Multi-Dimensional Release Technique (MDRT): An Introduction & The Foundation
Instructors: Zachary Flick + TA Olive Oconnell
REGISTRATION IS NOT OPEN YET.
Location: TBD
Date: Saturday, September 26 and Sunday, September 27, 2026
Times: 8:30AM - 5:30PM
w/ one-hour lunch break on your own
Pricing: TBD
CEs: 16
Registration ends after Sunday, September 20, 2026.
Course Description: This course is designed to demonstrate the integrative approach of the modalities referenced below while building upon the emphasis of MFR.
Learning Outcomes: Students will leave with a basic understanding of each modality (Deep Tissue, Swedish, Myofascial Release, Thai, Active & Passive Isolated Stretching, Trigger Points, Pin & Stretch Techniques, Neuromuscular Therapy) and have ample time to practice and demonstrate proficiency of these individual techniques. Students will also practice several integrative flows of this work during class while combining it to their own clinic specialties, so they leave confident in how to immediately utilize this approach. We will also address the importance of client intake, how emotional and mental stress and trauma can manifest as physical dysfunctions, as well as proper body mechanics and how this prolongs a therapist’s career.
Instructor Bio: Since 2003, Zachary has been providing massage therapy and logged more than 10,000 hours of chair massage alone. He has built a practice on using a variety of modalities, experience in practical application, and intuition when utilizing these techniques. While being considered a “fixer” by many, he is also comfortable in providing a relaxing massage to just allow the body to unwind and reset.
Zachary has an office in Clive where he practices work on a table in a private setting. The table allows for a great deal more flexibility in treating areas of concern like low back and legs, while the relaxed environment is soothing to the mind and spirit. However, sometimes acute issues like headaches and tense shoulders need to be treated immediately which is why he has always strived to make himself available in the workplace setting by providing abbreviated sessions to treat specific problems.
While offering the basic Swedish and Deep Tissue techniques most are familiar with, Zachary has become specialized in two dynamic forms of massage: Neuromuscular Therapy and Myofascial Release. He has realized while these are typically presented in separate formats, they actually work quite well in tandem. This integration allows for a quick and more complete release of restrictions and pain. He calls this approach "Multi-Dimensional Release Technique" (MDRT). MDRT is a unique technique which Zachary has developed personally over his career and has been teaching this form to other therapists since 2010.
Zachary is the proud parent of his son, Ethan, and daughters, Mary and Genevieve. His wife, Olive, also shares not only their home, but an office in the same suite where she offers sound healings and private yoga sessions. He helps education-based programs at Hubbell Elementary, volunteers as a Cub Scout Den Leader, and has worked with Habitat for Humanity on six homes. An Iowa native, Zach spent the first 20 years in Cedar Falls before moving to Des Moines in 2000 to attend the College of Massage and Healing Arts.
TA Bio: Olive Oconnell from All Love Wellness offers a restorative and energetic yoga practice to increase body and breath awareness for wellness practitioners. Offering a perfect intro to the massage continuing education curriculum. She is a Yoga Alliance Continuing Education Provider (YACEP) and offers sound healing and yoga events around the world. Blending breathwork and sound healing with bodywork will allow you to increase your productivity and invite energy to flow more freely in your own body and your clients.