Osteopathic Manual Practitioner in Toronto. Movement teacher.

Osteopathic Manual Practitioner in Toronto. Movement teacher. Gentle and effective osteopathic manual therapy and movement teacher.

03/23/2026

I almost forgot what has me thinking about menopause in the first place.
It was feeling sad that women are taught to not feed themselves during a time when it is particularly vital to our ability to thrive.
Paying attention to your nutrition and making sure you are supporting your body with sufficient calories during this transition is incredibly helpful. This is technically low hanging fruit.
But unfortunately as women, we have generally been taught to believe the opposite about how to feed ourselves and be "healthy". We are taught to undereat.
And so what does a woman who is in her 40's and gaining belly fat do?
Reduce calories of course!
It not only makes sense but is literally what we have been taught.
That it's righteous to be that way even.
This puts a strain on our bodies. Stress. Combined with the stress of not understanding what's going on. It gets layered.
Different women deal with different symptoms, it's all very individual.
But I'm here to remind you that no matter what, it's important to eat!
Inform yourself and talk to your doctor about what has been actually shown to improve menopause symptoms. And when they tell you it's lifestyle changes, come back here!
Your body technically wants you to be healthy and feel well. I promise the road ahead can actually be a good time.




03/23/2026

Menopause. A big topic.

So yes we could talk about the worrying things like bone density loss and the best ways to combat it (spoiler alert it is definitely resistance exercise and movement on a whole which also reduces stress which is HUGELY important).

But what about joy? Which is one of the pillars, and resources, that the body requires in order to thrive.

So how about we be a little less stressed about what menopause means and know that it's totally normal and good. The symptoms however, hot flashes, mood changes, brain fog. These are less fun to experience and are things we can find support for. And thank Goodness there are so many more options out there for us now and information available to us. It can be overwhelming though and I would always advise someone to be weary when you are being sold something. Much of what can help is through your own lifestyle changes and discussions you can have with your doctor.

So please, as much as possible, don't stress.

One thing at a time.

If I were to recommend a book to start with it would be "It's not Hysteria" by Karen.

If sitting and reading a book is too far removed from something you might do, entertain the idea of an audio book perhaps. The free library app is truly miraculous in this way!




03/23/2026

Menopause. A big topic.
Yes I could talk about worrying things and about bone density loss and the best ways to combat it (spoiler alert it is definitely resistance exercise and movement on a whole which also reduces stress which is HUGELY important).
And joy. Which is one of the pillars, and indeed resources, that the body requires in order to thrive.
So how about we be a little less stressed about what menopause means and know that's it's totally normal and good. The symptoms however, hot flashes, mood changes, brain fog. These are less fun to experience and are things we can find support for. And thank Goodness there are so many more options out there for us now and information available to us. It can be overwhelming though and I would always advise someone to be weary when you are being sold something. Much of what can help is through your own lifestyle changes and discussions you can have with your doctor.
So please, as much as possible, don't stress.
One thing at a time.
If I were to recommend a book to start with it would be "It's not Hysteria" by .
If sitting and reading a book is too far removed from something you might do, entertain the idea of an audio book perhaps. The free library app is truly miraculous in this way!

03/19/2026

Throw away your phone!
Okay not really. Except yes.
I just want people to know that this phone thing is not a small thing, it is a BIG thing. Our brains were not designed for this and modern life has truly come at us fast.
And it's affecting our sleep.
You could list a million ways in which "the phone" has negatively impacted our human circumstances. It does the opposite of helping us thrive basically.
But if you just wanted to look at sleep you would not be without a lot to work with.
Sleep procrastination is "intentionally delaying your sleep to reclaim personal time" and the numbers of people that engage in this behaviour is overwhelming. How many times a week do you delay your bedtime doing this? 3? 4? 7? All of them?
It's likely a lot. Something is going on and it's destroying our health and it's not something we as individuals are the cause of.
I'm a fan of personal responsibility but also of reality. People didn't use lead paint because they liked it, the used it because it was what was available. And thank God we stopped because lead paint has been shown to have caused irreversable damage to the nervous system, brain, kidneys and blood. Every book I've read about long term health and longevity cites the dramatic negative effect lead paint had on human health.
And so here we are actively in the throes of using something we know, we can feel, is damaging to us long term. What to do?
Throw away your phone!
Move to the forest.
If this is not accessible to you, then the time is ripe for thinking.
Take those three breathes and sit for a moment. Note if you got distracted before you counted the three. All normal.
Often, in today's world, we are overwhelmed with information.
I have found that focusing on one thing at a time is helpful*
So let's try to get a good night's sleep. It would be a challenge to do on a regular basis if you're not used to it so maybe just focus on one day first. One good night's sleep. Your brain will work better and THEN you can strategize the rest of your life.
Good luck!
*Not a revolutionary discovery but one that takes quite a bit to get into the bones let me tell you!


