BIO & PRACTICE PHILOSOPHY
The body is always speaking. It is the therapist’s job to listen to the body and respond. This work is about communication. Therapist experience matters and so does trust and connection.
An open minded approach to treatment and flexibility in strategy is key.
Patients come first and the therapeutic relationship needs to be mutually respectful to function well.
Quiet sessions allow for both people to pay attention to the efficacy of the work. Sometimes people need to talk to relax. That’s okay too.
Questions are always welcome. This is a non-judgemental space.
In practice for 25+ years and formerly the founder and owner of Toronto Bodyworks (2004-2021), Sue Sheedy returned to private practice in the spring of 2021.
Toronto Bodyworks was a labour of love and a desire to build a place that was patient centered and therapist supportive however due to the financial impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, Toronto Bodyworks permanently closed after 17 successful years.
Sue now continues doing what she loves: seeing patients and coaching RMTs to better their work through excellence in biomechanical training and better business practices.
Building her career since 1995, Sue’s extensive training includes dual registration in both Massage Therapy and TCM Acupuncture.
Sue also holds a 2200 hour diploma in Shiatsu Therapy and certificates in NISA, Lymph Drainage, Craniosacral Therapy, Cosmetic Acupuncture, Aromatherapy, Sports Massage, Thai Massage and more.
Sue has treated many conditions through her years of practice. She often sees patients with a variety of issues related to pain, stress and fatigue disorders which in turn can affect multiple systems in the body. This includes (but is not limited to) digestion, sleep, mood disorders, menstruation, anxiety, physical tension, pain and more.
Sue has worked with patients ranging from those in excellent health to those who are struggling. From the elderly to the disabled, office workers, athletes, people in all stages of pregnancy, physical labourers, students, children, infants and more.
Sue is a member in good standing with the College of Massage Therapists of Ontario (CMTO) and the College of Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners and Acupuncturists of Ontario (CTCMPAO).
"When you touch one thing with deep awareness,
you touch everything."
- Lao Tzu
RMT MASSAGE
RMT Massage Therapy 60 min ... $145 +HST
90 min ... $225 +HST
This style of bodywork is commonly used to relax and rejuvenate tired, sore muscles as well as joints and for general aches and pains. It is also an effective treatment for a variety of injuries, different types of tension, pregnancy discomfort and more.
Massage therapy can be helpful for conditions brought on by a dysregulated nervous system. These may include mood disorders, anxiety, depression multiple sclerosis, chronic fatigue and others
Sue has many years of experience providing deep tissue massage but loves all depths and finding what works for each individual. Her focus is more about listening to the body's feedback and adjust as need to elicit an optimal response.
This service is booked as RMT Massage Therapy and is booked and billed only as Massage Therapy.
TCM ACUPUNCTURE
TCM Acupuncture Therapy 60 min ... $150 (no HST)
90 min ... $230 (no HST)
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) acupuncture treatment involves the insertion of fine needles into specific points on the body. These points are located on channels that carry qi (pronounced chee), the body’s energy. The needles release blocked qi, address deficiencies, and restore balance.
Acupuncture is used to treat a variety of (dis)eases including digestive issues, sleep disorders, stress, addiction, gynecological disorders and more.
Sue's style of needling is more gentle than traditional Chinese methods but she retains the needles longer than Japanese methods. This approach is more comfortable for the patient allowing the body to relax deeply into the session.
This service is booked as TCM Acupuncture and is outside of the scope of massage therapy. Acupuncture receipts only.
RMT SHIATSU THERAPY
TCM SHIATSU THERAPY
RMT SHIATSU THERAPY 60 min ... $145 +HST
RMT Shiatsu can be gentle to very deep.
This system of work addresses concerns in the scope of massage therapy (the assessment of the soft tissues and joints of the body and the treatment and prevention of physical dysfunction and pain of the soft tissue and joints by manipulation to develop, maintain, rehabilitate or augment physical function and relieve pain). Often patients with deep tension find this therapy works well to address specific areas of discomfort.
It can also be helpful to impact coordinated groups of muscles that work closely together (ie. lower back & hip flexors, rotator cuff and arm, neck and shoulder, etc...).
Overall, RMT shiatsu can be just as engaging and relaxing as regular massage therapy treatment.
The specific nature of this technique can help the RMT pinpoint and deliver effective relief to nagging issues not always helped by other modalities.l
Patient can be dressed in comfortable clothing or on the table between the sheets, same as for massage. This service is booked and billed as RMT Massage as we remain within the scope of practice for massage therapy.
TCM SHIATSU THERAPY 60 min ... $150 (no HST)
TCM Shiatsu uses the same meridian system as acupuncture but with the use of physical pressure from the therapist's hands, thumbs, and elbows, instead of needles.
This style of shiatsu is sometimes referred to as Acupressure and Sue practices Zen Shiatsu which is a personalized treatment based on the patient’s presentation and comfort level.
For example, instead of only using pressure points indicated for headaches, Zen Shiatsu may involve liver and spleen meridian shiatsu techniques to calm irritability and overthinking which may be the source of the headache thus treating the patient more holistically.
Patient can be dressed in comfortable clothing or on the table between the sheets, same as for massage.
