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 now holds only a registration in Massage Therapy. After 24 years as an acupuncturist Sue retired her registration with the College of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncturist in March 2023. She continues to offer acupuncture only within the scope of massage therapy.
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 nervous system dysregulation which in turn can affect multiple systems in the body.
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 Registered Massage Therapists' of Ontario (RMTAO).
"When you touch one thing with deep awareness,
you touch everything."
- Lao Tzu
AROMATHERAPY
LYMPH DRAINAGE
REGISTERED MASSAGE THERAPY
MASSAGE THERAPY
Registered Massage Therapy can be very gentle, a more moderate depth or quite deep depending on your request and how your body responds. Sessions are deeply tailored to the feedback from you verbally and physically.
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 many conditions brought on by a dysregulated nervous system. These conditions may include mood disorders, anxiety, depression, multiple sclerosis, chronic fatigue, long haul COVID-19 symptoms and more.
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 adjusting as need to elicit an optimal response.
This treatment can include other modalities such as acupuncture, craniosacral therapy, shiatsu, cupping and more. The treatment is always within the scope of massage therapy.
This service is booked as Registered Massage Therapy and is billed only as such. No acupuncture receipts.
60 min ... $145 +HST
90 min ... $225 +HST
RMT SHIATSU THERAPY
MUSCULOSKELETAL ACUPUNCTURE
RMT SHIATSU THERAPY
RMT Shiatsu Therapy can be gentle to very deep, this will be discussed prior to your session.
This system of work addresses concerns in the scope of massage therapy which is: (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, sometimes even more so.
The specific nature of this technique can help the RMT pinpoint and deliver effective relief to nagging issues not always helped by other modalities.
Patient can be dressed in comfortable clothing or on the table between the sheets, same as for massage.
This service is booked as RMT Shiatsu Therapy, receipts are for Massage Therapy as we remain within the scope of practice for massage therapy.
MUSCULOSKELETAL ACUPUNCTURE
Sue's style of acupuncture is more gentle with sometimes soft manipulation of the needles. The needles can be retained for around 20 minutes or shorter depending on the treatment approach.
Musculoskeletal (MSK) Acupuncture or Registered Massage Acupuncture focuses on the muscles, joints and the soft tissues of the body. Often Sue uses this modality in combination with massage, shiatsu, craniosacral therapy or other soft tissue approaches. It can be used alone as long as the concern falls within the scope of practice of massage therapy.
After 24 years of practice as a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Acupuncturist, Sue resigned from the College of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncturists in March 2023. Sue continues to practice acupuncture in the massage scope and is no longer assessing, diagnosing, treating or providing homecare in the TCM approach.
This modality can be helpful in the treatment of tension and pain in the muscular and nervous system.
If the patient is comfortable, Sue may needle one area of the body and work the other areas, come back and remove the needles and manually work the needled area for a multi-layered approach.
This treatment is booked as Registered Massage Therapy and only billed as Massage Therapy. No Acupuncture receipts provided.
AROMATHERAPY
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 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 Registered Massage as we remain within the scope of practice for massage therapy.
LYMPH DRAINAGE
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 Registered Massage as we remain within the scope of practice for massage therapy.
CRANIOSACRAL THERAPY
OTHER MODALITIES
CRANIOSACRAL THERAPY
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 Registered 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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IASTM (Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization)
These other modalities would be stand alone sessions and not integrated:
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Cosmetic Acupuncture (MSK based)
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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.
News...
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!
COVID PRACTICES
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.
PAYMENTS
***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.
My sessions are gratuity-free, there is no tip option on the terminal and tips are never expected. I will treat you with the same respect and kindness as everyone else.
Insurance receipts provided via email same day, usually right after the session. I do not direct bill.
CAN'T FIND AN APPOINTMENT?
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 - 2pm
Tuesday 8:30am - 2:30pm
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.