Acupuncture Practitioners

Dr. Sender Deutsch
Clinic Director - Chiropractor
Acupuncture Practitioner
Conditioning Specialist
Active Release Techniques ® Soft Tissue Treatment Provider
Certified Golf Fitness Instructor
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Dr. Sender Deutsch is one of the creators and founders of SHAPE Health and Wellness Centre. SHAPE’S comprehensive and multidisciplinary concept was derived from his strong educational background and in-depth experience within the health and wellness industry. As a result of his experience treating numerous patients and clients, Dr. Deutsch came to the realization that a facility with this orientation did not exist. SHAPE’s goal is to provide a personalized service, guided by health care professionals, in an upscale friendly atmosphere.
SHAPE was developed to revolutionize your lifestyle. It is Toronto's first truly integrated boutique health and wellness centre offering a total mind and body approach to your health.
Dr. Sender Deutsch is a graduate of the Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College (CMCC), where he obtained his Doctor of Chiropractic and Diploma in Acupuncture. Dr. Deutsch has successfully completed Level Two of the Rehabilitation Sciences Fellowship program with the American Chiropractic Rehabilitation Board (ACRB).
Prior to attending CMCC, Dr. Deutsch studied Kinesiology and Sports Therapy at York University. Dr. Deutsch is also a Certified Active Release Techniques Provider (Master's, Upper Extremity, Lower Extremity, Spine and Nerve Entrapment), Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist and Personal Trainer of the National Strength and Conditioning Association, Certified Golf Fitness Instructor of The Titleist Performance Institute (TPI) and Certified Sports Movement Specialist. He is also certified in Custom Orthotic Therapy and Bracing. Dr. Deutsch has also taken post graduate courses in Medical Acupuncture, Intramuscular Stimulation (IMS), Active Release Techniques ® Soft Tissue Treatment (ART®), Sports Medicine, Manual Medicine, Functional Training, and Golf Performance Training.
Dr. Deutsch completed his clinical internship at the Sherbourne Health Centre at St. Michael's Hospital. He actively participates in sports medicine and orthopedic rounds at Mount Sinai and North York General Hospital. He has also participated in spinal orthopedic rounds at Toronto Western Hospital and family practice rounds at St. Michael's Hospital.
He has a wealth of experience training and rehabilitating people of all ages. He has worked with amateur and professional athletes from the NHL, OHL, NCAA, national skiers, adventure racers and has worked with various media personalities, celebrity clients and CEO's. In addition, Sender has experience with everyday people including both weekend warriors to those who led previous sedentary lifestyles. Dr. Deutsch has been a faculty member at CMCC in the Department of Clinical Education since 2002.
Dr. Deutsch has been featured on City TV, CP24, Slice TV - Doctor In The House, Three Takes, and The Mom Show, CFRB Talk Radio and appeared in numerous articles within Toronto Life, Oxygen, Hello and Flare magazines, The Toronto Sun, The Globe and Mail, Metro News, Fitness Business Canada, Canadian Chiropractor, Chiropractic Economics, 2-Magazine, Wedding Bells, London Press, and CA magazine.
Dr. Deutsch's approach to treatment and training is totally revolutionary and unique. He has developed a two-step program called Integrated Therapy and Training (ITT) integrating state-of-the art Physical Therapy with High Performance Personal Training techniques. Each treatment is one-on-one and constantly monitored to ensure progress and success in a timely fashion.
Educating the patient is an essential component of any rehabilitation or fitness program. Therefore, each patient will be guided to effectively manage and prevent his or her condition from recurring in the future. An individualized program will be designed to rehabilitate your injury, expedite your recovery, achieve your goals and optimize your performance.
Dr. Deutsch is often featured on television programs and in magazine and newspaper articles dealing with health and fitness. To read articles or view video clips please check the MEDIA SECTION.

Dr. Shawn Thistle
Associate Clinic Director
Chiropractor
Acupuncture Practitoner
Active Release Techniques ® Soft Tissue Treatment Provider
Functional Range Release F.R.™ Provider & Instructor
Conditioning Specialist
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Dr. Thistle is a clinic director at SHAPE Health and Wellness Centre, and has helped numerous clients achieve optimal health by relieving their pain, strengthening their bodies, and revolutionizing their lifestyles.
