Acupuncture Practitioners
- Dr. Sender Deutsch
- Dr. Shawn Thistle
- Dr. Marco Tocco
- Kevin Villafana
- Jonny Lo
- John Jia
- Alejandra Rodriguez
Dr. Sender Deutsch
Clinic Director - Chiropractor
Acupuncture Practitioner
Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist
Active Release Techniques ® Soft Tissue Treatment Provider
Certified Golf Fitness Instructor
Synergy Performance Tape Provider
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
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 Synergy Performance Taping, 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, Golf Performance Training, sports kinesio-taping and fascial abrasion techniques.
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. To read articles or view video clips please check the MEDIA SECTION.
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. Shawn Thistle
Associate Clinic Director
Chiropractor
Acupuncture Practitoner
Active Release Techniques ® Soft Tissue Treatment Provider
Functional Range Release F.R.™ Provider & Instructor
Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
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.
He is also founder and president of The Epicurean Scholar a division of RRS which provides continuing education seminars for chiropractors and physiotherapists. Designed for discerning professionals, courses are offered at unique locations combined with exclusive leisure and local attractions as well as gourmet food and wine experiences for attendees and their guests.
Dr. Marco Tocco
Chiropractor
Active Release Techniques ® Soft Tissue Treatment Provider
Acupuncture Practitioner
Synergy Performance Tape Provider
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 Master's course, upper limb, lower limb, spine and nerve entrapment, which is a perfect complement to his manual therapy skills. Marco is also certified by the FIT instiitue as a Synergy Performance Tape provider, which utilizes elastic kinesiology tape on the skin to balance muscle function. Performance Taping, unlike conventional athletic taping is applied in a manner that allows the body to move freely without restriction. Performance Taping can be used to help balance muscle firing patterns and improve joint function. Marco has also completed the Level 1 Graston Technique 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.
Kevin Villafana BA Hons (Kin.), MScPT, CSCS
Kevin Villafana
Registered Physiotherapist
Acupuncture Practitioner
Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist
Kevin has always had an intrinsic understanding of the importance of fitness and training from his competitive days in soccer and volleyball to the present, enjoying recreational sports such as soccer, hockey, tennis, squash, basketball and ultimate frisbee. Kevin was exposed to the benefits of Physiotherapy when a devastating injury prevented him from enjoying his passion for sports. As a patient he sought out Physiotherapy for the first time and shortly after, he was restored to full function with no limitations allowing him to return to his beloved sports. It was this experience that motivated Kevin to pursue his Masters degree in Physiotherapy.
Kevin began his journey by acquiring a Bachelor of Arts degree in Kinesiology and Health Sciences with a minor in Psychology at York University. This allowed him to understand the science behind human movement which is crucial for the specific training and conditioning of his clients. Kevin then went on to complete his Master of Science degree in Physiotherapy at Queen's University. His completion of courses in Athletic Therapy and Athletic Injuries, courses from the Advanced Physical Therapy Education Institute, and experience in 5 orthopaedic settings has providing him with the tools to affectively treat and restore full function to his clients.
Furthermore, he intends to attain his ART® certification in the near future. Kevin has a strong foundation in managing acute and chronic low back and neck pain, various sport injuries, muscle strains, ligament sprains, repetitive strain and rotator cuff injuries, functional rehabilitation; in addition to a variety of other musculoskeletal impairments resulting from everyday and/or recreational activities. In order to treat these conditions he can provide joint mobilizations to improve movement, spinal manipulations, specific manual stretching, therapeutic taping, soft tissue and myofascial release/massage and specific exercises to rehabilitate and prevent injuries.
Kevin has always appreciated the complexity and immense physical capabilities of a single human being. Thus, he trains and treats every client as a unique individual with specific goals which optimizes their results. This is why he has dedicated his life to studying the human body, and why he is motivated to continually advance his professional expertise. Kevin believes that with guided education, treatment and training, every client can benefit from a little push in the right direction to achieve their full potential. His charismatic and motivated personality combined with his extensive knowledge base provide him with the right tools to be an excellent member of the SHAPE team.
