Who is Forrest?
My journey from pain to purpose drives me to help you find freedom—discover my story below!
J. Forrest Hoekstra, BCDNM, LMT, CHHP
Founder of Miracle Pain Relief
Forrest Hoekstra’s journey from collegiate athlete to holistic practitioner is a testament to resilience and natural wellness.
​What "Doctor" Means Here
The word "Doctor" comes from the Latin for "teacher." Forrest is a teacher of natural wellness. He does not diagnose, treat, prevent, or cure any illness, disease, or infection. Forrest helps clients look within at the thought patterns, subconscious beliefs, actions, and lifestyle choices that may have contributed to imbalances in the body.
Finding Myofascial Release Therapy
As an NCAA Division 1 Decathlete, Forrest competed in 10 grueling Track & Field events, but the intense training took a toll—nine teammates left the same year he did due to the physical strain on their bodies from over-training. Years later, chronic pain resurfaced, culminating in a morning where knee usage brought tears, leaving him barely able to walk. A pivotal moment came when a friend dislocated his knee and asked Forrest to take him to “Dr. Mom,” Forrest’s mother, Carol Hoekstra BCND, who has a clinic in Ludington, Michigan. She provided initial care but recommended Myofascial Release Therapy (MFR) to address connective tissue issues, sparking Forrest’s transformation.
"Forrest I need you to take me to Dr. Mom, ASAP!
I just dislocated my knee!"
-Ahmad
Becoming a Certified Therapuetic Bodyworker
Discovering a John F. Barnes MFR Specialist, Forrest experienced a “miracle” after his first session—freedom and relief after decades of pain. This inspired him to pursue healing professionally. He became a Certified Therapeutic Bodyworker through the Naturopathic Institute of Therapies & Education (NITE), the toughest therapy program in the U.S. The first six months covered human anatomy, MFR, aromatherapy, pregnancy/infant care, and nutrition, followed by six months of craniosacral therapy, Light Healing Touch, herbology, muscle response testing, and advanced aromatherapy. Forrest is also a John F. Barnes Certified Practitioner, certified in three John F. Barnes Myofascial Release trainings: MFR 1, MFR 2, and MFR Unwinding. Continuing his education, he’s now a Board Certified Doctor of Natural Medicine (2026).
"After learning how quickly you can naturally restore the body to be pain free, it's all I wanted to do!" - Forrest
Search for New Beginnings in Cocoa, Florida
In November 2023, inspired by a shark necklace from Cocoa Beach’s Ron Jon Surf Shop—gifted by his mom during high school—Forrest left his dad’s gutter company to stake out a new life in Florida. Settling in Cocoa Village, he founded Miracle Pain Relief, where he’s helped over 200 clients transform their lives in the first year. His sessions blend MFR’s gentle, fascia-focused release with a holistic approach, often leading to relaxation, energy shifts, or emotional release as the body heals. Expect personalized care that addresses pain, trauma, and balance, with lasting results like his own pain-free mornings after 20 years chronic pain.
"Can I order another Ode to Daisy Smoothie" - Forrest
heard daily at Joyfull Wellness Center
Building a Life on the Space Coast
Forrest Hoekstra’s journey from collegiate athlete to holistic practitioner is a testament to resilience and natural wellness.
A New Life In Florida
After the first year in Cocoa Village, Forrest settled more fully into the rhythm of the Space Coast. He now lives just blocks from the clinic and walks to work most days, a simple change that has made the lifestyle feel more wholesome and grounded. Mornings usually start with a walk to Patinaed & Co Coffee & Flowers to see the ladies there and grab a hot tea before heading into Joyfull Wellness Center. At the center he’s been enjoying the Ode to Daisy smoothie (20 grams of protein) and Ka’Chava, which packs in roughly 85 superfoods. From there the day moves into sessions that help people release what their bodies have been holding. Living and working in the same few blocks has given him room to keep healing himself while showing up for others, and he talks about the Space Coast as the place where the work finally feels sustainable.
"Since moving here and seeing how absolutely broken the 'healthcare' system of Brevard is, I'm so grateful I chose to move here of all places. I aim to bring hope for all those who it has failed." - Forrest
Finding Home Inside Joyfull Wellness Center
Joyfull Wellness Center became more than a practice location. It’s where Forrest shares space with other practitioners, greets regulars, and keeps building the kind of environment he wished existed when he was still in pain. The center’s corner spot on Florida Ave and 520 puts the practice in the middle of Cocoa Village life, and he likes that clients can walk in from the surrounding shops and restaurants. Being part of a larger wellness hub has also made it easier to expand offerings and eventually bring on additional therapists without losing the personal feel of the sessions.
"After learning how quickly you can naturally restore the body to be pain free, it's all I wanted to do!" - Forrest
Search for New Beginnings in Cocoa, Florida
In November 2023, inspired by a shark necklace from Cocoa Beach’s Ron Jon Surf Shop—gifted by his mom during high school—Forrest left his dad’s gutter company to stake out a new life in Florida. Settling in Cocoa Village, he founded Miracle Pain Relief, where he’s helped over 200 clients transform their lives in the first year. His sessions blend MFR’s gentle, fascia-focused release with a holistic approach, often leading to relaxation, energy shifts, or emotional release as the body heals. Expect personalized care that addresses pain, trauma, and balance, with lasting results like his own pain-free mornings after 20 years chronic pain.
"Can I order another Ode to Daisy Smoothie" - Forrest
heard daily at Joyfull Wellness Center
Here's just a quick sneak peek at some of the 6 continents Forrest has traveled to:
