Why Trager?

One of two private treatment rooms available on the lower level of the JourneySpace

By Lisa Schumacher, LMT
Certified Zero Balancer
Certified Trager® Practitioner

In the fall of 2020, a doctor referred a 95-year old woman who had fallen, had back pain, and was now dependent on a walker. She had to be bolstered with lots of pillows to be comfortable and could only tolerate light touch. I knew I needed someone to help who had “soft” hands.

I was familiar with Trager® work, having received sessions over the last 2 decades, from colleagues and Roger Tolle. Trager® practitioners inquire as to what could be freer, lighter, softer, easier.

I reached out to a colleague who was sharing office space with me, a Trager® practitioner, and asked if she would work with me on this lovely woman. Together, working weekly for just over 2 months, we helped this woman walk independently. It was a joyous feeling. We sent a video of her walking, without any assistance, to the doctor who referred her, who remarked in awe that it was "a thing of beauty."

As luck would have it, PMTI offered an introductory Trager® class in the fall of 2020 entitled “HANDS” and, inspired by what The Trager ® Approach was doing for my elderly client, I took the class. A few months later PMTI offered another class. Then I took an online class in Trager® Basics, then another at PMTI. This work made so much sense to me.

As I incorporated what I learned into my work, which my clients already loved, they responded with very positive feedback.

In late Spring of 2021 PMTI announced they would begin a Trager® Certification program in Silver Spring. All the convenience of every required class would be right in my back yard. It was a no brainer.

I loved every minute of this training. In addition to the incredible instructors, support, tutorials, and guidance, it was so much easier on my body.

My clients prefer this work to traditional massage. It touches them in a much more connected way. It has given me so many new tools to incorporate into my work. My Zero Balancing sessions are now a hybrid of ZB with Trager® influences. The bodywork sessions I offer, aside from ZB, are The Trager® Approach.

This work makes touch into a super power.

Trager curious? Come to a free intro with Roger Tolle at The Journey Space on Friday June 23rd at 7pm. RSVP to lisaschu@gmail.com if you plan to attend.

A new Certification program will begin this August with classes held at Blueberry Gardens in Ashton, MD.

More about Roger can be found on his website at: www.rogertolle.com