Spasmodic Torticollis Massage Guidebook

The Authors: Reese and Theresa

Reese Myra Murphy and Theresa Fallon collaborated to create this guidebook and demonstration video. We hope the information will assist people with spasmodic torticollis and cervical dystonia as they work with massage therapists and physical therapists. We wish each and every person a successful recovery from this difficult condition!

Reese attended the New Mexico Academy of the Healing Arts 1996. Her association with the Spasmodic Torticollis Recovery Clinic, STRC, began in 1997 — as a massage therapist and a board member for the clinic. She has worked with hundreds of individuals with spasmodic torticollis (ST) and cervical dystonia to develop unique and specific massage techniques, which she shares in this book. She is one of the few massage therapists in the world who has developed techniques through trial and error and collaboration with spasmodic torticollis clients to arrive at solutions. From these experiences, she has learned how best to serve a person recovering from spasmodic torticollis or cervical dystonia. Her experiences and frequent requests, from people within the spasmodic torticollis and cervical dystonia community, to communicate her knowledge inspired the Spasmodic Torticollis Massage Guidebook project. 

Theresa attended the Scherer Institute of Natural Healing to study massage in 2007. During that time, she met Laurel Chiten who created the documentary “Twisted” about cervical dystonia. Theresa met Reese through Laurel’s network of friends when one day Theresa sought Reese’s advice for a client with spasmodic torticollis. Prior to her massage career, Theresa was a medical content writer for the decision-support tools at PKC Corporation. Her background and regard for Reese’s work inspired the Spasmodic Torticollis Massage Guidebook project.