BODYSMART Medical Massage Solutions

05/05/2026

What is Fascia, and how does the Graston Technique Address it?
By Kim Freetly **Not written by AI

The Graston Technique addresses fascia in a targeted and precise method using the highest quality, medical grade stainless steel instruments. Stay to the end and read testimonials from clients who received Graston recently for their sports injuries and nerve pain. where would I want to insert, "sound/vibration has an effect on fascia, by resonance and softening, structure remodeling, nervous system relaxation and even improving the full body flow of hyaluronic acid."
In 2019, there was a documentary called “The Secret World of Fascia,” which was a 3-part series. The documentary had some beautiful, mind-blowing images of our stretchy, webby, translucent connective tissue. However, that is old news today. In 7-years time, much has changed. The most recent scientific discovery has come in September of 2025. I am following these studies regularly, as I am a member of the International Fascia Research Society, an organization dedicated to monitoring research and sharing it with clinical practitioners like myself. Folks… if you want to understand, honor, and maintain great health, you would want to nurture this component of your organ system. As of 2025 and 2026, there is a powerful scientific movement to classify fascia as its own organ system. I wrote you all a newsletter in 2023 presenting this case. It’s come even further. Researchers now know fascia to be part of the peripheral nervous system, containing approximately 250 million sensory neurons. It also has its own ability to contract independent of muscles fiber contractions. 20 years ago, it was considered to be just a glue type of material holding everything together in our bodies. Currently, there is evidence that it may be part of the endocrine system (hormones moving slowly through fascia?). Now questions are being asked if fascia carries its own consciousness. It may hold physical memories. A few details about fascia: Sound/vibration has an effect on fascia, by resonance and softening of tissues, structure remodeling, nervous system relaxation and even improving the full body flow of hyaluronic acid. Fascia is the new super-material in the human body. Pain in the soft tissue can be a direct cause of inhibited/restricted fascia. Adhesions are an example of this. Scar tissue and dehydration can be the cause, directly and indirectly, for pain. Releasing fascial planes and disconnecting areas that are “stuck” relieves pain from head to toe. I could write 100 pages on this topic. For this short article, I’ll keep short and clear.
Here is A BIG ONE!
Fascia is a primary biological record holder for emotional stress and trauma. Journaled: (Retrospective Cohort Study of Fascial Release Therapy 2026, and Fascia’s Role in the Mind Body Continuum, Frontiers in Psychiatry). Former studies believed neurochemicals only effected the psychological benefits of massage. Now we know emotional trauma shows up in fascia for many reasons. What this means today: Bodywork and massages aimed at relieving fascia is a POWERFUL tool for overall well-being. This reminds me of the TMJ study that I did in 2024. Of the 10 individuals studied, almost half of them had suffered a strike to the face as a child, by a parent. As I write this, I am not suggesting that bodywork take the place of therapeutic counseling. I am just presenting information for your use in total self-care.
How Graston Technique Helps
Don’t let anyone tell you that all tools on Amazon are equal to Graston instruments. I have tried many of them. The Graston tools are the highest quality of medical grade stainless-steel instruments out there. I find that there is some very positive relationship between soft tissue and the metal itself. (This is not scientifically proven yet). The 7 instruments have a very cool sensation and a beveled edge that “scrapes” across the skin/muscle at a specific angle using specific force that physically breaks the cross-links of junk fibers that are “fused” together (stuck). The certification, which I have, requires extensive reading, tests and clinical practice. With these instruments and my hands, I can release years of dysfunctional modeling in your body. It’s not just physical, it’s sensory, because, as I stated, your fascia has millions of sensory nerve endings. This literally blows my mind.
Looking at Fascia Health and Preventive Measures for Longevity
Nutrition and hydration are key. Here is a short list of foods and supplements to support fascia health: Fatty fish, olive oil, avocados, chia and flax seeds, turmeric, ginger, nuts and seeds, dark chocolate (70% or more), legumes, eggs, berries, leafy greens, watermelon, cucumbers, celery, minerals rich in magnesium like almonds, pumpkin seeds, oats, bananas, and my favorite, coconut water on the regular.
Cupping Also has a Place in Myofascial Health
It lifts and decompresses tissue using negative pressure, increases local circulation, helps move and circulate lymphatic fluid, and provides relaxation to the nervous system.
See what our clients are saying:
Recent Age Group Winner at the Pasadena Triathlon: “As a senior age group triathlete, Kim is an important part of the support team that helps my body function at the highest level possible. When I started working with Kim, I immediately knew that her work with fascia and Graston Technique was a game changer. I highly recommend Kim’s services to anyone in need of quality bodywork. I encourage you to try the many tools and techniques that she has to offer. – Bruce B. Carpinteria Ca.
Sailing Enthusiast and Florida Snowbird: “I have been seeing Kim for a few years for regular deep tissue massages, which help me stay active in golf and tennis. I recently had a spring break sailing trip planned with the family, a 7-day trip to the Bahamas. Just a few days before going out, I got a painful nerve impingement and couldn’t turn my head. I thought I was going to have to stay home and miss my family vacation. I got in to see Kim. She introduced me to the Graston Technique and worked her magic. I was 95% out of pain in 1 treatment and was sailing with my family there-after.” Kaye H.,Fort Pierce, Fl.
2026 Boston Marathon Participant: “I was just 4 weeks out from The Boston Marathon with a hamstring injury so severe, I thought I was probably going to have to scratch the race. I was devastated. I contacted Kim. In 3 sessions the pain was gone and I was able to get in some good last-minute training. I finished the marathon strong. Kim used the Graston tools to yield some astonishing results.” C. M., Ventura, Ca.
To book appointments for Graston work, as usual just go to the webpage www.bodysmartvc.com When you come in for your appointment, we will discuss your options for being treated. There is no additional charge for Graston, when added to the regular treatments.
See photos and videos of The Graston Technique. Follow the page: Bodysmart Medical Massage Solutions and watch some fun events, including ladies pro cycling races, where I’ll be working with some Olympic hopefuls this season as Swannie. Palm Sport and Wellness on Facebook, where new talent is being trained. Haylee S. will be manning the spa in Fort Pierce. Get on line to book her there now. I’ll be in Florida next week taking a few appointments, then I’ll be back again in November.
Many thanks, love and Namaste’
Kim Freetly, LMT, NCBTMB, Graston Practitioner
Palm Sport and Wellness, Fl. 772-801-5584 Personal in Ventura Ca. 772-979-4415