This service is booked and billed as Registered Acupuncture since we are using TCM diagnostic techniques, aims, principals, strategies and treatment modalities.
AROMATHERAPY
LYMPH DRAINAGE
AROMATHERAPY 60 min ... $145 +HST
Aromatherapy, in this practice, is the use of essential oils to have a positive effect on one's health. This can be done either by providing essentials in the massage oil as we work or in a blend for you to take home and use topically - for therapeutic reasons or everyday simple enjoyment.
Take home blends can be purchased however extra time to process the order and ensure it is a safe blend for you is necessary by researching it alongside your health history form. It is for this reason custom blends are only provided to those who have come in for a session. Your health history will then be on file (which does require an annual update should it have been awhile since you were in) and ensure there are no interactions or contraindications for you.
Aromatherapy can be added into most other types of sessions (no charge) but this modality can also be a treatment that is built around the essential oils rather than an adjunct to a different modality.
This service is booked and billed as RMT Massage as we remain within the scope of practice for massage therapy.
LYMPH DRAINAGE 60 min ... $145 +HST
The lymph system is responsible for maintaining an efficient immune function, fluid metabolism, and proper detoxification.
Light pressure is applied toward the lymph nodes to encourage more movement of lymphatic fluid.
This technique can be applied for moderate swelling (ie. twisted ankle) however it may also address a variety of complaints such as general congestion and sluggishness, fatigue, muscle soreness and may assist with efficient toxin removal.
For minor to moderate swelling or general decongestion (full body sweep). This service is not for post surgery swelling or compromised immune systems.
This service is booked and billed as RMT Massage as we remain within the scope of practice for massage therapy.
CRANIOSACRAL THERAPY
OTHER MODALITIES
CRANIOSACRAL THERAPY 60 min ... $145 +HST
This bodywork modality is very subtle and effective.
Working closely with the nervous system, these quiet, engaging holds mainly around the head, face, spine, and pelvis, gently release and align the body.
Craniosacral therapy can impact the musculoskeletal system (muscles and bones) and the nervous system.
Working with the nervous system, this modality can address many complaints such as trauma from accidents, pain, chronic fatigue, anxiety, stress, insomnia and other nervous system disorders.
Craniosacral therapy can be an adjunct in a treatment or a stand alone session. This work is booked and billed as RMT Massage as we remain within the scope of massage therapy.
OTHER MODALITIES
These other modalities can be integrated into sessions:
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Breast Massage
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NISA (Neuromuscular Integrated Structural Alignment) aka Soft Rolfing
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Scar Tissue Work
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Cupping
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Gua Sha / IASTM (Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization)
These other modalities would be stand alone sessions and not integrated:
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Cosmetic Acupuncture
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Pregnancy Massage
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Sports Massage
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Child and Infant Massage
For further information and questions about other modalities feel free to reach out by email below.
Coming Soon...
As of April 1, 2023 I will be retiring my TCM Acupuncture registration.
I will continue to provide acupuncture as an RMT within the scope of practice for Massage Therapy.
Starting April 1st I will no longer provide TCM assessment, diagnosis or treatment nor will I provide Acupuncture receipts for insurance purposes.
I will continue to provide Massage Therapy and massage receipts.
I want to thank all of my wonderful TCM patients for 24 years of valuable work together.
I am currently adding to this site information. It will include more pictures of the building and the space and FAQ. The building is having a professional photographer coming soon and I will post some of the lovely images when they become available.
Stay tuned!
My COVID practices are in alignment with both the CMTO (College of Massage Therapists of Ontario) and the CTCMPAO (College of Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners & Acupuncturists of Ontario). This includes extra time for disinfection between sessions, a second HEPA filter in my space, mindful hygiene practices and my wearing an N95 mask during our treatment time. I have also received five doses of the COVID vaccine
(and the annual flu shot) as of January 2023.
Masking for patients is OPTIONAL.
I will continue to mask at this time and will respect your choice either way. I kindly ask for the same consideration in return.
***As of November 14, 2022 all credit card transactions will be subject to a 2.4% surcharge fee***
Alternative payment options include Debit & E-Transfer.
Bookings are made online with a credit card which is only charged for a missed appointment or short notice cancellation.
Session payments can happen in person after the appointment is complete and first time e-transfers for new patients can be sent ahead of the appointment to ensure everything went through.
Insurance receipts provided via email same day, usually right after the session. I do not direct bill.
If you cannot find your preferred appointment, feel free to email or text to be on a cancellation list for that day and time, as long as it is within my range of hands on working hours posted online below.
I commonly open a few sessions the week of if my schedule is busy or if I have to move things around to accomodate a personal appointment - check back regularly for same week sessions.
GET IN TOUCH
1655 Dupont Street, Ste 101
Toronto, Ontario | M6P 3T1
Gift Certificates available HERE.
I may be in session or with family, patience in returning your communication is appreciated.
HOURS
Monday 8:30am - 2:30pm
Tuesday 8:30am - 2pm
Wednesday 8:30am 2pm
Thursday 8:30am - 2:30pm
Friday Out of Office Admin
Cancellations with less than 24 hours notice will be charged the full session fee, no exceptions.
To be fair to everyone, I am unable to extend your time if you are running late.