Andrej Valek: »Masterclass – Knowledge and Practice That Connect the Body and Mind«
Behind every good therapist are years of experience, continuous learning, and a desire to share knowledge. Andrej Valek, BSc in Physiotherapy, has been working in the field of manual therapy for more than 16 years. Today, he also shares his extensive clinical experience with participants of the Masterclass and other educational programmes at Higeja. We spoke with him about his professional journey, the importance of practical knowledge, and the Masterclass.
What led you to become a therapist?
A desire to help people feel better and alleviate their difficulties. I believe that the key to health and well-being lies within each individual. The goal of my work is to pass on my knowledge and experience to clients and course participants.
How do you guide participants from understanding the body to the practical application of manual techniques?
The Masterclass is delivered through eight modules, in which participants learn about structural-functional diagnostics as well as various myofascial and articulation techniques for individual regions of the body.
The emphasis is on connecting theory with practice, as high-quality therapeutic knowledge develops primarily through understanding and experience.
How do you connect theory with practice during the course?
Every theoretical explanation is followed by practical work. This helps participants better understand how the body functions and connect the approaches they have learned with their actual work with clients.
At the beginning, there is more emphasis on the fundamentals of anatomy and physiology, while later on, practical work makes up the larger part of the course.
What quality is essential for a good therapist?
Empathy and knowledge. A therapist must understand the person, not just the body. Knowledge develops through continuous learning, research, and practice.
Why is therapeutic touch so important today?
In today's fast-paced world, therapeutic touch has a special value. It gives people a sense of connection and safety and helps calm the nervous system.
Touch is not merely physical – it is a way of communicating between the therapist and the person.
How would you describe the Masterclass in one sentence?
The profound art of touch and knowledge that connects the body and mind and approaches the person as a whole.