Kim is board certified through the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB) as a Licensed Massage Therapist. She is one of only a handful of local massage therapists to have met this board’s rigorous standards, and holds licenses in both California and Arizona.

06/03/2023

Oh my Gosh you All… I’ll be back in Cal. the summer of 2023- bodyworking and looking forward to fixing your all’s aches, pains and serious injuries. I’ve improved my skills! Hell Ya.

01/05/2021

Bodysmart East is very close to being open for business.( well technically it’s Bodysmart East) I’m really excited to have offices on both coasts, and even more excited that I’ve been seeing my family several times a week!
The wellness center will have outdoor yoga, strength training classes, meditations and more. More photos to come. I hope you are all staying safe in California. I’ll be back soon!

09/04/2020

Kim Freetly DBA Bodysmart Medical Massage Solutions has taken measures to protect patients in her office from the spread of Covid-19 as outlined below.
I do understand that receiving bodywork today could increase my chances of falling ill and in signing this document I agree to release all liability against Kim Freetly DBA Bodysmart Medical Massage Solutions.

Healthy Office Practices Include:

No 2 patients will be in the waiting room or treatment room at one time. Outdoor seating is provided when necessary.

Each patient will have his/her temperature taken and answer questions about possible infectious contacts. Any person who has flown on an airline in the last 14 days will not receive treatment.

Masks will be worn while in the office areas except when the patient is facing down in the table face cradle. N-95 masks will be worn by the massage therapist while the patient is facing upwards. There is will be no conversation when the therapist is working near the upper body.

Any patient at risk will wear a disposable full plastic face shield at all times during the massage. (Covers eyes, nose and mouth). Any patient at risk will bring his/her own blanket covering to the appointment. Persons at risk, please consult www.cdc.gov

The patient appointments are staggered further apart to allow for complete cleaning of the space with alcohol wipes and a UV air purifier/ozone cleaner is utilized for 15 minutes with a 15 minute period of the light being off with a fan circulating through the room.

Kim Freetly is a practicing medical massage therapist since 2005 with a National Certification through NCBTMB and has undergone medical training and testing to receive this license. She receives continuing education each year and has recently received a certification in Sanitation and Prevention of Infectious Disease, the document is on display.

As the nation's health protection agency, CDC saves lives and protects people from health, safety, and security threats.

