We emphasize a systems-oriented approach to both bodywork and movement, specializing in work with the intricate connections between the extremities and the core in neuromyofascial pain and alignment issues.

Our Approach to Bodywork & Movement

At Forest Path, we look at the body as a complete system, a unified whole. Having spent more than a decade focused predominantly on extremity-based, goal-oriented work, Marla has come to realize that when one works to unwind complex issues in the extremities, one can’t help but affect change in the core. As a bodywork practitioner and movement instructor, she approaches her work in terms of balancing multiple tensional variables (Sen) across three dimensions throughout the body.

Adaptation vs. Integration

Although each individual is unique, we all have various major and minor neuromyofascial lines and planes of tension in common—these tensional forces may track differently around and through each joint depending on one’s unique postural and functional alignment. Many of these lines run the full length of the body, from toes to cranium. Others travel through the extremities to the body’s core, with endpoints at the navel, psoas, or thoracolumbar junction.

After an injury or a long period of adaptation to a particular postural compensation or functional movement pattern, the body’s fascia adapts to support one’s new habitual alignment. It also re-distributes tensional patterns throughout the body in an attempt to balance for the injury or compensation. This process begins quickly but progresses gradually—over time, what may have started as a neck issue becomes held in place by deep fascial connections further down the spine and abdomen, all the way out to the extremities. In part, this is why so many long-term, chronic issues can seem hard to treat using a segmental, muscle-based approach.

By looking at spinal alignment and core-based issues through the lens of detailed and thorough extremity work, whose lines of tension (Sen) deeply influence and extend into the core, one has more options and greater potential for positive change than if the core was the main or sole focus of the work. By releasing deeply held patterns of fascial tension along the entire kinetic chain, and re-organizing soft tissues to support better alignment, one can find a sense of structural balance as one’s body returns to functioning as a unified, integrated whole.

Areas of Expertise:

Upper Extremity & Neck

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and RSIs
Thoracic Outlet Syndrome
Shoulder Impingements
Tennis Elbow/Tendinosis
Hand/Wrist pain and alignment issues
Hypermobility/Hypomobility/Range-of-Motion issues
Disc issues (Neck)
Chronic headaches caused by neuromyofascial restrictions
Chronic nerve pain after TBI, MTBI, car accidents, neck injuries, etc.
Chronic pain resulting from other injuries, past surgeries, etc.
Other Joint, Nerve, and Myofascial issues

Lower Extremity & Spine

Sciatica and Sciatica-type symptoms
Sacroiliac (SI) joint pain or instability
Pelvic torsions and leg length imbalances
Hip/knee/ankle pain and alignment issues
Recurring ankle sprains on one side
Plantar Fasciitis, bunyons, fallen arches, Morton’s Neuroma, and other foot issues
Hypermobility/Hypomobility/Range-of-Motion issues
Disc issues (Lower Back and Neck)
Back pain (or a recurring/chronic “pinching” feeling)
Recurring leg cramps or back spasms
Chronic muscle tension/hypertonicity in the quads, hip flexors, hamstrings, etc.
Chronic pain resulting from old injuries, past surgeries, etc.
Other Joint, Nerve, and Myofascial issues
Scoliosis (see below)

Scoliosis & Ribcage Alignment

Scoliosis management, pain reduction, and reduction of curvatures/rotations
Improved breathing and reduction of ribcage/intercostal restrictions
Improved ribcage/sternum alignment (vs. Pectus Carinatum, Pectus Excavatum, etc.)
Reduction of pelvic torsion, innominate inflare/outflare, and various other rotational alignment issues that contribute to leg length imbalances
Lengthening and decompressing the spine in those with a “short torso” or “short waist”
Reduction of chronic headaches (intensity and/or frequency) caused by restriction/tension in the cranial/peripheral nerve systems
Learn more about Structural Integration for Scoliosis →

Targeted Bodywork for Movement Practitioners

Correct side-to-side imbalances
Improve alignment, flexibility, and balance
Progress your Yoga, Pilates, or other movement practice to the next level
Learn more about Structural Integration for Movement Practitioners →

Our Bodywork & Movement Offerings

At Forest Path, we offer a variety of Eastern and Western bodywork and movement modalities to meet your wellness goals and needs. We also offer Thai Bodywork classes and mentorships for experienced bodyworkers and movement professionals.