Paula VanBaalen
Owner, Expert Level JBMFR Practitioner, LMT, CPMT, CAMT
Hi, nice to meet you. My name is Paula VanBaalen. My passion is to be able to offer hope and relief to those suffering from chronic pain as well as those who want to feel at home in their own skin.
I specialize in treating the body as a whole, rather than only focusing on the area causing pain or discomfort. This approach allows us to find relief even if someone hasn't been able to find relief with other therapies.
My journey into the wonderful world of massage and bodywork began at the young age of 12, as a result of a car accident. I was amazed at the body’s ability to heal itself through massage and bodywork, not to mention the nurturing space that was held for me. I knew that I wanted to be able to do the same for others when I grew up.
To date, I have sustained 11 memorable head and neck traumas – ranging from car accidents to belly flopping on the Gulf of Mexico. This history of trauma has guided me to seek effective ways of healing. By regularly receiving John Barnes’ Myofascial Release® and massage, I now live a virtually pain-free life!
Education
I have been a massage therapist since 2009, when I graduated from the Minnesota School of Business with my Associates Degree in Massage Therapy. This program included 1,230 hours of training in various modalities including Swedish, Deep Tissue, and Pregnancy Massage, as well as a thorough education in anatomy and physiology.
Since I am a lifelong learner, I have since pursued over 600 hours of continuing education and extensive business training. I expanded my technique base by specializing in the John F. Barnes’ Approach to Myofascial Release®. I believe that education and compassionate application is key to being able to serve my clients at the highest level.
I am a professional member of ABMP, and maintain my Massage Therapist License through the City of Hibbing.
Specialized Training
I am an Expert Myofascial Release Practitioner. To obtain this, I was required to complete a certain number of classes, experience an Intensive as a client, and show my dedication to this work and display an understanding of its' principles and application.
To date, I have taken over 50 hours of John F. Barnes’ Myofascial Release® seminars including: Myofascial Release 1, Myofascial Unwinding, Myofascial Release 2, Cervical-Thoracic Myofascial Release, Fascial-Pelvis Myofascial Release, Myofascial Rebounding, Myofascial Mobilization, Women’s Health: Myofascial Release Approach, Advanced Myofascial Unwinding, Pediatric Myofascial Release, Fascial Cranium, Skill Enhancement Seminar, Therapy for the Therapist, Subtle Energy, Advanced Therapist Retreat, and Myofascial Release 3: Beyond Technique.
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I plan to continue taking John Barnes’ Myofascial Release® classes and repeating them as necessary, to continue to develop and refine my skills to be able to provide you the best relief possible!