05/18/2020

Unfortunately bodywork has come to this.... it won’t be this way for ever though. When you’re in my office you’ll be super safe.

03/15/2020

If you’re stressed out and need bodywork or a relaxing massage- my office is about as safe as one can be! I’m also doing house calls while this virus is around.
Please be safe friends.
www.bodysmartvc.com
Voted VC Reporter’s “Best of” many years!

08/17/2019

Canyon Woman's Team

07/15/2019

Amgen Tour of California 2019
Ladies “Team Canyon/Scram” Road Trip
with Soigner Kim Freetly
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Traveling with a professional cycling team on a world tour has always been a professional goal for me. I got my wish a few weeks ago and went out with the woman’s team from Germany, Canyon/Scram (pronounced Schram.) Not all the ladies are German. The team members are from various countries, more specifically, the six riding this week were from England, Israel, Ukraine, United States, Germany and Australia. The owner and team management are German. There is a super talented bike mechanic with the team full-time dialing in the bikes all day and night. Lucky for me, English is the common language. I did miss out on a few jokes, as German, I do not speak. In the weeks leading up to the event I had been educating myself about my upcoming position. I am the Soigneur/Physio and that translates to “The caretaker/server and physical therapist.” I found out it was going to be a big job and I’d be working about 18 hours a day. No problem. I can do that. The slightly concerning thought that I had: I just hoped these women wouldn’t be a bunch of divas ordering me around. If that was true it would be a very long week. Come to find out there were no divas. Only one lady got accused of over packing for the week. They were more like, “Bas Ass Women” or “Bad Ass Warriors.” BAWs. Great acronym. I’m using it! This was one of the sickest weeks of my career for sure. I’m an adrenaline lover and I had it going on all week. I smiled so much my bottom lip actually cracked. The extreme dry wind and rain was partly to blame. The weather conditions were pretty crazy for stage 1, but these BAWs didn’t flinch or complain at all.
Now, where to begin? I thought I knew a lot about women’s professional sports. I had been an athlete and started competing in sports when I was 10 years old. I have never wandered off that path. I am by no means a professional athlete but I still show up at events and pin the number to my shirt. I chose a career that keeps me deeply connected to the field and it has allowed me to work with some really big names in professional sports. I have been up close and personal to dozens of events. I thought I knew something about women’s road cycling as I have 2 world-class professional cyclists as my clients and I would hear the details from them over the years. I knew nothing. (Emoji with smiley face and tears) I learned a great deal sitting in a support van following the BAWs at 55MPH down a very steep grade, twisting and turning roads at about 4,000 feet elevation. We were on Angeles Crest Highway- Destination: The Rose Bowl and finish line. As we were in our van descending the curves, our tires screeching, the BAWs were pulling away from us! I’m thinking to myself that we could easily roll off the road and down the canyon. My co-swannie (our nickname) whose name is Lars, has my life in his driving hands and come to think of it, one wrong move and an entire caravan of automobiles and cyclists would be in huge trouble. Maybe this can be compared to auto racing. I'm not completely sure, but the domino danger effect is going on- right here, right now. Somehow it all managed to go smoothly and no one got hurt. I was more than impressed with the California Highway Patrol as they directed this caravan up and down the mountain. They had us switching from lane to lane. They managed passing and somehow got everyone through the stage safely. There was motorcycle support, coach's vehicles and support vans. The entire stage was sprinkled with fans, thousands of fans, cheering with signage, some costumes and cameras, helicopters flying overhead. This is the real deal for sure. This event is definitely on top of my list, "most impressive events". Here I am participating. It doesn’t get much more exciting. The women are up front today. The men’s tour is close behind us.
Flashback 3 days. Stage 1. Beautiful Ventura California, which is my home-town. It was such a special day (Not.) I’ve only seen it this windy a hand full of times. There were 3-5 foot white caps all across the Pacific Ocean as far as I could see. The course takes the riders up to the Ojai Valley and along Lake Casitas, 2 significant climbs and over to the beach town of Carpinteria where they turn around and go back the same way they came. I thought it was a grueling course at the time. I had never seen a bike road race in person. I don’t know what I was expecting but the ladies are much faster than they appear on television. Maybe because they are filmed on moving vehicles so the speed isn’t noticed as much. I am waiting at a feed zone. The “feed” is an area on the course where riders are able to grab bottles of nutrition during the race. There are more than 100 riders peddling toward the station at about 25-30 MPH. 18 teams and 6 riders on each team. 2 Swannies for each team staggered up and down the road. I’m wearing a vest to match the team jerseys so I can be identified by the Canyon riders. There is a specific way that I must hold the bottle so that I don’t throw the bike and rider off balance. The smooth ex*****on of supplying my riders’ nutrition is crucial. I had some experience with this a few years ago when I went out as SAG (road cycling race support) for a friend racing the Furnace Creek 508 bike race. Yes, a 508 mile bike race over 35 hours without sleeping, working more than 48 hours without sleep. No problem. I also have height and confidence which is helpful. As the convoy nears, my heart starts pounding and then, here they come. Bam, bam, bam. The bikes are within inches of me. The riders pick off the water bottles and shoot back into the pack. You can imagine how dangerous this can be but it’s a clean ordeal and they’re out of sight in seconds.
