Who We are
About JL Therapeutics
The goal of JL Therapeutics is to help individuals overcome health-related adversities. After overcoming my own life challenges, from physical health to mental stressors, I have dedicated myself to continued education in health sciences so that I can help others down the path of recovery.
our mission
What Makes Us Different
Although in almost all cases massage therapy is proven to be beneficial to your health, we recognize that it can’t solve all concerns. For better health, massage therapy works in coordination with diet, exercise, physical therapy, chiropractic care, internal medicine, orthopedics and psychiatric care. Often times the solution will combine a number of remediation steps in multiple healthcare disciplines.
Holistic Health Support
Holistic Health Support
Youth Bodywork Benefits
meet the team
Our Therapists
Our therapists take great pride in making you feel comfortable – both physically and mentally – and ensuring that the time and money you invest is maximized.
Jen Matyn
Josh Ryan Asel
Kim Sharp
Dr. Angela Slessor
Karyn Penington
Cathy Gondek
Annie Loop
Claudia Vogel
Danya Yates
Massage Therapist
Client Testimonials
JL Therapeutics Massage & Bodywork
290 West Tienken Road, Rochester Hills
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Highly recommend JL Therapeutics! It can be very, very hard to find a good massage therapist and I am so happy to have found Jen. … More She is a therapist and the owner and she is wonderful. She listens and makes changes based on what your body needs. So lucky to have been recommended to her! I drive from Ferndale because she is so good. -
Angela is so amazing she is very caring and super knowledgeable she got me back to gym in no time with physical therapy and dry … More needling. Her strengthening exercises she provided me to do at home are easy, simple and very effective. I recommend Angela and JL therapeutics to anyone looking for physical therapy or other holistic treatment options they have a wonderful staff. -
Josh is an excellent massage therapist! I've had 3 sessions with him to work on some long-term problem areas. I'm … More getting excellent results, thanks to his great massage techniques & tips. Each time I've been impressed by his amazing skills & knowledge. So glad I "discovered" him!
I've been very happy with JL Therapeutics & highly recommend them!
see what we’re like
Our Studio
At JL Therapeutics, we offer diverse massage and bodywork techniques tailored to your needs, emphasizing holistic wellness and privacy, with specialized youth services aimed at enhancing sports performance and relaxation.
Danya Yates
Massage Therapist
Danya is the newest member to the JL team, but definitely not new to massage. With over 10 years of experience, Danya comes to us with some great all around techniques and excels in deep tissue work. Her strength is her STRENGTH! She has a knack for figuring out where the pain is coming from and how to work on it. With her sweet demeanor and contagious laugh, she creates an environment that puts her clients at ease.
Jen Matyn
- Licensed Massage Therapist, Irene’s Myomassology Institute
- Cupping Therapy – ICTU & ACE
- Certified in pediatric – Little Kidz Foundation
- Certified in Graston Technique
- Certified in Ashiastu – DeepFeet Bar Therapy
- Certified Arvigo Abdominal Practitioner
I strongly believe that everyone should practice self-care, but I also know how difficult it can be to start that routine. My commitment is to work with you as your needs change from session to session. Personally, I’m dedicated to allowing myself a sliding healthy lifestyle scale. For me, this means that I don’t force strenuous exercise if my body isn’t up for it. Instead, I do the things that make me happy and are active. In the warm months, gardening and helping my kids with their sports check that box for me. Like most people, I try to manage the cold months the best I can. My goal at that time of the year is to place a stronger focus on preparing healthy and nutrient-dense foods for my family. Since the weather isn’t conducive to the activities I enjoy, I make it a goal to try different types of group exercise programs. The winter months can make it very easy to hibernate, but I want to make sure I get out and socialize and continue to make exercise fun. I was a personal and group fitness instructor for over 10 years, managed health food stores, and led boot camps for expecting mothers.
