This year’s Myoskeletal Alignment Therapy “Pain Relief in Paradise” workshop in Costa Rica was unlike any I’ve experienced. After more than a decade of studying, assisting, and teaching alongside my mentor and friend, the late Erik Dalton, stepping into a full week of instruction without him was both an honor and an emotional milestone. Erik passed away this January, and his absence was deeply felt. Yet his legacy was present in every lesson, every technique, and every practitioner who showed up ready to learn, grow, and carry this work forward.
I had the privilege of co-hosting the workshop with my great friend and colleague, Nate Fay. Teaching with Nate is seamless—we share not only a passion for the Myoskeletal approach, but also a commitment to elevating manual therapy education through clarity, humor, and hands-on excellence. Together, we put on a dynamic and immersive week of advanced clinical training.
We were also fortunate to have the outstanding support of our teaching assistants, Carol Ann and Tricia. Their skill, professionalism, and upbeat energy kept the learning environment smooth, focused, and fun. Workshops of this caliber depend on strong team support, and these two delivered in every possible way.
One of the most rewarding aspects of this year’s retreat was the group itself. Many attendees have been coming to this event for years, and they’ve become more than students—they’re friends, colleagues, and an extended family of practitioners dedicated to helping others live with less pain. Sharing the week with them, especially in Erik’s absence, felt meaningful and grounding. It was a reminder of the community he built and the impact his work continues to have across the globe.
As we wrapped up our final day of training, I found myself excited not only about what we accomplished this year, but about what’s ahead. Nate and I are honored to return as co-hosts for next year’s Costa Rica workshop—our 27th annual event. This retreat has always been a special blend of high-level education, rejuvenation, and connection in one of the most stunning settings imaginable. Continuing that tradition is a privilege I don’t take lightly.
For updates and registration details, visit erikdalton.com/workshops. We’ll post next year’s event early in the new year, so keep an eye out for announcements if you’re considering joining us.
Teaching this week was a powerful reminder of why we do what we do: to learn, to grow, to serve, and to honor the shoulders we stand on. I’m grateful for every person who made this year’s workshop unforgettable—and I can’t wait to return to Costa Rica next year for another incredible week of Pain Relief in Paradise.
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