For any lay people reading this I would like to give you a small idea of how hard these women are working during the race. At times I ride my bike that route. Not out and back, I ride around the lake and down the coast back to Ventura. Out and back is a kicker. I ride those hills slowly and painfully. My legs burn really bad and I must stand up a whole bunch to get over those summits. It hurts. It’s scary coming down the hills. Now times that by about 5000 and that’s what’s happening on this tour. Stage 2 and 3 are more difficult with more miles and more climbing. This has got to be the most painful sport that involves performance, burning muscles, speed and danger on the planet. Those 4 elements together make it extremely physically demanding. If there is another woman's team sport that is more treacherous, someone please invite me along.
I had never understood until now that this is actually a team sport. The whole team functions together in a strategic way. They are all wearing head sets getting instruction from the coach who is in a vehicle alongside the race. The coach will decide who leads and who fends off other riders.They all protect the group’s interest. The coach decides these details based on how riders perform in weeks leading up to races. The training bikes are equipped with computers that report back to the coach how well the riders are training. There is no slacking off. Big brother, I mean Canyon Coach Ronny, knows what’s going on at all times. Now back to the race. In the final few miles the leaders of the pack are headed to the finish line and I’m back there watching a big screen, NBC is covering the race. It looks like 6 women are out in front. Canyon rider Katia is among them. Then, with just a few miles to the finish. SNAP! Her’s chain breaks The commentators announce it to us all. My heart sinks to my feet. She’s left behind, after all those hours of hard work. I’m cursing and holding my face in my hands. Coach has extra bikes on top of the vehicle and they get her a new bike, by then the pack has gotten away. Later I see Katia and she’s in the van and tears are streaming and her face is pink and she’s clearly taking this hard. Then my eyes start to widen and I want to go over and give her a hug but she doesn’t know me quite yet. This is when I first understand that although this is a job for these women, they’re whole heart's are in it. I think this is one reason that I love watching women’s sports. Emotions are wide out there to been seen. The highs and the lows too. Women tend to be emotional during competition. I love that.
Back at the hotel we begin a lot of chores including shopping for food, preparing snacks for the race, lunches for the crew, laundering the kits (the racing uniforms) and my specialty, recovery massages. As a sports massage therapist, this is my area of expertise and where I can do my best work and make a difference for these athletes. I’m going to give you just a little bit of the science, because it’s my love and contribution. Post-event massage is key to cell recovery after exhausting work-outs. The mitochondria of the cell, (the energy power plant within each cell) recovers much more quickly with long sustained massage strokes- and ATP, which is like power energy itself, produced in the mitochondria is produced again much sooner after massage is applied to muscle tissues.*See the 2012 study by Mark Tarnopolsky, a professor of medicine at McMaster University in Ontario Canada and published in the Journal, Science Translational Medicine. Specific applied bodywork gets the athlete back to training and competing much quicker than without it's application. I get 3 ladies on my table after stage 1. Now I am seeing up close the truth behind the Lycra. The following thoughts were going on in my head, though not expressed verbally. 1. OMG! That scar is HUGE. There is no vellus hair on your knee what so ever, but rather a scar the size of a small pancake. 2. OMG! Your Humorous bone snapped and is barely straight from your shoulder to your elbow! I see the 5 inch scar from your surgery. How did you manage to get back on your bike and keep competing? 99.9% of people would never get back on the bike and compete. 3. This one was verbal. OMG! “Your hips are super rotated. Do you mind if I get deep into your psoas muscle and try to straighten you out?” Answer- “I broke my hip a couple years ago. Sure, go for it.”
After massages, the ladies go off to a buffet dinner at the motel and carb load.
After many hours of bodywork I got a clear understanding of their common psyche regarding the body damage. “This is my job. Pain is not really an issue.” I’m so honored to be here with these women. I get to know Katia and am able to help her with some chronic hamstring pain. Stage 2 and 3 Katia shines and proves herself despite stage 1 fall out.
After several days I get to know the BAWs a bunch closer and they’re feeling comfortable near me. There’s a little sailor swearing and even some howling but still they are all very charming and girlie and they’re actually a bunch of really beautiful ladies. Any one of them could check into a beauty pageant next week and win a crown. Seriously.
When the race was over and we gathered at the Rose Bowl, I listened as a race official approached our support van. I heard her say to Coach Ronny, “Canyon won the Team Award. Canyon collected the most points each day. You won 1st place”. Now damn, I land on top with the leaders again! (We also won our division at the Furnace Creek 508 I mentioned earlier) That feels so good.
The podium was a champagne-shaking sticky bath. I’m such a baby. My eyes are wet again. Coach Ronny walked up to me and handed me his winning bottle of bubbly. “Kim Freetly, this is for you.” (German accent) I wanted to do backflips but I gracefully said, “Thank you Coach.”
This certainly has been an amazing opportunity for me. Canyon Rider and my client of 5 years, Alexis Ryan got my foot in the door. Thank you Alexis!
I want to take a moment to discuss the gender inequity in men’s and women’s cycling as far as pay for the athletes and attracting sponsors go. This blog was not meant to be political in any way, but I would like to encourage you to look for women’s races and watch. Cyclingfans.com is a good place to start. Make it known when you can, that you support the ladies and want to see more of them.
Now, I am super excited again! I am invited to work with Team Canyon in Colorado coming up in August. The Colorado Classic Woman's Road Race. It's going to be beautiful! . All in my days work. Cheers!
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Copyright Kim Freetly- this story may not be printed or any part published without the authors expressed consent. Kim@norheartbooks.com 805-612-0968 Kim@bodysmartvc.com www.bodysmartvc.com

