The Kinetic Sense Difference: Unlocking Pain-Free Movement With a Brain-Based Approach to Healing

The Why

I’ve joked with my husband that when I’m pregnant, I get these intense bursts of creative energy and a strong desire to learn and grow — almost like my brain is saying, creating a life isn’t enough; let’s do more!

During my son’s pregnancy and early infancy, I dove into mentorship and continuing education in applied neurology and visceral manipulation. With my daughter, that same drive led me to take actionable steps towards launching my own business.

But let me take a step back. 

How It All Began

In 2010, I tried to start a similar business. I was excited, but also young, inexperienced, and full of self-doubt. It was called Riverview Massage and Fitness. At the time, I was working as a Physical Therapy Aide and had just completed massage school. I was torn about pursuing PT school — hesitant to move far from home and take on the burden of student debt.

What I did know was that my calling was rooted in health, fitness, and movement. So, I took the leap and created a business where I could use my massage therapy and personal training skills.

I made it a year before realizing the timing wasn’t right. I lacked confidence, experience, and a clear voice. I’ve never been a big risk-taker, and back then, I wasn’t ready. But that experience planted a seed and I had no idea where life would eventually take me.

Life moved forward. I continued my education, became a Physical Therapist Assistant, and in 2015, landed a position at the University of Washington in Sports Medicine. I’m deeply grateful for this experience — especially because a colleague introduced me to concepts and education that would forever change the way I approach movement and bodywork.


My Healing Journey

From 2008 to 2020, I struggled with debilitating back pain. It started with a waterskiing accident, but for the next 12 years, it would come and go, dictating how I moved and lived. I was diagnosed with discogenic back pain and told to avoid bending forward — FOREVER. Not knowing any better, I followed this recommendation, and for ten years, I fearfully avoided it.

I tried everything: physical therapy, chiropractic care, massage therapy, strength training. Nothing led to lasting change.

The Pivotal Education That Changed EVERYTHING

Everything shifted in 2020 when I completed Anna Hartman’s Revitalize Mentorship, which introduced me to a whole-organism approach to movement and movement dysfunction. This was the first time I learned about the relationship between movement, the nervous system, and the organs. When I performed mobilizations targeting my liver and cecum, I experienced real relief for the first time. My back pain and right hip mobility finally improved. My mind was blown.

Then, in 2021, I completed Missy Bunch’s Movement Mentality Mentorship, where I learned applied neurology assessments and exercises. I had never assessed my own visual or vestibular system before. But when I did, the results were undeniable.  

  • I hesitantly performed a toe touch through a limited range of motion. Then I did an eye drill. When I retested my toe touch, it improved significantly.

  • I tested my squat, did a vestibular drill, and my squat instantly got better.

Again — mind blown.

I have continued to develop my understanding of these powerful concepts with coursework through The Barral Institute + Z-Health Performance. The results never cease to amaze me.

I was excited but also frustrated. Why had it taken me 12 years to find this? Why had no provider ever assessed these systems for me? Why are these concepts not more mainstream? For over a decade, I avoided weightlifting for fear of my back “going out,” worried about flare-ups when hiking, and turned down countless rounds of golf with friends.

I finally found relief. And I knew I needed to help others do the same.

The Kinetic Sense Difference

I created The Kinetic Sense to help as many people rebuild trust in their bodies, improve pain and optimize their movement practice. My mission is to help you feel strong and capable in your body — so you can fully enjoy the activities that bring you joy.

If you’ve struggled with pain for years, I see you. I want you to know there is hope.


The Body Knows Best

Your brain is always making decisions on how to KEEP YOU SAFE. My approach prioritizes how the nervous system and organs influence pain, movement, and performance. Instead of chasing symptoms, I focus on getting to the root cause and listening to what your body actually needs.

In the words of Dr. Perry Nickelston:

“No system in the body ever works alone. Never gets injured alone. Never heals alone. There is no such thing as an isolated injury.” 

My Offerings:

1:1 Movement Coaching

  • I begin every session with movement assessments, including the LTAP™ (created by Anna Hartman of MovementRev) and a brain-based approach to gait analysis.

  • From there, I use applied neurology, sensory re-education, and movement drills tailored to your nervous system to unlock your true potential.

Massage Therapy and Bodywork:

  • I use General and Local Listening Techniques (from the Barral Institute) as well as the LTAP™ to assess what areas of your body need attention most.

  • Instead of just working on tight muscles, I assess deeper influences — like organ mobility and nervous system regulation — to create results that stick.

Movement Is Medicine

We are made to MOVE. One of my favorite sayings is:

“The best posture is the next posture.”

- Peter Opsvik

Movement isn’t about forcing your body into painful, rigid routines. It’s about working with your body, not against it. Whether your goal is to improve pain, dizziness, flexibility, strength or posture — I’ve got your back. (no pun intended!)

The methods I blend into my practice transformed my own healing journey, and I see them work with my clients every day.

Ready to see what’s possible for you?

Let’s connect! I’d love to hear from you and how I can help.

Ready to book? Schedule your session here.


Previous
Previous

Why Traditional Pain Relief Fails—and How a Brain-Based Approach Can Help