Kristi Kirkpatrick LMT

Kristi Kirkpatrick LMT Kristi is a Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT) with specialty training in Cranio-Sacral and Myofascial and Certified Lactation Consultant

Kristi is a Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT) with specialty training in Cranio-Sacral and Myofascial Therapies.

Pregnancy is one of the most beautiful and physically demanding changes the body goes through.As your body adapts, it’s ...
05/28/2026

Pregnancy is one of the most beautiful and physically demanding changes the body goes through.

As your body adapts, it’s common to experience things like low back pain, pelvic pressure or instability, hip discomfort, sciatica, rib tightness, neck and shoulder tension, and overall feelings of heaviness or restriction.

These are often the result of postural shifts, ligament changes, and increased tension through the fascia as your body creates space for your growing baby. Prenatal care is designed to support these changes, not fight against them.

At Align & Unwind, we use gentle myofascial release to help reduce tension in the pelvis, hips, and low back, improve circulation, and support the nervous system as your body continues to shift throughout pregnancy.

The goal is more comfort, more ease in movement, and a more supported pregnancy experience overall.

https://align-unwind.com

05/26/2026

These three areas can make a meaningful difference in how your baby’s body responds-both leading up to the release and during the healing process afterward.

1) Professional bodywork to support release
Before: Helps reduce tension in the jaw, neck, and head, improving overall mobility and making the release easier on the body.
After: Supports integration of the new movement, helping the body adjust and preventing a return to old tension patterns.

2) Gentle oral motor play
Before: Builds awareness of the mouth and tongue through simple, gentle stimulation like gum massage or sucking on a clean finger.
After: Encourages better coordination and comfort, helping your baby learn to use their tongue more effectively during feeding.

3) Consistent daily care
Before: Establishes a strong foundation by supporting feeding patterns and reducing overall tension.
After: Following aftercare stretches, maintaining feeding support, and staying consistent helps prevent re-tightening and supports proper healing.

We’ve all felt it:• Clenched jaw during stress.• Tight chest when emotions hit.• Knots in your stomach when you’re anxio...
05/20/2026

We’ve all felt it:
• Clenched jaw during stress.
• Tight chest when emotions hit.
• Knots in your stomach when you’re anxious.
• Hips that feel tight when life feels heavy.

Next time you notice it happening, pause and observe what just happened emotionally that your body is reacting to right now.

Then support your system in coming back down:
1) Take a slow deep breath in through your nose… and a longer exhale out.
2) Drop your shoulders.
3) Unclench your jaw.
4) Relax your tongue from the roof of your mouth.
5) Let your belly soften instead of bracing.
6) Gently move your neck, hips, or shoulders to signal safety back into the body.

These small moments of awareness interrupt the pattern and help your nervous system reset.

If this is something you notice often or it feels like your body is constantly holding stress, it may be a sign there are deeper tension patterns stored in the system.

align_unwind.com

Most people don’t realize this, but your jaw and pelvis are directly connected through fascial chains and the nervous sy...
05/07/2026

Most people don’t realize this, but your jaw and pelvis are directly connected through fascial chains and the nervous system.

It’s one continuous system of tension and movement. So when the jaw is tight (from clenching, grinding, or stress), that tension can travel down through the neck, spine, and into the pelvis.

The same works in reverse- pelvic imbalance or instability can create compensations all the way up to the jaw.

That’s why if you’re experiencing:
• Jaw clicking, clenching, or limited opening
• Headaches or neck tension
• Uneven hips or a constant weight shift
• Low back discomfort or tight hips

You’re often not dealing with separate issues, you’re seeing the same tension pattern showing up in different places.

The body adapts to keep you functioning, but over time those compensations create imbalance, restriction, and discomfort.

If this sounds like what your body’s been dealing with, it might be time to look at the full picture. Book a session or learn more at align-unwind.com to start addressing the root.

You may notice things like growing pains, frequent headaches, ear discomfort, constipation, difficulty with coordination...
05/01/2026

You may notice things like growing pains, frequent headaches, ear discomfort, constipation, difficulty with coordination or movement, or tension patterns that show up after falls, sports, or rapid growth phases. These aren’t isolated issues, they often reflect how the body is organizing and adapting through the fascia and nervous system.

At Align + Unwind, we use gentle myofascial release to help release tension patterns in a child’s body, supporting better mobility, comfort, and overall function. This approach can be helpful for things like movement restrictions, growing pains, postural imbalances, and tension that affects daily comfort and activity.

If your child seems like they’re “always tight,” uncomfortable, or compensating in their movement, there is support available to help their body find more ease.

align_unwind.com

Postpartum care isn’t talked about enough- and it matters just as much as pregnancy.Recovery takes time. Take it easy on...
04/29/2026

Postpartum care isn’t talked about enough- and it matters just as much as pregnancy.

Recovery takes time. Take it easy on yourself, listen to your body, and don’t be afraid to lean into the support you need.

https://align-unwind.com

Most people spend the majority of their day indoors- which is one reason deficiency has become so common.Low vitamin D l...
04/13/2026

Most people spend the majority of their day indoors- which is one reason deficiency has become so common.

Low vitamin D levels are linked to fatigue, frequent illness, muscle weakness, bone loss, and increased inflammation. You might notice this showing up as getting sick more often, low energy, muscle or joint discomfort, or slower recovery.

Getting just 10-30 minutes of sunlight each day can help support your body’s natural vitamin D production.

https://align-unwind.com

Grounding isn’t talked about much, but it may play a role in how your body feels day to day.Your fascia is constantly co...
04/06/2026

Grounding isn’t talked about much, but it may play a role in how your body feels day to day.

Your fascia is constantly communicating, adapting, and responding to stress, movement, and your environment. When you’re always in shoes, indoors, and on hard surfaces, your body misses out on natural input it was designed to receive.

Spending time barefoot on natural surfaces can help stimulate sensory receptors, support circulation, and encourage more natural movement patterns: all of which play a role in how your body feels and functions.

align_unwind.com

Breastfeeding is often described as “natural,” but that doesn’t mean it always comes naturally.Pain with latching, long ...
03/23/2026

Breastfeeding is often described as “natural,” but that doesn’t mean it always comes naturally.

Pain with latching, long feeds, supply concerns, or slow weight gain are common reasons parents seek support.

Lactation support looks at the full picture. Not just the latch, but oral function, milk transfer, feeding patterns, and your individual goals. Small adjustments can make a meaningful difference in comfort and efficiency.

If something feels off, or you’re unsure whether what you’re experiencing is normal, you don’t have to navigate it alone. Early support can help provide clarity and a plan moving forward.

https://align-unwind.com

Babies communicate long before they can talk- rubbing their eyes, pulling at their ears, arching their back, turning awa...
03/16/2026

Babies communicate long before they can talk- rubbing their eyes, pulling at their ears, arching their back, turning away.

These are often early signals, small hints about what they might need.

It’s not always exact, and every baby is different. But learning to notice these patterns can help lessen the stress and help you feel more in tune with your baby.

https://align-unwind.com


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903 Razorback Drive
Atlantic Mine, MI
49931

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