Darrell Walker

I began college (many years ago) with the intention of obtaining a degree in Sports Medicine. However, as time passed, my major began changing. I worked in Civil Engineering and Surveying, became a PADI Dive Instructor, owned a scuba diving shop, and then became sales manager at a large diving equipment wholesaler. My wife at the time had a lot of back pain and discomfort and I decided to investigate massage school to try and help her. I entered the world of massage therapy in 2000, a time when there were few male therapists. My biggest surprise came during my very first class when I realized I had to actually touch other people, and not just watch and go home and practice on my wife. I considered quitting that first night, but my wife convinced me to stick with it. My instructor advised me to take every advanced specialty class I could, or I may not be able to get work in a female-dominated profession. Although I already had a full-time job, I took his advice and signed up for various massage and bodywork classes and seminars. I studied and obtained a National Board Certification in Massage and in 2007 I attended my first Erik Dalton seminar. I learned a lot and enjoyed meeting him, so I continued taking his classes when I needed continuing education to renew my license. This year (2022) I participated in the “Relieving Pain Through Rhythmic Touch” event in Oklahoma City which gave me enough hours to earn my Master Myoskeletal Therapist (MMT) certification. When people ask what kind of bodywork I do, I always tell them Myoskeletal Alignment. My wife, Chalita, also took the Rhythmic Touch class and learned a lot. She was originally trained in Thailand and has had additional training in the U.S. and we both thoroughly enjoyed the Oklahoma City class. We met the “best of the best” there and were able to discuss some problems we were having with clients, which was a big help. It was truly an educational experience to watch and listen to all the educators during their hands-on presentations. All our advanced trainings have succeeded in making us successful in our medical massage and pain management practices. We’re in such demand that we are each logging 60-70 hours per week and still have an active wait list. Luckily, we both still have the desire to make people feel better, move better and have less pain. 

Darrell Walker
Simi Valley, California