Today we’d like to introduce you to Julia Blackwell.
Julia, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
Sure! I was born with severe nerve damage to my right shoulder, a condition called Erbs Palsy. Apparently, I was almost a 10lb baby and got stuck! In an attempt to get me out, the doctor tore many of the nerves in my right shoulder and neck area.
I grew up going through the standard Western medical system of occupational therapy and constant doctor check-ups to monitor my condition. I say “monitor” because no one was even attempting to give me solutions. I was told by all of them that the stiffness and lack of mobility in my arm would never improve and I needed to do what I could to manage it.
It was so frustrating! I hated that someone else got to decide what I was capable of. At the time though, I had no reason not to believe these people of authority. So I essentially disconnected from my body, ignoring how uncomfortable my arm felt, and let everything I tried in life go through the “you probably can’t do that because of your arm” filter.
Then I moved from Ohio to Colorado in 2010 and I discovered a huge missing piece in my quest for recovery: fascia release. In only a few months of Kinetix work, I saw more improvement in the look and feel of my right arm than in 15 years of therapy and traditional treatments! It literally changed my life.
I felt the tightness finally begin to release. Muscles started firing for the first time. I even experienced emotional releases that helped me process the anger and grief of feeling trapped for so long. It”s an ongoing process, but I’m so grateful to finally experience hope, more freedom in my body, and feel I finally have the tools to decide my own limits.
Soon after my own experience with Kinetix, I became certified and started my practice. The results I’ve seen have been incredible! I’m so thankful for the opportunity to help others with similar issues and give them hope for healing.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
It’s been an interesting challenge to do a modality that few have ever heard of. I’m one of only four certified Kinetix practitioners in Colorado at the moment! So without a recognizable title like massage therapist or physical therapist, people are often uncomfortable jumping into something new. Most people are also unfamiliar with what fascia even is, so I’ve had to make it my mission to educate people on how healing this tissue is this “best-kept secret” for pain relief.
The method also looks unusual. I’m pinning tight, dense fascia in the body with my foot, and coaching clients through a specific, controlled range of motion. My regulars lovingly refer to it as being stepped on, although it’s quite strategic and more complex than it sounds), but because the approach and method seem odd, it has certainly caused confused looks and hesitation from people.
Luckily, those who have experienced the results have spread the word! My business has grown entirely through referrals. This did make growth slow to begin with, but it’s created a fun community in the process that I love and appreciate.
Please tell us about Movement by Julia.
I help get people out of pain and back to doing the activities they love!
After my own experience growing up in the Western medical system, I despise pain “management” and the narrow-focused approach of symptom treating. I believe in pain elimination through fascia release and by taking the time to find the root source of the issue. I am fueled by the stories of all my clients who have told me their doctor told them “their pain would never go away.” or that “they would never run again.” I want to restore your hope for healing and give you the understanding and tools you need to start that journey.
I’m a fascia release and foam rolling expert, and I work mostly with those needing pain relief. My main specialties are low back pain, plantar fasciitis, and neck pain. Besides the obvious uniqueness of “stepping on people,” I also tackle pain through fascial pain patterns. Where you feel the pain is rarely the problem, so understanding these pain patterns is the key for quick and lasting relief.
I do one on one Kinetix sessions in my practice In Golden and I also have a rapidly growing community online for remote sessions and classes where I teach you how to eliminate your pain on your own through strategic foam rolling. Whether it’s in person or remote, I’ve been dubbed “the pain relief wizard” by my community. It makes me laugh every time someone sends me a “My pain is gone! You’re a wizard!” message. I love it!
I’m proud of this business for focusing on giving people their power back. I want you to feel empowered to take care of your body and take control of your own quality of life. I don’t want you to “need me” as your practitioner for a year. I want to teach you what’s happening in your body and take the mystery out of pain. I want to teach you how to stay pain-free with simple tools. I want to help you reconnect with your body and learn to know what it needs.
If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
Honestly, no. I’ve learned and experienced so much along the way. Both hard lessons and wins have brought me here and I’m thankful for the journey.
Pricing:
- 1:1 Kinetix Session $125 (in person in Golden)
- Roller Club (my virtual membership for foam rolling classes, live Q&As, and online library of resources) $47/month
Contact Info:
- Address: 430 Indiana St.
Golden, CO 80401 - Website: www.movementbyjulia.com
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: @movementbyjulia
Image Credit:
Jenna Noelle Photography
Suggest a story: VoyageDenver is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
