If you’re looking for massage therapy in Southbury, David Gassner is the massage therapist to see. We’re delighted that he decided to pursue certification as a Master Myoskeletal Therapist (MMT). Achieving this certification, one of the highest standards for a massage professional, is no small feat. It takes a burning desire to get results for your clients and a great deal of commitment. Below is his story in his own words. This talented therapist can help you with all kinds of musculoskeletal conditions, including headaches, rotator cuff problems, sports injuries, and more. To book an appointment for massage therapy in Oxford, click the appropriate link at the bottom of this page.
In 2016, after more than 17 years of severe lower back pain and countless discussions with my surgeon, I finally agreed to undergo back surgery. The surgery was successful, but my recovery was very difficult. I worked with several physical therapists and pain management doctors, but the pain was unbearable. I could not return to work, and my 20-year career as a big box retail manager was over. Running out of options, I decided to give massage therapy a try to help with the pain. With that, my life was forever changed. My massage therapist successfully reduced my pain level to a point that allowed me to function through daily life. I was so moved by what massage had done for me, I decided to make it my life’s work. I wanted to not only learn more about helping myself, but how to help bring this same relief to others. So, I enrolled in massage therapy school at The Connecticut Center for Massage Therapy and in 2017 I graduated and never looked back. I now have a successful career as a licensed massage therapist and as a business owner dedicated to bringing the benefits of massage therapy to others.
A few days after I graduated from massage school, I was at a resale shop looking for items for my office space. While browsing, I found a small stack of books labeled “medical.” One, in particular, caught my attention – Advanced Myoskeletal Alignment Techniques 2005. But what really caught my attention was the description of the author, Erik Dalton, Ph. D, as the “founder of the Freedom From Pain Institute.” I stopped and thought “.. Freedom from pain, my new friend. . . and myoskeletal, my new career… I need to look at this book.” As I read through the pages, I learned fascinating details about back pain conditions and Erik Dalton’s methods of resolving them. This used book purchased for $10 has become the “Bible” for my practice. I have read, re-read, and studied this book, and watched supporting videos by Erik online.
In 2020 I attended my first hands-on workshop together with my friend and fellow LMT, Melissa Genovese. Our instructor, Nate Fay, was amazing. The passion and detail he put into the presentation, and his efforts to make sure we had the technique correct, made us feel confident in our new skills. We could see and feel the results of our newfound tools in the moment. After this hands-on workshop I knew I had to dive deeper, and so I started the online portion of the Master Myoskeletal Therapist training. With each course, I took the time to put the techniques to work in my practice. After each segment of learning, every client that week received MAT techniques, helping me master each skill.
In 2023 I attended the Oklahoma City workshop with Erik Dalton and got to be a participant in receiving bodywork directly from Erik. It had finally come full circle for me. From starting massage therapy as a patient because of my pain and reduced quality of life, to being moved to study massage therapy to help myself and others. My freedom from pain allowed me to start and build a new career, finding my “Bible,” Myoskeletal Alignment Techniques, and continuing down the path to continual learning. This journey brought me to meet my mentor, Nate Fay, which furthered my motivation and then, a few short years later, here I was receiving the same MAT techniques from the man who literally “wrote the book” and helped me start my journey. Now, I hope to pay it forward and change the lives of others.
The Myoskeletal Techniques have been instrumental in my building my successful practice. My clients can see and feel the difference from the beginning of the session to the end. They are excited with their immediate, newfound mobility and reduced pain. And I can provide quality care to my clients because the techniques are easy on my own body, helping me extend my ability to have a long career.
I use MAT with all my clients, and they have helped me get better results overall. Not only can the client see and feel the difference, but these techniques have been instrumental in an increase of clientele who are referred from physical therapy, occupational therapy, or chiropractic care. My colleagues in these fields respect the work that I do and respect the work that I put in for the overall health of their patients.
David Gassner
Southbury, Connecticut
203-707-1013
https://performancect.com