Valerie Cizek, LMT

Advanced MFR Approach Practitioner

Certified in Cupping Therapy

Hello, I’m Valerie! I grew-up in San Francisco, am a graduate of the San Francisco School of Massage & Bodywork (2017) and have nearly 1000 hours of bodywork training. Since 2018 my specialty has been and is working with people who have chronic pain and tension using The John F. Barnes Myofascial Release Approach®. I have trained directly under John F. Barnes who founded myofascial release therapy in the 1970s.

I discovered Myofascial Release during my massage schooling, and it changed my life. In my late 20’s I had a fall and from that slipped two discs in my low back. I struggled with pain and discomfort for many years. During my first myofascial session I felt tons of pressure taken off of my low back. In the moment on the table I left like I had the freedom of a 10-year-old, specifically in my low back and hips, in my body again. From that first session I knew this modality was different than anything I had received before. And from that first treatment I started my healing journey of total body freedom! In a short time, I experienced profound changes in my physical body as well-as my emotional well-being and life as a whole.

I recently became certified in cupping therapy through Modern Cupping Therapy© with co-founder owner Shannon Gilmartin. I am in the works of exploring the benefits of this modality and intentional pairing with MFR.

In addition to my bodywork practice, I am an avid overseas traveler, have worked with children and youth in urban and rural areas, and have spent time working with the homeless. Today I enjoy riding my bike, hiking, kayaking, swimming, walking my dog, practicing yoga and cooking.

Education Disclosure:

Wichita Massage #2025-43128 Massage Business #2026-1000696
ABMP Insured #1157825

• Myofascial Release 2018-present

  Myofascial Mobilization, Myofascial Release I (x2), Myofascial Unwinding, Myofascial Release II, Fascial-Pelvis (x2), Cervical Thoracic, Women’s Health, Myofascial Rebounding, Advanced Myofascial Unwinding, Fascial Cranium, Skills Enhancement Seminar, 1 week Therapy for the Therapist (Sedona)

• Cupping Therapy 2024-present

  Fundaments of Modern Cupping Therapy, Therapeutic Cupping for Lymph Drainage, Cupping for Pathology and Scar Tissue

• Massage and other bodywork modalities 2016-present

  600 hours massage training through the San Francisco School of Massage and Bodywork. Plus, numerous continuing education workshops some of these include a cadaver lab, Reiki I, the Morales Method, Ortho-Bionomy, and working with the TMJ.

​"After my 4th pregnancy, I was experiencing quite a bit of what I thought was lower back pain. Through working with Valerie I was able to think about the location and communicate where and when the pain really occurred. While I occasionally experience some discomfort, the severity of my pain has diminished. I have also been able to take away self-treatment techniques to awaken my neck and back muscles to alleviate some of my posture concerns." - G. Ely