Jonny Lo
Registered Massage Therapist
Medical Acupuncture Practitioner
Johnny Lo is a graduate from the Canadian College of Massage and Hydrotherapy program with honours. He also holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology from York University. Johnny has also fulfilled the requirements that allow him to perform Contemporary Medical Acupuncture from McMaster University, which he will utilize when needed to reduce pain sensations and improve function. Johnny has an extensive knowledge of injuries associated with sports activity and motor vehicle accidents from his experience as a Certified Kinesiologist prior to becoming a Massage Therapist.
He is also certified in the application of performance taping. He has a passion for thorough assessments and is dedicated to treating root causes of injuries, problems and concerns. Joining the inter-professional care facility at SHAPE Toronto, Johnny is eager to utilize the strength of each profession to provide holistic care for your needs.
Over the years, Johnny has been an active participant in many sports activities ranging from various team sports such as soccer, softball, and hockey to individual sports such as badminton and tennis. Through participation, he has a gained practical knowledge of the types of movements required by various sports and is able to understand the challenges of experiencing injuries.
John Jia, RMT, TCM
Registered Massage Therapist
Acupuncture Practitioner
John graduated from the Royal Canadian College of Massage therapy. He has been practicing Traditional Chinese Herbal Medicine & Acupuncture for many years and is able to integrate it into his practice. John also has extensive experience in Chinese Tuna massage, Taiji and Qigong practicing massage treatments. He is always considering treating ailments and diseases with both a western and oriental medicine approach. John combines Chinese and Western massage theories and techniques together to form his unique massage style. He is not only outstanding at relaxation massages, but also therapeutic treatments, especially treating chronic pain, sports injuries and rehabilitation.
John is not content in what he has achieved to date and continues to challenge himself in order to make his massage treatments more effective, long lasting, less painful and safe. He never stops learning and absorbing the advantages of other types of massage practices as he constantly searches for better and more effective treatment techniques.
Alejandra Rodriguez, Bsc, BscPT
Registered Physiotherapist
Acupuncture Practitioner, Certified Trigenics Practitioner
Alejandra decided at a very young age that she would like to work in health care. It wasn't until after volunteering in different clinics and hospitals that she realized that helping people recover from injuries would be the most rewarding career for her. Alejandra obtained her bachelor in sciences from the University of Toronto, and after that she obtained her bachelor degree in Physiotherapy from the Hogeschool van Amsterdam, in the Netherlands. After completion of the European physio program, she went on to obtain her physiotherapy license in Canada as well as in the United States.
She has a wide range of experience working across different sectors in hospitals, rehabilitation centres and private practices. Alejandra has spent several years working at the chronic pain management program at Toronto Western Hospital, where she learned the importance of working with an interdisciplinary team of health care professionals to treat complex conditions and to help patients restore the quality of their life in every single aspect. She has worked closely with several family doctors, specialists, psychologists and multiple health care professionals, in order to help her clients achieve both their health and lifestyle goals
In the private sector, Alejandra has chosen to specialize in the area of orthopedics and has successfully treated many types of complex injuries from car accidents to sports injuries, slip-and-falls, pre and post- surgical conditions and work-related injuries. In the public sector, she currently works at the St. Joseph Health Care Centre, where she specializes in cardiorespiratory conditions and assists patients who have undergone major surgeries or who are in critical conditions, to recover and regain their independence.
As part of her training, Alejandra has completed several certifications including acupuncture, dry needling and Trigenics. These advanced methods of treatment have allowed her to competently maximize her results by providing accurate diagnosis and follow up intervention. As a result, Alejandra has been able to help many of her clients reach their goals of minimizing or eradicating pain, improving their physical tolerances and ensuring a fast and successful recovery.
Alejandra is passionate about living a healthy lifestyle and the importance of regular exercise. Her favourite activities include yoga, pilates, cycling and running. She is also currently pursuing her certification in strength and conditioning training.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT ACUPUNCTURE
 |