Before I moved back to Michigan from Florida with three daughters, I was motivated to create an after-school health and fitness program. I teamed up with a dietitian, and we began teaching healthy food habits and providing exercise routines for children. In my own home, my middle daughter has Celiac Disease, an auto-immune disorder in which one has an intolerance to even trace amounts of gluten. I, too, eat gluten-free food and am predominantly vegetarian.
I have first-hand experience dealing with the physical and mental aspects of aches and pains. I grew up as a competitive figure skater through my early teens before transitioning to volleyball, where I played at high school and collegiate levels. As a result, I have dealt with physical health challenges. I’m still working through these issues – from lower spine trauma and concussions from hitting the ice to cervical and repetitive motion issues as a setter in volleyball.
On a very personal level, I was widowed at the age of 34. At that time, our daughters were 2, 4, and 6. I understand grief, I understand NOT understanding death, I understand high pressured professions and less-than-ideal physical limitations.
I look forward to working with you to achieve your goals with the same passion and dedication I have towards my own body and that of my children and loved ones.
– Jen
Josh Ryan Asel
Certifications
- Licensed Massage Therapist
- Deep Tissue Specialist
Josh Ryan has impressed many in his massage career. He has spa and orthopedic experience. His deep tissue work can provide relief and a good fascial stretch for customers that love a heavy hand and prefer a more intense massage. He has great communication skills and the intuitive ability to help people feel safe and comfortable during their sessions. Josh comes to us from Lincoln, Nebraska.
Kim Sharp
Certifications
- Ashiatsu Bar Therapy
- Cupping Therapy
- Oncology
- Neuromuscular Therapy
- Prenatal
Dr. Angela Slessor
Certifications
- Licensed Physical Therapist
- Master Dry Needling
As the founder of Renewed Life Physical Therapy, I began my career in Orthopedics, focusing on common conditions of the spine, lower extremities, and upper extremities. I became the director of an outpatient clinic and began learning the inner workings of business management. After several years, I had an opportunity to explore Geriatric Rehab in a Skilled Nursing Facility.
To continue my love of manual therapy, I returned to outpatient with my patients. I truly believe in the healing power of touch. After a volunteer Physical Therapy trip to Haiti, I cultivated relationships with a few colleagues who practiced Pelvic Floor Therapy and Dry Needling. After my first classes in these areas, I knew that these were the areas I wanted to focus on in my practice.
In addition to Pelvic Floor Therapy, I offer an array of other Physical Therapy Services for an abundance of conditions. During your session at JL Therapeutics you will have my undivided attention for your entire session, no delegation to a PT Tech. I also offer sessions separate from Physical Therapy for Dry Needling to decrease your muscular pain related to tightness and scar tissue.
I’m passionate about educating patients about their health and helping them regain their dignity, free from pain. I believe in treating the whole person and not just focusing on the area of pain. My treatment philosophy includes evidence-based manual therapy, custom exercise prescriptions, and comprehensive patient education to aid my clients in achieving their personal goals.
I enjoy my personal time being active. You will often find me biking, kayaking, swimming, and enjoying anything outdoors – when the weather allows it in Michigan. I also enjoy spending time with my son and our pets.
Karyn Pennington
Massage Therapist, Reflexoligist
Certifications
- Cupping Therapy
- Reflexology
- Graston Technique
- Prenatal
After several years in the legal field, Karyn made a complete career change. Now, instead of accumulating stress in the workplace, she enjoys helping others de-stress through massage and reflexology. Karyn has often been told she has a healing touch and strives to connect with each client’s needs in a caring way.
In addition to being a licensed massage therapist, trained through the Guardian Center for the Healing Arts, Karyn also has certifications in reflexology and ACE Medi-Cupping/Massage Cupping. Massage cupping is beneficial on so many levels. It can increase circulation, separate fused tissue layers, and drain lymph, all while invigorating the body and sedating the nervous system.
Reflexology is an excellent modality to access all of the body’s system and is very beneficial for chronic conditions and poor sleep and provides the feeling of a complete massage while only being touched on the feet. Both Reflexology and Massage are wonderful on their own, but paired together, they are amazing. Try a 70-minute massage with 30 minutes of reflexology. It’ll be the best 100 minutes of your week.
