Embracing Growth: Continuing Education in Vojta Therapy and Beyond

As I embarked on my journey with Vojta therapy, challenges and opportunities intertwined to shape my professional path. In July 2005, I returned to Germany for an intensive two-week session, beginning with theory and research in Munich under the guidance of Professor Laufens. Despite the linguistic hurdles posed by his low-toned speech and my evolving German vocabulary, the experience laid a foundational understanding of Vojta's principles.

Transitioning back to Heidelberg for clinical immersion in the second week, I found comfort in the hands-on environment. It was here that I received my certification as a Certified Vojta Therapist from the International Vojta Gesellschaft (IVG), marking a significant milestone as the first native English-speaking chiropractor to achieve this distinction.

Over the next two years, my commitment to Vojta therapy deepened as I traversed from Washington, D.C., to New York City, delving into reflex locomotion and exploring innovative techniques. In April 2007, a 40 hour refresher course in Heidelberg reignited my passion under the tutelage of Irma Stierle and her esteemed team, reinforcing the fundamental principles while highlighting the nuances of experienced therapists' touch.

In September 2009, my journey took an unexpected turn during a refresher course in Siegen, guided by Wolfram Mueller, president of the IVG. Mueller appreciated my thought process and I was always being labeled as the “exercise guy” , always wanting to know what could be done at home. It was here that I was introduced to the transformative work of Roswitha Brunkow, whose pioneering exercises resonated deeply with my holistic approach to patient care.

The revelation sparked a new chapter as I ventured to Leipzig, Germany in October 2010 for a Vojta weekend course on diaphragms. Navigating through East Germany's language barriers intensified my immersion, but the connections forged through mutual support and knowledge sharing showed me the way forward. 

Returning to Germany in October 2011, a weekend course in Hamburg with Wolfram Mueller further enriched my understanding of muscular functions and alternative movement patterns. His thoughtful gesture of sharing Mrs. Brunkow's legacy underscored the collaborative spirit inherent in the Vojta community.

In January 2013, a course with Ryan Van Matre in Albany, NY, introduced me to the Munich Functional Developmental Diagnosis approach, broadening my diagnostic toolkit and igniting a passion for sharing knowledge with fellow clinicians.

As my journey evolved, I found purpose in educating English-speaking physicians, bridging the gap between continents and cultures. Through collaborations and initiatives like Primitive Therapeutics, founded with Dr. Gary Bowman, I strive to cultivate a deeper appreciation for Vojta therapy in North America.

Essentially, my journey with Vojta therapy extends beyond geographical boundaries, reflecting a dedication to lifelong learning and collaborative growth. As I continue to navigate the ever-evolving landscape of rehabilitation medicine, I remain committed to empowering clinicians and transforming patient care one step at a time.