About Brad Highberger, LMT, RCST
The primary focus of my practice specializes on neck, arm, shoulder, hand and foot pain issues and TMJ (jaw area) pain and disfunction. My clients’ needs over the years have made it clear that these areas can be effectively treated with my advanced skills.
My practice has constantly evolved since 1981, when I finished my first massage training. I have focused on injury and chronic pain treatment since 1995.
My healing practice utilizes relaxed, detailed, subtle focus. I realized years ago that I can “see” with my inner vision what is under my hands. This allows me to work more sensitively. In addition, the fact that my hands are quite large allows me to spread the necessary pressure over a greater area which provides a more comfortable slow, deep, effective work.
I continue to develop a more in-depth awareness of energetic fields through my training and practice in Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy. My years of yoga study and personal inner work have given me strengths and abilities that support this focus.
My therapeutic toolkit includes a number of approaches: Structural Bodywork utilizes myofascial work for postural assessment and treatment, Neuromuscular Trigger Point work is a referred pain and postural assessment treatment, and Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy (a subtle systemic treatment), have given me the knowledge to do individually centered, gentle, deep healing work to meet each client’s needs.
There are times I may refer a client to a therapist with different specialized skills than I have. My goal is for everyone to receive the best healing outcome.
I have been licensed in Florida, Massachusetts and New York. Currently Vermont has no licensure program although massage therapists have tried to establish one a number of times.
Training
Massage Month-Long Training – August, 1981: Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health
Massage Licensure Training – 1989-90 (Six-month full-time intensive): Florida School of Massage
Florida and New York State Licensure Requirements were completed. The training included Oriental Theory and Acupressure.
St. John Neuromuscular Therapy Trainings – 1993-96: This is a treatment for referred pain that may originate in any individual muscle in our bodies. It includes a full postural assessment evaluation and treatment skillset.
Advanced Myofascial Release – 1998-2000: Michael Shea of the Shea Institute, Advanced Rolfer
Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy Foundation Trainings – 2007-2010 with Jan Pemberton, RCST
I have acted as Ms. Pemberton’s assistant during her Vermont trainings for the past 7 years, where I always learn more from her.
**Above are primary trainings that I’ve gone through. Additional shorter trainings were taken.