Shawn graduated (magna cum laude) from the Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College in Toronto and holds an Honours Degree (summa cum laude) in Kinesiology from McMaster University. He holds a certificate in Contemporary Medical Acupuncture from McMaster University, and is a Certified Active Release Techniques ® Soft Tissue Treatment (ART®) Provider. In addition, Shawn is fully certified as a Provider and Instructor in Functional Anatomic Palpation Systems™ and Functional Range Release™, a complete system of specific palpation and advanced fascial treatment and rehabilitation. As a compliment to his manual medicine and acupuncture training, Shawn is also certified as a Strength and Conditioning Specialist (C.S.C.S.) through the National Strength and Conditioning Association NSCA-USA, and has been involved in fitness and competitive sport-specific training since high-school.
Shawn believes strongly in educating clients in all aspects of health and fitness. His diverse background and skill set allow him to administer effective integrated treatments to assist in the areas of pain management, acute injury care, post-surgical rehabilitation, functional training and rehabilitation, weight loss and balanced nutrition, increasing muscle mass, improving athletic performance, flexibility, cardiovascular fitness, stress management and sport-specific personal training. Shawn enjoys working closely with each client throughout their therapy and training program, instilling knowledge of how the body responds to therapy and exercise as progress is made in achieving health and personal fitness goals.
Shawn also pursues his passion for educating as a part-time lecturer in the Dept. of Orthopedics at Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College, Toronto.
Dr. Thistle has been featured on CBC television, and as part of the SHAPE team in articles in the Toronto Sun, Toronto Life, Flare Magazine, and Canadian Chiropractor. He also contributes articles to Canadian Chiropractor Magazine and numerous online newsletters and publications.
Shawn also founded and administers an online subscription-based service for manual medicine practitioners (chiropractors, physiotherapists, athletic therapists etc.), personal-training professionals and sytudents, providing weekly reviews of scientific literature in an effort to bridge the gap between science and practice. For more information please visit the Research Review Service Inc. website.

Dr. Joel Kerr
Chiropractor / ART® Provider
Acupuncturist
CAN FIT PRO Certified Personal Trainer
The formal education and certifications Dr. Kerr has acquired enable him to take a holistic approach to helping clients achieve and maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Dr. Kerr uses Acupuncture and ART® treatment protocols combined with a chiropractic approach to health care as an effective method in the management of acute or chronic injries sustained at work or play.
He enjoys working closely with his clients of all shapes and sizes to achieve their fitness and health goals. By working hand-in-hand with clients, he helps build overall strength and confidence through treatment and rehabilitation.
Dr. Kerr was featured in Sway Magazine (http://swaymag.ca/2010/09/holistic-health/) outlining his passion and approach to preventative care and treatment The editors of Sway enjoyed this piece so much they created a Q and A feature of the magazine called “Ask Dr. J”, where individuals ask Dr. Kerr questions related to sports and exercise injury prevention, exercise prescription and nutrition.
Dr. Kerr's approach in managing, educating and training clients fits perfectly with the unique and revolutionary approach to patient centered health care (SHAPE Integrated Therapy and Training-ITT) at SHAPE Health and Wellness Centres which integrates state-of-the art Physical Therapy with High Performance Personal Training techniques.
SPECIALTIES
Treating musculoskeletal injuries of the back, neck, upper limb (shoulder, elbow, wrist & fingers) lower limb (hip, knee, ankle and toes)
Sport performance evaluation and enhancement, rehabilitation (workplace accident and MVA), ergonomic workplace assessment, pain management
Treating and training young athletes to build self-esteem, confidence and develop their fundamental movements as they pursue their passion in sport.

Dr. Marco Tocco
Chiropractor
Active Release Techniques ® Soft Tissue Treatment Provider
Acupuncture Practitioner
Kinesiologist - Conditioning Specialist
Exercise Physiologist
Marco is a graduate of York University with a Specialized Honors Degree in Kinesiology and Health Science. While in University, he also obtained a supplementary certificate in the Fitness Assessment and Exercise Counseling stream. Marco then went on to achieve his Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) degree at the Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College (CMCC). To further pursue Marco's passion in chiropractic, he is in the process of completing his Fellowship in Chiropractic Rehabilitation Sciences (FCCRS) at CMCC.
Marco is a certified Active Release Techniques® Soft Tissue Treatment (ART®) provider in the upper limb, lower limb, spine and nerve entrapment, which is a perfect complement to his manual therapy skills. He has also completed the Graston Technique certification course, which utilizes instrument-assistive devices for soft tissue injuries. Marco holds a certificate in Contemporary Medical Acupuncture for health professionals from McMaster University. Marco is also recognized by the Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology (CSEP) as a Certified Exercise Physiologist (CEP). Furthermore, he holds a Level 1 National Coaching Certificate.