In addition to the above, Karyn is proficient in several massage techniques including, but not limited to, Swedish, Therapeutic, Pre-Natal, Lymphatic massages and continuously strives to learn new techniques to better serve her clients.
Karyn loves to garden and works on her gardens year-round. She preserves her harvests through freezing, canning, and dehydration to enjoy the fruits of the garden all year. In addition to fruits and vegetables, she has an extensive herb garden and plenty of herbs on hand (both dried and tinctures) to provide an apothecary for family and friends.
Cathy Gondek
Massage Therapist
Certifications
- Cupping Therapy
- Ashiatsu Bar Therapy
- Sports and Orthopedic
- Prenatal
Cathy attended Irene’s Myomassolgy Institute and graduated in 2014. She has been practicing for 10 years and has enjoyed working with many types of professionals. She has previously worked in the medical field as a Medical Assistant and Home Health Aide and found that she was more passionate about the natural healing of the human body. Throughout her years she discovered that diet, exercise and daily stretching were keys to tap into one’s own internal healing abilities.
In her experience, she has worked side by side with Chiropractors, Physical Therapists, and Holistic Medical Professionals. She has also practiced in the Spa Industry and possesses many key relaxation techniques. Her skills include sports/orthopedic massage, myofascial release, trigger point therapy, isometric techniques, active/assisted stretching, hot stone, Swedish massage, and facial and hand massage. Many of Cathy’s clients would say she really excels in shoulder and arm work, including bicep tendonitis, rotator cuff injuries, and carpal tunnel.
Cathy’s personal belief and intent for each massage session is to be able to merge her healing abilities with the phenomenal healing abilities of the human body. She believes if one has a healthy mind, one can have a healthy body! Choosing a massage is great for the mind first, and then the body follows.
Annie Loop
Certifications
- Licensed Massage Therapist, Irene’s Myomassology Institute
- Licenced Reflexologist
Annie’s love and interest in health and healing started in her young twenties, where she attended Irene’s Myomassology School. She graduated in ’93 and became certified in Colon Hydrotherapy, as well as energy healing. She practiced these modalities for 5 years until she started a family.
Annie was a stay-at-home mom and nanny while raising her children. She returned to the work field and started out in community mental health, where she taught meditation, mindfulness, and coping skills. Things have come full circle, and she is returning to her true passion, helping others heal themselves.
Annie is a graduate Charlotte’s Reflexology Program and is excited to offer this relaxing and beneficial therapy. Reflexology offers stress reduction, pain relief, energy flow, blood circulation and much more.
In her free time, Annie enjoys spending time with family and friends, doing yoga, gardening, doing outdoor activities, cooking, meditation, and getting massages.
Claudia Vogel
Certifications
- CranioSacral
- Reflexology
Claudia has been working in the healing arts for over 30 years. It’s been her passion and her path ever since, and she enjoys that every treatment creates something new in a person. Experience a beautiful massage that helps you release pain, tension, and imbalances throughout your body, resulting in a new alignment, increased mobility, and enhanced circulation. Let your mind rest with your body and become a more relaxed, healthier, and happier person!
Throughout her career, first, as a physical therapist in Germany working foremost in orthopedic rehab and then training in neurology in California, Claudia was able to master a wide variety of techniques, such as Cranio Sacral Therapy, PNF, etc., that she blends into every massage treatment.
Whether you need to de-stress, heal from, or prevent injury, or you are seeking relief from headaches or pain in your muscles, spine, or joints, this massage treatment is for you!
After relocating to the US over twenty years ago, becoming a mom, and staying home with her two sons, Claudia switched gears and started working as a massage therapist, bodyworker, and yoga teacher.
She is very grateful to be part of a dedicated and talented team of therapists here at JL.
In her free time you’ll see her in the outdoors on a bike, hiking or inline skating, enjoying time with her family.
Claudia is also available for in-home visits.