Massage Therapy in Ventura CA | Sports Massage, Pain Management, Stress Relief

06/27/2019

I haven’t posted in a while. I have been busy beyond belief. I’ve taken a few days out of the office to do some continuing education. Since I am nationally certified with NCBTMB, I am required to complete continuing education every year. And in case you are not aware, I hold the highest license one can have in the USA. I am also a CEU provider for this license.

This week I am in Las Vegas at an Advanced Sports Massage course.
On Sunday I’ll be headed over to my home in Az. to relax for a few days and finish writing my blog. My 5 days working The Amgen Tour of California for German Woman’s Team, “Canyon/Scram”, was truly a mind blowing experience and I can’t wait to share the sweaty details with you. I am so truly blessed to be working at my love, sports and medical massage after all these years. 15 years now! Hard to believe, and still loving it ❤️ Here’s a pic of me at a feed area of the Santa Clarita Amgen race stage. Can’t wait to tell you all about it! Namaste my Clients and friends... and YES!!! Cowboys are back this summer and so am I. Shout out to Alexis Ryan for bringing me along with Canyon.

01/04/2016

Welcome to 2016. I wanted to let everyone know; there were no nominations submitted for the "VC Best Coach Contest". Not one. I am a little confused that not one sent in an essay. Therefor I have no essay to share with you. As for me; on my list of New Year resolutions... I plan to blog more on sports injury issues so tune in here to find out what you always needed to understand concerning your aches and pains. I hope 2016 brings you all, health, happiness, good races and peak performances. If you're not a competitive athlete, then let's feel better and be proud to improve and move closer to our personal goals for health. Cheers!
Namaste- Kim Freetly

11/19/2015

The holidays are not "special times" for everyone. The holidays can be a sad time for many who are experiencing loss; of a family member or a loved one. Some are living many miles from their blood families, others are alone at home, or new to the area. Many people feel separate from festivities on holidays. For many years I have been open in my office for a few hours on holidays. Getting a massage and experiencing touch can make things much better for these individuals. That's why you will see a few openings over Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve. These appointments usually get booked up. Of course these appointments are available for all my clients to enjoy if they would like to come in for massage. I do get time with my family on these days. In writing this I wanted to make you aware, you have even more reason to celebrate your friends and family at the holidays.
-Namaste