Myoskeletal Alignment Therapy is a hands-on method, popularized by Erik Dalton, that blends orthopedic massage, myofascial work, and gentle joint and nerve mobilizations to reduce pain and improve posture. It focuses on relieving joint compression, balancing muscle tone, freeing restricted nerves, and correcting movement patterns. Practitioners often use techniques such as pin-and-stretch, contract–relax, positional release, and slow mobilizations, typically with minimal or no oil to maintain traction on the tissues.

Myofascial therapy, often called myofascial release, targets the fascia—the connective-tissue web that surrounds and interweaves with muscles—using slow, sustained pressure and stretching. The goal is to reduce adhesions and restrictions, restore glide, improve range of motion, and ease chronic, diffuse pain. It is usually performed “dry” or with very little lubricant so the practitioner can engage the fascia rather than sliding over it.

Dry deep tissue therapy delivers deep, specific pressure intended to reach deeper muscle layers and fascia. In this context, “dry” means little to no oil or lotion is used, allowing better traction on the tissue; it is not the same as dry needling. The work tends to be slow and targeted, using thumbs, knuckles, forearms, or elbows, and some soreness during or after a session is common.

While these approaches can overlap, they differ in emphasis. Myoskeletal Alignment Therapy prioritizes alignment, joint decompression, and neuromuscular retraining. Myofascial therapy centers on restoring the elasticity and glide of the fascial network. Dry deep tissue work emphasizes depth and specificity to release muscular tension and trigger points, and when done “dry,” it often resembles myofascial methods.

In a typical session, which may run 60 to 90 minutes, pressure and techniques are tailored to your tolerance and goals. Temporary soreness or fatigue for 24 to 48 hours is common, and gentle movement and hydration can help with recovery.

As with any manual therapy, caution or medical clearance is wise if you have a recent injury or surgery, active inflammation, are on blood thinners or have clotting disorders, have severe osteoporosis, fractures, uncontrolled diabetes or neuropathy, are undergoing cancer treatment, have skin infections, or are pregnant, in which case modifications are needed.

If you’re looking for details specific to Mark Stuart Senzig’s practice, share a link or location and I can summarize how he describes his myoskeletal, myofascial, and dry deep tissue work.