During Marco's undergraduate studies, he worked in the performance lab at York University as a fitness practitioner, where he conducted the physical and performance assessments on GTA firefighter applicants, varsity and professional athletes. Marco also has extensive experience working in the health field as a Kinesiologist. His chiropractic clinical experience has paved the way for him to successfully treat patients with simple aches and pains such as sprains, strains, postural dysfunction, headaches, as well as those suffering from far more serious conditions such as discogenic pain, sacroiliac joint dysfunction, shoulder pathology, joint replacement, whiplash associated disorders, multiple sclerosis, and cerebral palsy.
Over the years, Marco has acquired an extensive amount of knowledge of the human body in the areas of anatomy, physiology, orthopedics, biomechanics and rehabilitation. This has allowed him to be well versed with any nerve, joint, and/or muscular complaint with which a patient may present, truly making Marco a neuromusculoskeletal specialist.
Marco utilizes an Integrated Therapy and Training (ITT) approach with each and every patient, which integrates state-of-the art manual therapy skills with high performance personal training techniques. Marco is also an avid fitness enthusiast, and is a firm believer in practicing what he preaches. Marco's education, experience, and unyielding commitment and passion to succeed makes him a valuable member of the SHAPE team.

Jamie Gold
Registered Physiotherapist
Conditioning Specialist
Acupuncture Practitioner
Jamie's post-secondary education began at York University where he completed a specialized honours degree in Kinesiology and Health Science. He then went on to graduate from a Master's Degree in Physiotherapy from Queen's University with honours. Amongst his graduating class, Jamie was granted the Mari Orti Memorial award for his particular interest and outstanding excellence in the academic and clinical aspects of rheumatology.
Jamie is extremely knowledgeable and experienced in exercise and high-performance conditioning from years of participation in various sports and through his academic training. He is certified as a Strength and Conditioning Specialist (C.S.C.S.) through the National Strength and Conditioning Association NSCA-USA. Jamie's clinical approach takes into account each unique individual and their goals through highly customized therapy and exercise prescription.
Jamie's physiotherapy practice utilizes a blend of education, exercise, advanced biomechanical analysis and manual therapy techniques including; joint mobilization, myofascial release, and neural tissue mobilization to optimize physical function. In addition, Jamie is certified by the Advanced Physical Therapy Institute (APTEI) in therapeutic taping and lumbar and thoracic spinal manipulations, which have been a positive adjunct to his delivery of rehabilitation. Jamie has also completed the level 1 anatomical Acupuncture program through the Acupuncture Foundation of Canada Institute (AFCI) and is employing these techniques when clinically necessary.
Jamie has had successful experiences treating an array of orthopaedic conditions such as ligament sprains, muscle strains, disc herniation's, shoulder pathologies (e.g.: rotator cuff tendinopathies, dislocations), whiplash associated disorders, osteoarthritis, joint replacements, fractures, back pain, sacroiliac joint (SIJ) dysfunction, epicondylitis (e.g.: tennis elbow), and postural adaptation syndromes. Jamie's past involvement in therapeutic horseback riding for children with developmental disabilities along with his clinical internships in neurological wards of hospitals such as Huronia District, Penetanguishine and Queen Elizabeth II (Halifax, Nova Scotia) has allowed him to accumulate a range of skills to appropriately and effectively intervene for individuals with cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injuries, and stroke.
Jamie is keenly interested in his professional growth. He is constantly reviewing the most recent evidence based 'best practices' to ensure the delivery of the most effective and highest quality of care. Jamie aims to continue his education through the acquisition of certifications in Acupuncture, Active Release Techniques (ART®), and to attain a further Master's Degree in Manual and Manipulative Therapy. Jamie is extremely passionate in his commitment to obtain the best rehabilitation for each patient in order to achieve the most timely and successful functional recovery from injury.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT ACUPUNCTURE
I suffered from severe bilateral plantar fasciitis for over one year. In constant pain, I was barely able to walk or stand, and was considering surgery. The results of the Graston technique and active release therapy performed by Dr. Katie Au at SHAPE were life-altering. The efficacy of her technique is remarkable. Combined with a program of rehabilitation, altered weekly, my mobility has been restored and pain is gone. SHAPE Toronto has my hearty recommendation.
A. Phillips
A. Phillips
Sender,
Thank you and your team for the great session. I ran 16K this morning and felt great, in large part due to your help yesterday. Congratulations on your successful operation. You have a great team and a unique approach to integrated fitness and health.
