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Profile of Dr. Shawn Thistle Toronto

B. Kin. (Hons.), D.C., D.Ac, ART®, C.S.C.S


Dr. Thistle is a clinic director at SHAPE Health and Wellness Centres Toronto, where he helps clients achieve optimal health by relieving pain, strengthening their bodies, and improving their lifestyles through integrated implementation of evidence-based treatment, therapy and training protocols. Shawn is also a part-time lecturer in the Dept. of Orthopedics at Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College, Toronto.

Shawn graduated (magna cum laude) from the Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College in Toronto (2004) and holds an Honours Degree (summa cum laude) in Kinesiology from McMaster University. He also 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 a provider and Certified Instructor in Functional Anatomic Palpation Systems™ & Functional Range Release F.R.®,  courses addressing specificity of palpation and manual treatment and rehabilitation of myofascial structures.

Shawn is also certified as a Strength and Conditioning Specialist (C.S.C.S.) through the National Strength and Conditioning Association NSCA-USA.

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 treatment and therapy 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 treatment therapies and exercise as progress is made in achieving health and personal fitness goals.

Dr. Thistle has been featured on CBC television and, as part of the SHAPE team, in articles in Toronto Life, Flare Magazine, Toronto Sun and Canadian Chiropractor. He also contributes articles to Canadian Chiropractor Magazine and numerous online newsletters and publications related to health care and chiropractic. back to top

As a public speaker Shawn combines experience from his unique blend of clinical practice and teaching career as a chiropractor and strength-conditioning specialist with his entrepreneurial business acumen, to provide passionate, high-energy presentations to Chiropractic, Manual Medicine, Manipulative Physical Therapy and Sport Therapy organizations and colleges and groups interested in learning about health and fitness. PUBLIC SPEAKING INFO

Research Review Service Shawn is the Founder and President of Research Review Service Inc. which provides an online subscription service designed to assist busy manual-medicine practitioners, rehabilitation and exercise sciences professionals to integrate current, relevant evidence from chiropractic, physiotherapy and exercise sciences research, into their clinical practice and patient care. As a practicing clinician himself, Shawn ensures that RRS provides practical insight into the application of current scientific research to practice. Practitioners in all manual medicine and rehabilitation disciplines are faced with a daunting task of staying abreast of emerging information as the volume of evidence-based information grows. Research Review Service Inc. is designed to help bridge this gap by providing weekly reviews of current scientific articles.
  • chiropractic
  • physiotherapy
  • acupuncture
  • athletic & massage therapy
  • exercise sciences
The Epicurean ScholarShawn 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.