03/16/2026

We keep going which for me means trying out new places! This is Ultra Pilates in Regent Park.
My journey with being willing to enter Pilates spaces was a drawn out one. Movement practices that had an image of focusing on "the core" were/are the bane of my exercise existence. The last thing to conquer*.
*Untrue statement based on the fact that there are many things I've yet to try far less conquer)
But through some I suppose I started going because I just know too much about how smart the practice is. I think it can benefit anyone (but is particularly useful for hyper mobile people fyi) in my case I knew it would improve my ability to lift without injury, and to balance in any situation I may find myself in.
Which by the way, are the kinds of challenges that life entails. So I'm training for life. How cool is that?
If you're in Regent Park and interested in pilates I definitely suggest giving Ultra Pilates a try. I did their 3 pack intro and it was a good way to see the diversity of the classes offered.
And as I say in the video, remember to do things that you enjoy and do them to a reasonable level. I loved the classes and felt prepared for them (I exercise a lot!) but I didn't do 4 or 5 of the movements in the way they were presented, I took more breaks and in general I didn't over tax myself. Truly that approach to exercise is generally not helpful and it's taken me many years but I know that now :)
Exercise is not morality. No one is better than you in that room AND you never know what people are dealing with so always be kind. And if you're not kind to yourself in the movement practices you participate in maybe ask yourself where that came from.
Movement and strength and the ability to do (and try!) whatever we want is a gift. I hope you enjoy.
Ps. My first class was a Cristal class and I loved it but def feel free to know she is great but it's harrrrrdddd.



03/12/2026

Who told you you weren't disciplined? Well....
I hope you get what I got, from this story.
Practicing Ashtanga yoga (Mysore style) was a trip. So much was learnt and so little of it was about accomplishment. I showed up. And I did learn things, just not what I expected.
And that couldn't have happened unless I did the showing up part.
I hope that you know that discipline looks different on everybody. Usually it's doing things differently than you perhaps would have when you are on auto-pilot in the world.
In that case discipline can certainly be a commitment to remain in a space of awareness and conscious choice.
So eat when they tell you not to. Take in easy in your movement choice and see what that looks like. Make sure you are enjoying yourself.
Discipline that kind of love into your life.
I'm gonna tag my friend cause she's one of the few people that would get this Mysore story. Wanna hear about the time I decided to stop going to conference?! Scandal. Lol.
Stories upon stories.




02/23/2026

The Pam McConnel Aquatic Centre in Regent Park is a great facility located in Regent Park with some amazing perks.
In addition to their daily recreational swims, lane swims, swims for kids, they also offer women-only and older adult lane swims and aquafit classes.
And it's all free!
If you're walking by maybe go in and grab the schedule (they offer paper versions you can put straight onto your fridge) and feel out the space.
Going into the water is great for a variety of reasons not just the physical movement. The water itself is amazing for lymphatic movement and drainage.
If you're in pain often water can mitigate that as you learn how to move in a way that is supportive and useful at whatever point in your journey.
Here is some additional information as to why just going into the water can be an amazing addition to your physical well-being.

Why it works
Unlike the circulatory system, which has the heart to pump blood, the lymphatic system is "passive." It relies entirely on muscle contraction, breathing, and external pressure to move fluid and flush out toxins.

1. Hydrostatic Pressure
When you stand in water, the weight of the liquid exerts "hydrostatic pressure" on your body. This pressure is higher at your ankles than at your chest (due to depth), which naturally pushes fluid upward toward the torso where the major lymphatic ducts are located.

