History 

​The Day-Break Geriatric Massage Project was founded by Dietrich Miesler in 1982.  Now known as the Day-Break Geriatric Massage Institute, the organization has several nationally accredited instructors who teach weekend workshops in Geriatric Massage.  Day-Break is approved as a Continuing Education provider by the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork (NCBTMB), by the Florida State Massage Therapy Association (FSMTA), and also by the College of Massage Therapists of British Columbia (CMTBC).

In June of 2000, Dietrich retired from active practice and continued to research and write.  The operation of the Institute is now in the capable hands of our current Owner and Director, Dr. Sharon Puszko.

Dietrich Miesler, MA, CMT, Author,
​Founder of Day-Break 

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​His life’s journey began in Breslau, Germany, on July 20th 1925.

Dietrich left his native Germany in 1955 and moved to the United States, where he raised his five children and pursued his varied artistic interests, including jazz, photography, and publishing.

Dietrich entered the massage field in 1975 and founded the Day-Break Geriatric Massage Project (now known as the Day-Break Geriatric Massage Institute) in 1982.  With a background as a gerontologist and a nursing home administrator, he brought significant knowledge and caring to his elderly clients through therapeutic massage.  He produced numerous courses and teaching aids about the muscle system, as well as massage treatments tailored to geriatric clients with varying needs.  He was also a long-time respected columnist for Massage & Bodywork Magazine.

In 2001, he left Day-Break to focus on research and writing.

On May 22, 2006, Dieter Werner Miesler departed on that greatest of trips following complications of pneumonia and long standing Parkinson’s disease.

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​​Dietrich Miesler
 
1925-2006
 
We miss his irrepressible, witty, charming spirit.