Susan Chapelle Massage Therapy

10/05/2026

A little more context for anyone hearing promises to “build the Gardiner East now.”

The Gardiner East project is already in Toronto’s approved Capital Plan. The Gardiner Rehabilitation Program has approximately $1.53 billion budgeted from 2026–2031, with the largest spending already scheduled for 2027 and 2028. The eastern work includes the new Gardiner-DVP connection, ramps east of Cherry Street and associated Lake Shore work, with construction continuing through 2030.

But there is an even bigger detail being left out of the conversation: Toronto is transferring the Gardiner and DVP to the Province.

Ontario is already funding Gardiner and DVP costs during the transition, and ownership is scheduled to transfer to Ontario in fall 2027. The City’s capital budget still shows the Gardiner because Toronto remains the owner and project-delivery authority during this transition. A line appearing in Toronto’s Capital Plan does not mean a councillor can simply move the construction date forward.

By 2027, the Province will own the expressway. Accelerating major components therefore involves funding agreements, engineering and design, procurement, existing contracts, construction sequencing and coordination with the government that is about to own the asset.

I support getting the eastern connection completed as quickly as safely and practically possible. Our community has lived with this construction and congestion long enough.

But “build it now” is not a capital plan.

If someone is promising to accelerate it, ask three questions:
Which Budget Line?
Which Contract?
Has Ford Agreed?
Those are the questions that turn a campaign promise into an actual infrastructure plan.

07/18/2026

Good morning!

A few years ago, I had the privilege of co-authoring what became one of the first studies to identify a biological mechanism by which manual therapy may help prevent repetitive strain injuries.

Rather than asking whether manual therapy “works,” we asked how it works.

Using a well-established model of repetitive strain injury, our research found that early manual therapy reduced nerve inflammation, decreased ongoing nociceptor activity, limited fibrosis around nerves, and preserved function during repetitive loading. These findings helped move the conversation from opinion toward measurable biological mechanisms. (PMC)

As both a clinician and researcher, this work continues to shape how I think about prevention. By the time pain becomes chronic, many biological changes have already occurred. Understanding those changes helps us intervene earlier and provide better care.

Research like this is why I remain passionate about evidence informed massage therapy. Every patient deserves treatment guided by both experience and science.

If you’d like to read the paper, it’s available here:

Painful and disabling musculoskeletal disorders remain prevalent. In rats trained to perform repetitive tasks leading to signs and dysfunction similar to those in humans, we tested whether manual therapy would prevent the development of the pathologies and symptoms.

Painful and disabling musculoskeletal disorders remain prevalent. In rats trained to perform repetitive tasks leading to signs and dysfunction similar to those in humans, we tested whether manual therapy would prevent the development of the pathologies and symptoms. We collected behavioral, electrop...

06/23/2026

I’m so proud to work with Katherine Dittmann at Chapelle Health.

Katherine is an excellent physiotherapist with 20+ years of experience, a calm and thoughtful approach, and a real gift for helping people recover from pain, injury, surgery, and everyday movement problems.

We’re lucky to have her in the East End.

Book here for tomorrow availability!

https://susanchapelle.janeapp.com/ #/staff_member/6

Therapy treatments for pain, musicians, post-surgical care, breast cancer and full body assessments.

04/04/2026

Hello friends! Just a note to let you know that I’m back at work from my fracture (hockey season was shortened) and Katherine Dittmann has joined our space.

She is a 20 year practising Physio and researcher. Two published researchers here to help you regain your health who specialize in mechanisms of pain and connective tissue.

Our schedule can be found at www.Susan Chapelle.com

03/12/2026

When you are passionate about what you do, it can shape who you are. ❤️

03/11/2026

✨ Exciting news at the clinic! ✨

We’re thrilled to welcome Katherine Dittmann, Registered Physiotherapist, to our team. With over 20 years of experience, Katherine brings a thoughtful, evidence-based approach that connects movement, connective tissue, and the nervous system to help people move better and live with less pain.

Her work focuses on restoring mobility, improving performance, and supporting whole-person health.

We’re excited for our community to meet her.

📖 Read more about Katherine and her approach in the blog below.

At the clinic, we believe healthcare works best when it is thoughtful, evidence-informed, and deeply centred on the needs of each individual patient. That is why we are very excited to welcome Katherine Dittmann, Registered Physiotherapist, to our team.

02/13/2026

02/10/2026

As an individual who embodies vitality, sports have profoundly shaped my identity - from conquering mountain bike racing courses to goalkeeping for hockey, a true passion of mine. Yesterday, while making a crucial save on the ice, my momentum took an unfortunate turn when I caught a rut, landing with full force on my left arm. The result was a fracture of both the radius and ulna in multiple places, with my hand displaced. Despite this setback, conversations with my orthopaedic surgeons have led to a plan for surgery next week, with a projected return to the clinic in four to six weeks. Over the next four weeks, my primary focus will be on maintaining the health of my tendons, mobilizing my muscles, and ensuring my shoulder girdle remains mobile. I'll be sure to share valuable post-surgical care recommendations as I progress. To my patients who've endured my sports-related absences, I express heartfelt gratitude for your understanding and patience; your loyalty has enabled me to build a beautiful practice here in Toronto.

Rest assured, each challenge informs my practice, making me a more adept therapist. While aging and playing sports comes with its risks and rewards, my fervor for hockey and sports will forever surpass my apprehension about injuries. With resilient bones and unyielding determination, I'll work tirelessly to return to the clinic, stronger and more dedicated than ever.

01/16/2026

New patient appointments are now available for next week. Visit www.susanchapelle.com to learn more.

As a RMT & eMBA, practicing and teaching in Toronto, Ontario, Susan has won awards for "Best Massage Therapist in BC" for her work in mechanisms of wound healing and pain.