POSITIONS  HELD:
  • Associate Clinic Director - SHAPE Health and Wellness Centres, Toronto
  • Founder & President of Research Review Service Inc.
  • Founder & President of The Epicurean Scholar (Div. of Research Review Service)
  • Lecturer - Dept. of Orthopedics, Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College, Toronto
  • Instructor - Functional Anatomic Palpation Systems
    F.A.P.™ / F.R.®
  • Faculty Dept. of Clinical Ed., Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College, Toronto 2004 - 2009
EDUCATION: back to top
  • 2008: ART® Active Release Techniques - Peripheral Nerve Entrapment (Course)
  • 2007: ART® Active Release Techniques - Recertification
  • 2006: ART® Active Release Techniques - Upper Extremity
  • 2006: ART® Active Release Techniques - Spine
  • 2005: ART® Active Release Techniques - Lower Extremity
  • 2004: McMaster Contemporary Medical Acupuncture Program
  • 2001: C.S.C.S. (Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist) National Strength & Conditioning Assoc., USA
  • 2000 - 2004: Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College, Toronto, Ontario - Doctor of Chiropractic (magna cum laude)
  • 1996 - 2000: McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario - Honors Bachelor of Kinesiology (summa cum laude) - majored in exercise physiology, nutrition, & rehabilitation
AWARDS:
  • 2004 Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College, Toronto; 'Gilbert H. Yong Memorial Award' for highest academic standing in fourth year of study
  • 2004 Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College, Toronto; 'Stephane Julien Memorial Award'chosen by the 4th year graduating class for demonstrating great dedication to helping other students in academics and technique during 4 years at CMCC
  • 2004 Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College, Toronto; 'Hoskins/Sommacal Clinic Proficiency Award' presented by CMCC to an intern from the HK Lee Clinic who has shown outstanding proficiency in Clinical Education
  • 2002 International Association of Chiropractic Colleges Student Research Award, Burroughs Wellcome Fund Research Award (CIHR), for project entitled: 'Chiropractic Post-Graduate Education: A compilation of chiropractic certification/specialty programmes' presented at the 2004 ACC-RAC Research Conference in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA - March, 2004
  • 2002 The Orthotic Group Excellence in Biomechanics Scholarship
PUBLICATIONS: back to top
  • Monthly columnist in Canadian Chiropractor Magazine 'Research Review Corner'
  • Columnist for the CCA Report (Canadian Chiropractic Association)  'Research in Action'
  • Regular contributor to Dynamic Chiropractic Canada
  • Dr. Shawn Thistle, Integrated Therapy and Training; A New Approach to Health and Fitness. Chiropractic For Life; Well Now Inc. July, 2005
  • Thistle SM, Grod JP & Crowther ER. Chiropractic Postgraduate Education: A Compilation of Chiropractic Certification/Specialty Programs. The Journal of Chiropractic Education 2004; 18(1): 86 [abstract]
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT:
  • Delegate: Research Symposium 'Cumulative Trauma Injury: Prevention, Care and Disability Management' Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College
    October 29-30, 2011, Toronto
  • Delegate: Research Symposium and Colloquium, Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College  October 24-25, 2009, Toronto
  • Delegate: Research Symposium, (CMCC) Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College
    Feb. 1, 2008, Toronto
  • Delegate: Fusion of Stabilization and Mobilization with Dr. Stu McGill (University of Waterloo) and Dr. Kim Ross (CMCC) Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College
    Sept. 23-24, 2006, Toronto
  • Delegate: Functional Reactivation: From Developmental Kinesiology to Functional Fitness with Dr. Craig Liebenson. Candian Memorial Chiropractic College
    Feb. 25-26, 2006, Toronto
  • Delegate: Advances in Sports Medicine: Leading Edge Update. Michener Institute, Course GH700
    Oct. 15, 2005, Toronto
  • Delegate: Sport Sciences Seminar, presented by the College of Chiropractic Sports Sciences (Canada)
    May 28, 2005, Toronto
  • Delegate: Record Keeping Seminar, presented by the College of Chiropractors of Ontario
    Sept. 10, 2005, Toronto
  • Delegate: Assessment and Treatment of the Lower Extremity - presented by the College of Chiropractic Sports Sciences (Canada), May 8-9, 2004, Toronto
  • Delegate and presenter: Association of Chiropractic Colleges - Research Agenda Conference (ACC-RAC)
    Mar. 11-14, 2004, Las Vegas, NV
  • Member: National Strength and Conditioning Association
  • Delegate: OCA/CMCC Annual Conference and Trade Show Track 2: Radiology Review - Advanced Imaging for the Spine and Extremities as it Relates to Chiropractic Practice
    Oct. 3-5, 2003, Toronto
  • Delegate: Third Canadian Integrative Medicine Grand Round - Fibromyalgia - Mt. Sinai Hospital
    Sept. 30, 2003, Toronto
  • Delegate: Whiplash & Neck Pain Research, Management and Legislation - Conference and AGM, Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College and the Canadian Society of Chiropractic Evaluators
    Apr. 5, 2003, Toronto
  • Delegate: Society of Weight-Training Injury Specialists (SWIS) 4th annual International Weight-Training Injury Symposium
    Sept. 13-15, 2002, Toronto
  • Delegate: workshop - Whiplash, Insights & Perspectives - Canadian Society of Chiropractic Evaluators (CSCE)
    May 4, 2002, Toronto
  • Delegate: 2 sessions - Nutrition and Natural Medicine in the Prevention and Management of Degenerative Diseases - (Dr. James Meschino DC, MSc), Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College Continuing Education Dept.
    2001, Toronto
  • Delegate: Society of Weight-Training Injury Specialists (SWIS) 3rd Annual Weight-Training Injury Symposium
    Nov. 16-18, 2001, Toronto

Contact Dr. Thistle
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Research Review Service Affiliate Program

If you offer products or services to, or regularly communicate with chiropractors, physiotherapists, personal fitness trainers, strength and conditioning specialists, strength coaches, or athletic trainers, an affiliate partnership with Research Review Service Inc. will be of mutual benefit.... information HERE

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News & Events

Shawn Speaking @

British Chiropractic Autumn Conference
Kenilworth, England
Sept. 15-16 / 2012
'Do we really provide evidence-informed care?'
'Hip mobility to spare the spine - practical applications for older patients.'

