Few lives have intertwined artistic creativity with scientific innovation as seamlessly as Erik Dalton’s. Renowned worldwide as the founder of Myoskeletal Alignment Techniques (MAT), Erik’s journey from a celebrated musician to a trailblazing manual therapist encapsulates a life of passion, learning, and connection. His sudden passing leaves a void in the massage therapy and music communities, but his legacy is indelible.
The Musician Who Found Healing
Erik Dalton’s first act was as a musician. Born with a natural flair for performance, he co-founded The Disciples while still in high school, later evolving into the band Southwind, which signed with major labels and shared stages with musical legends. Erik toured with the Flying Burrito Brothers, performing alongside greats like Jimi Hendrix and Janis Joplin, and opening for Marvin Gaye and the Steve Miller Band. His stories from this era—meeting Mohammed Ali, watching a young Harrison Ford (long before Hans Solo fame) do landscaping at his producer’s home while Carrie Fisher dropped by for a visit, or going to Disneyland on a date with Elizabeth Taylor—were as legendary as his musical career.
He was more than a drummer, however. His musical career funded his education, and during this time he graduated with a degree in psychology. As fate would have it, his band was playing at a club in Carmel Valley, down the road from the Esalen Institute, and he saw a sign advertising a presentation by famed psychologist Fritz Perls. He missed the presentation, but a lady named Ida Rolf was doing a hands-on demonstration that night.
Erik’s encounter with Ida Rolf at the Esalen Institute marked a turning point. Intrigued by her ability to transform the body’s structure through touch, Erik pursued Rolfing certification and dove into the study of neurology and biomechanics with famed osteopath, Philip Greenman. A personal injury—a neck fracture from a judo fall—deepened his understanding of chronic pain and inspired the development of Myoskeletal Alignment Techniques (MAT), a groundbreaking approach that blends myofascial and skeletal therapies to address postural imbalances and pain.
Transforming Manual Therapy
With MAT, Erik redefined how manual therapists approach pain management. His innovative techniques and entertaining workshops revolutionized the field, making advanced concepts accessible and practical for therapists worldwide. His workshops were more than educational; they were cultural events, complete with live demonstrations, state-of-the-art audiovisual presentations, and a focus on community and connection. Through his Freedom From Pain Institute, Erik created a platform for education that combined scientific rigor with a showman’s flair.
Erik’s philosophy emphasized both the science and the art of healing. “We’re just facilitators in their healing,” he often said, urging therapists to remain humble while empowering their clients.
The Stories That Made the Man
Erik Dalton was a storyteller, both on and off the stage. Whether recounting anecdotes of sharing the stage with music legends or reflecting on his journey from the music world to manual therapy, Erik’s tales were as colorful and captivating as his career. His ability to connect with people from all walks of life—from celebrities to workshop attendees—was a testament to his empathy and authenticity.
Central to Erik’s story is the love and partnership he shared with his wife, Teri Dalton, who passed away several years ago. Teri was the love of his life and a grounding force for Erik’s spirted personality. Known for her sharp intellect and wit, she kept Erik on his toes and was instrumental in the success of the Freedom From Pain Institute. She devoted herself to supporting Erik’s vision, editing his articles, shipping books, and even reluctantly modeling for therapy videos. Erik often spoke of her as his greatest inspiration, and her influence on his life and work was profound.
A Legend’s Legacy
Friday, January 10, Erik played a gig with his band in his Costa Rica community. In a video posted by someone at the show, Erik is on his drum kit smiling as he plays. The next morning, as was his habit, he walked his dogs and swam laps in his pool. He died of a sudden heart attack that morning – his 81st birthday. He left doing the things he loved with people he adored.
Erik Dalton was a true rock star! His life was a symphony of creativity, curiosity, and connection. From his early days in music to his transformative work in manual therapy, Erik inspired countless individuals to pursue their passions and improve the lives of others.
Honoring his wishes, his daughter Dr. Adrienne Kesinger MD, with her husband Jason Kesinger, will continue his legacy, ensuring that his work and vision live on. Erik’s legacy is alive in the extensive body of written work, video demonstrations, and Myoskeletal Alignment Techniques he leaves behind.
As the massage therapy community mourns his passing, we also celebrate a life lived to its fullest. In Erik’s own words: “Keep the passion, folks! We have the best job on the planet.”
The Future of Dalton Myoskeletal
As Erik intended, his daughter, Dr. Adrienne Kesinger is stepping into the leadership role at the Freedom from Pain Institute and Dalton Myoskeletal. The Dalton Myoskeletal team and Erik’s MAT educators will continue to share, promote, and protect Erik’s work in the future. During 2023 and 2024, we captured video of Erik or his educators performing his extensive arsenal of techniques for courses that are in development and planned for release later this year.
If you’ve missed Erik’s weekly Technique Tuesday newsletter, you’ll be happy to know that we’ll be back to regular delivery starting next Tuesday, pulling from his extensive library of writings and video he’s produced, along with contributions from other MAT educators.
Erik wished his family, team, and educators to maintain his unique legacy and continue his efforts to train massage therapists, bodyworkers, physical therapists, and other manual therapists in the principles and methods comprising Myoskeletal Alignment Techniques (MAT)®.
We want to assure you that your status with Dalton Myoskeletal is secure. If you are a certified Master Myoskeletal Therapist (MMT)® or on your journey to become an MMT®, nothing has changed. If you have purchased online or home-study courses, continue with your studies as before.
As part of Erik’s community, he would want you to know that he shared your enthusiasm for learning, growth, and skill development. His innovative rock star spirit and 40-plus years in a profession he loved are alive in each of us who practice his amazing work and use it to support clients living with pain.
In memorial, please share your memories of Erik or share how he influenced your work on his Facebook Page or one of the social media sites linked below. Let’s celebrate his big brain, bigger heart, great sense of humor, larger-than-life personality, and amazing innovative spirit!
