Cynthia grew up in a small town in North Dakota. She loves the outdoors as well as baking bread or trying out a new recipe for family or friends. Her interests include short and long-distance running, hiking, spending time with family, board games, traveling abroad, or going to a serene lake cabin where she can relax on a boat with a good book or a fishing pole. She loves staying active and providing a service of value to others. Whether in her personal or professional life, or volunteering for a cause she is passionate about promoting health and wellness.
She has always been drawn to the healthcare field. Her path to therapeutic massage was a natural progression as she had already learned some basic massage techniques while obtaining her Bachelor of Nursing degree. Understanding the value of human touch and presence, she provided an evening massage to her patients while working in the hospital. She found patients would often use that time to share concerns and ask questions about their health they may not have otherwise. In return, she was able to offer reassurance, encouragement, and education. Many years later, she became certified in therapeutic massage as a second career.
One of her favorite challenges of this second career is evaluating each client’s unique needs and implementing techniques specific to that individual. She listens to each client’s questions, concerns, and reasons for pursuing therapeutic massage, feeling this is vital in developing a mutually agreed upon team approach and working towards meeting their overall health and wellness goals.
She is experienced in providing orthopedic and pain management massages, therapeutic trigger point release, and general therapeutic relaxation massages. Her professional interests include sports injuries, chronic pain or illness, overuse or repetitive strain injury and rehabilitation, geriatrics, fibromyalgia, prenatal, general wellness, and prevention.
“Knowing that there is no ‘one size fits all’ approach is both the challenge and the benefit I love in this line of work.”
Her practice philosophy sounds simple as she states she “is committed to a team approach between client and therapist working together toward a renewed sense of wellness and balance.” But her education and passion for helping drive results from that commitment.
Educational Background:
CMT Minneapolis School of Massage and Bodywork: 1995
Sister Rosalind Gefre’s School of Professional Massage: 2007
RN, BSN: 1987
Certifications:
Certified Massage Therapist, Esalen, Swedish massage, Orthopedic Massage and Pain Management, Healing Touch, Reflexology, Myofascial, Prenatal, Russian, Seated Chair, and Stone Therapy.
Dr. Jessica Frier is a doctor of acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine with a specialization in reproductive medicine, chronic pain management, pelvic floor dysfunction, mental health, and trauma healing.
She has clinical expertise in treating migraine headaches, fibromyalgia, trigeminal neuralgia, and other debilitating chronic pain conditions. Her primary specialty is reproductive medicine - working with women to address conditions impacting reproductive health and fertility such as endometriosis, fibroids, painful periods, unexplained infertility, and many other conditions. She also works to support women that are undergoing assisted reproductive care (IVF/IUI).
After graduating with her Masters of Oriental Medicine from Northwestern Health Sciences University in Minnesota, Dr. Jess continued her studies at the Oregon College of Oriental Medicine. She obtained her doctorate in acupuncture and herbal medicine specializing in women’s health and clinical research. She has extensive training in functional medicine through the Institute of Functional Medicine and has participated in post-graduate advanced clinical herbal training. Her education also includes Thai Yoga Bodywork, a system of acupressure and massage, along with training in Reiki and Neuromuscular Therapy. She is an advanced practitioner of Maya Abdominal Therapy through the Abdominal Therapy Collective and has studied with Rosita Arvigo.
In addition to her clinical practice, Dr. Jess has a deep passion for nurturing and teaching. She is the former Dean of the College of Acupuncture & Chinese Medicine in Bloomington, MN. She serves as a Director on the COMTA board, and is on the national site review team for ACAHM. She is a former member of the Board of the Minnesota Acupuncture Association and is a member of the Institute of Functional Medicine and the Society of Acupuncture Research. She volunteers her time with various local nonprofit organizations in the Saint Paul community. Outside of her clinical practice, Dr. Jess is an avid hiker, camper, and kayaker with a passion for traveling and prefers to be in the mountains and deep woods whenever possible.