Ontario Chiropractic Assoc.
'Pathways to Practice' Seminar'
Oct. / 2012
Topic to be Announced

BOOK Shawn For Your Event

Testimonials

"Dr. Thistle provides us with a crucial piece of the puzzle when it comes to providing effective patient care. I found his presentation to be extremely informative and immediately applicable in practice. Epicurean Scholar will play an important part in my ongoing continuing education."
Dr. Chad Conaway Hanover, Ontario
NOTE: Shawn spoke to the Grey/Bruce Chiropractic Society Apr. 26 / 2012
"It was by chance I met with Dr. Thistle. I reside in Los Angeles, CA and while visiting family in Toronto, I complained of upper-back and shoulder pain which had been ongoing for three months. My father suggested I go to a chiropractor. I was not enthusiastic. Subsequently, my father took it upon himself to find a chiropractor. Luckily, his online search led to Dr. Thistle, whom I met 24 hours later. He provided immediate relief. Although you can't undo months, weeks or years of issues with one visit and a few adjustments, it is clear to me that my visit with Dr. Thistle was the springboard I needed to get on the right track. Further, I have been pain free since. Dr. Thistle also went out of his way to help find a doctor in Los Angeles. I highly recommend Dr. Thistle to anyone in need of chiropractic care.
Erik B. - Los Angeles"
"Through many years of sports and competitive dance, I've had numerous injuries which became chronic. For years I visited many physiotherapists, massage therapists and acupuncturists, but it wasn’t until I was treated at SHAPE that I recognized the remarkable difference. In fact, its almost unbelievable how accurately they can make a diagnosis, and then perform the right treatment for the right injury. Bottom line is they provide results quickly. I can’t tell you how thankful I am to be out of some of the pain I was experiencing for years. If there’s such a thing as a miracle worker – these guys (Shawn and Sender) are it!. The fact that they follow up the next day with a phone call or an email asking how I am doing, speaks volumes for the service!
Heather F."
"I felt I had conquered the world! I placed 17th in my age group out of 90 competitors at the Sarasota International Marathon 2008. A week before, I had to halt my training and was terrified I would not be able to compete. I could barely manage to walk, let alone make it through training runs because my knee pain was so excruciating! I contacted SHAPE, and Shawn came to my rescue! He was able to quickly discover the area bothering me, explain why I was feeling the pain and how to avoid it in future. Without Shawn and his outstanding ability to alleviate pain through ART®, I may not have made it through my warm up on race day! He was genuinely concerned and determined to do whatever possible to make sure I could compete. He is my new HERO!
Jess H."
"I have been very impressed with all of the services I have utilized at SHAPE. The focus on client experience is clearly evident and I am happy to say that I am in much better physical condition overall since starting at SHAPE – greatly reduced back and neck pain since working with Shawn and definitely increased strength and cardio fitness from working with Tuan and Eric as well!"
Matthew M.
"We are tournament champs! We were ranked #1 out of 40 teams and held our ground - undefeated 7:0. Despite the rain, it was awesome. I played a fair amount of points and felt 100%! Jumping, cutting, diving, and bending low were a breeze - nothing compared to Eric and Gregg's workouts! Tonight I have a game and the legs are feeling excellent. Good job Dr. Thistle - I think I was fixed after the first week! Thanks for making me bionic again!
Mica W."
"I just want to thank you for the treatments I have been getting from you.. The last one has changed my life. Sounds dramatic, I know, but I have finally been able to experience pain-free living for the first time in a long time, so thank you, thank you, thank you."
Phil M.
"I went airborne down a flight of stairs, badly bruising my left thigh and tailbone! It was quite sore and very uncomfortable. Dr. Thistle listened attentively, assessed my injuries and helped loosen and relax my tense glute and lower back muscles. I went in feeling as though I'd been hit by an SUV and walked out feeling limber and hopeful. I seldom entrust my body to chiropractors as I'm usually cautious of having more damage done to me. This is certainly not the case with Dr. Thistle. To ensure I was feeling better after my first treatment, he sent a quick note to check up on me. Hats off to the Dr. Thistles of the world, who put their heart into their work.
Rosa L."