Adam D.
Thank you and your team for the great session. I ran 16K this morning and felt great, in large part due to your help yesterday. Congratulations on your successful operation. You have a great team and a unique approach to integrated fitness and health.
Adam D.
I've never had a back treatment of such quality. I had the ankle sciatic sensation on the way home and a few times at dinner and a super mild sciatic feeling in my right calf on the way to work, but I feel way better! Thanks for taking such great care of me. I was holding my abs so much last night, my stomach was sore when I woke up this morning!
Catherine K.
Catherine K.
I live in Los Angeles and while visiting family in Toronto, I complained of upper-back and shoulder pain which had been ongoing for months. My Dad suggested I see a chiropractor. Luckily, his search led to Shawn. who provided immediate relief. You can't undo months of issues in one visit and a few adjustments, but it was the springboard I needed to get on the right track. I have been pain free since. He even went out of his way to find a doctor in the LA area.
Erik B.
Erik B.
The weekly yoga session with Dagmara is the highlight of our week. She is cheerful, positive, attentive and energetic. The session provides our bodies with flexibility, gives us physical and mental strength, and facilitates peace of mind, so we can endure life until we see her again!
Esther & Ben Geva
Esther & Ben Geva
I wanted to thank all of you for the amazing support I’ve received over the past few months since coming to SHAPE. I came with specific fitness goals and you exceeded my expectations on every level! I’ve never felt and looked better in my life, and of course. SHAPE is a wonderful environment and knowing you have massage therapists, chiropractors and nutritionists on hand helps make the experience complete.
Gillian S.
Gillian S.
Through years of sports and competitive dance, I've had numerous chronic injuries. I visited physiotherapists, massage therapists and acupuncturists, but not until SHAPE did I see a remarkable difference. It's almost unbelievable how accurately they made the diagnosis and performed appropriate treatments. I am thankful to be free of some of the pain I had for years. If there’s such thing as miracle workers, Shawn & Sender are it!. The fact that they follow up the next day with by phone or email speaks volumes!
Heather F.
Heather F.
Sender performed a miracle by alleviating chronic pain, lived with for several years. His ability to pinpoint the exact location of the muscles creating the pain and then use acupuncture and ART® treatments resulted in pain free living. What a joy! Now, it's only 32 hours after treatment so a few more days will tell the tale. Thank you,
Irene D.
Irene D.
I went to the gym and had a really GREAT work out yesterday. My back is a bit sore now but all is good, no problem, and you know what, this morning I feel like the 'HULK' because I can actually feel my muscles 'ripping and full of energy'. It feels MARVELOUS. Thanks Doc for a great treatment.
Respectfully
Jameson W.
Respectfully
Jameson W.
A week before my first race, my knees suddenly told me enough was enough! I could barely walk in the morning. I contacted SHAPE, and Shawn came to my rescue introducing me to ART®! Without you and your outstanding ability to alleviate pain, I may not have made it through my warm up on race day!!! You were genuinely concerned about my injury and determined to do whatever possible to make sure I was able to compete - you are my new HERO!
Jess H.
Jess H.
I have always had fantastic workouts at SHAPE, but I must say, my workouts with Adam continually challenge me and the results have been beyond expectation, in a very short period of time. I believe it important to give positive feedback when warranted.
Jessica B.
Jessica B.
Unlike most facilities, the whole you is treated by a complete team. My case is continually reviewed by Sender together with my MeDCAN physician, physiotherapist and kinesiologist. It is reassuring to know I am in the hands of such an involved team committed to providing excellence.
Joan M.
Joan M.
My support for SHAPE is due to the commitment of the great people. You have all become like family to me and I will shout from the roof tops how wonderful, not only the facility is, but how great you all are. I believe in the programs and how you work together for your clients.
Jodi C.
Jodi C.
I have been training with Khanh for over 2 years and my strength, balance and flexibility have all improved. Khanh seems to know exactly how hard to push me so that I get the most out of every session and still have fun. He is a very thoughtful trainer.
Joe
Joe
Sender,
Every time I ski down the hill and feel how strong my legs are and how great I feel, I am grateful for the day I met you. I am skiing better than I have ever skied. I feel like an athelete!!
Judy D.
Every time I ski down the hill and feel how strong my legs are and how great I feel, I am grateful for the day I met you. I am skiing better than I have ever skied. I feel like an athelete!!
Judy D.









