too hot or too cold.
Food
There is a Jimmy John’s and McDonald’s within walking distance of the venue. Lucky Lucy’s 7 Grill is a short drive (0.5–1.5 miles) as is New China (Chinese), El Sombrero (Mexican), and the 100 Lounge (Bar).
Accomodations
The Holiday Inn Chicago (NW Crystal Lake Conv Ctr) is 4.5 miles from the venue. The Comfort Inn Crystal Lake – Algonquin is 5.3 miles away, and the Best Western Plus Elgin-Chicago is 9.1 miles from the venue. No room block has been reserved for this workshop.
Parking
Parking is available at Massage Therapy Education.
Completion Policy
To receive a certificate of completion and continuing education (CE) hours, participants must attend the workshop in its entirety and submit a completed workshop evaluation form. No partial CE credit or credit towards MMT certification will be awarded for incomplete attendance.
Cancellation Policy
Dalton Myoskeletal offers a refund for cancellations made up to 30 days prior to the workshop start date, minus a $100 administrative fee. Cancellations made within 30 days of the workshop start date are non-refundable.
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