Intro to Trager: Dissolving tension patterns with Joseph Rodin

What is Trager?

Trager is a unique, neuromuscular approach to bodywork and movement re-patterning. The tablework consists of deep, fluid rocking movements (oscillations) of muscles and joints combined with compression and gentle traction. This feeds into the nervous system resulting in dramatic muscular relaxation, along with feelings of lightness, freedom and flexibility. The client is also shown simple exercises called mentastics which helps integrate the profound changes in the body.

About This Class:

Most massage approaches succeed well at releasing muscular tension. But very few massage approaches succeed at dissolving the patterning that produces the tension, which means after a period of relaxation, it lives to see another day.

The Trager® approach is different. Not only does it release the tension, but through its specific, rhythmic, gentle movements and oscillations of the muscles, it, ‘resets,’ the nervous system, unhooking it from the dysfunctional movement patterning, and facilitating natural movement once again.

From this state, the body and mind have, ‘learned,’ or, ‘become reacquainted with’ a natural movement vocabulary from which they can build to achieve freedom from pain and tension. Trager® movements called Mentastics, are taught to the patient after the session to consolidate and improve upon the changes.

Trager® stands alone as an approach, but also beautifully compliments and deepens other styles of massage as well. Come and learn the language of the neuromuscular system, and turn temporary release of tension into ongoing dissolution of muscular tension patterns.

This Introductory Workshop serves as a prerequisite for the Trager® Level 1 Training leading towards certification as a Trager Practitioner.

What to Bring:

Set of sheets, pillow/bolster; wear loose clothing.

Joe began practicing massage in 1991, psychotherapy in 1994 (MA in Psychology) and teaching bodywork in 1995. His training includes study in Osteopathic Concepts, the Trager Approach, and Traditional Chinese Medicine. Joe has gained specialization in headache and TMJ treatment working with the TMJ Orofacial Disorders Center in Seattle for the last six years.