2. Buoyancy and Reduced Guarding

When you are in pain, your muscles often "guard" or tense up to protect a joint. This tension actually restricts lymph flow. Water’s buoyancy reduces your body weight by up to 90%, allowing those guarding muscles to relax. This "opens the gates" for fluid to move through pathways that were previously squeezed shut by tension.

3. Viscosity and Resistance
Water is thicker than air. Every tiny movement you make—even just waving your hand—requires you to push against the water’s resistance. This creates a gentle, rhythmic muscle pump that "milks" the lymph vessels without the high-impact stress of land-based exercise.

Hope this helps inspire you to enjoy your human right to enjoy being in your body.

DM any questions you may have.




Being in pain sucks. Being limited in what you can do in your body is no fun and feeling lost about what to do about it ...
02/12/2026

Being in pain sucks. Being limited in what you can do in your body is no fun and feeling lost about what to do about it is even less so.
There are ways forward! And osteopathy can help.
Osteopathic manual therapy can help relieve pain and provide support and insight about how to move forward in your health journey.
Feel free to DM with any questions you may have.



🌳💰💯

02/11/2026

Talking about health and well being is kind of my jam. I am also fyi, not always into taking my own advice. Because I'm human and this is very often how it works. We do not always do the things that are good for us and that make us feel better.

And why is that?

Well now you've really gotten to my jam. Human behaviour and why we do things is of interest to me. Our health situations do not exist in a vacuum and our choices are more often decided by the systems we exist in.

Were you taught no pain no gain? Is the idea of releasing muscles to you only about stretching? What if I told you mobility has a lot more to do with connective tissue like ligaments and fascia than how often you stretch? Or that your approach to stretching may be causing more tightness.

I mean. Have your hamstrings released in all these years? Probably not right?

And this is where a different approach is handy. Beating yourself up stops working at a point. Why not try something new? What is getting better from injury was about expanding on the health and positive things you have going for you already?

Osteopathy works like this. Message me with any questions you may have.

Cheers!



02/09/2026

This is La Femme! I started with this gym because it is perhaps my most recommended. As someone who is hyper-aware of how uncomfortable it can be to start something new, far less something like lifting weights, La Femme is the place to try it out for women on the East side of Toronto.
They are incredibly welcoming, the signage and messaging that is everywhere in the space, images of different bodies and women cheering each other on, tells you a lot about the vibe overall. Which is to say, great!
And as someone who is deeply interested in the mechanics of movement and how different instructors relay their information and knowledge, I am consistently impressed with this gym. Balance is of utmost concern, as is strength and co-ordination. All while having fun in a supportive space.
This is what truly has an effect on health outcomes, especially for women. Perhaps you've heard recently about the loss of bone density that comes with aging and how women are the most at risk for this due to hormonal changes.
And yes that is true, the potential loss of bone density for women is a big issue but what is the primary reason for that? What has the most potential impact on you or a loved ones health outcomes? Not falling. Which is to say, to be stable over your own two feet. And what is strength training at its core? Staying stable over your two feet... While managing weight. Tah Dah!
We live in a world that has us not moving and it is a radical act to say no more. And to prioritize yourself. But let me tell you, the rewards are multifold for you and your family. Let's get more strong women out there!
Feel free to try out La Femme or DM with any questions you may have. Or join me for a class! My interest is in making my life hyper-local and building community. Let's do it together!






Ps. Thank you so much for making me not hate Pilates/ab training. A mini miracle right there let me tell you.

02/08/2026

Staying outside when it's cold. On purpose. Who would have thought? I certainly didn't. But now I have and I am so so grateful. Winter is full of awe if we give it a chance. And dress really well. And have no kids so you won't be stressed.
I'm joking I'm joking!
But please if you can go outside. It's been shown by just about every metric to substantially boost your health situation! Including if not most importantly, your mental health.

02/01/2026

Quick story.
Thank you to the
The bus driver of bus #8745 really helped me out today! I feel very lucky to the recipient of his kindness.
I hope to keep the sharing and caring vibes up!



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Toronto, ON
M5A0C2

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Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm
Saturday 9am - 5pm

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