Meet our Shiatsu Therapist.
Shiatsu is a Japanese bodywork therapy that uses gentle pressure, stretching and mobilization to work with the body as a whole. At Summerhill Health Centre, Shiatsu offers a restorative approach to care that can help ease muscular tension, promote relaxation and leave you feeling more balanced and comfortable in your body.
Shiatsu Therapist
Catherine Zilliotto
Catherine graduated from the Zen Shiatsu Institute in 1997 and has maintained a private Shiatsu practice in Toronto ever since. She joined Summerhill Health Centre in 2019 and brings nearly 30 years of experience to her work with patients.
Catherine takes a comprehensive approach to Shiatsu, drawing on her experience working alongside chiropractors, acupuncturists and physiotherapists, as well as her background in spa therapy at the Stillwater Spa at the Hyatt. Her treatments are designed to promote relaxation, support circulation and ease muscular tension while helping to calm the nervous system and restore a sense of balance.
In addition to her work at Summerhill, Catherine works part-time in Internal Medicine at St. Michael’s Hospital. Her experience across both clinical and wellness settings has shaped an adaptable approach to care that considers the individual as a whole.
Outside of work, Catherine loves being outdoors and enjoys walking her two dogs with her husband. She is a proud mother of two sons and enjoys gardening, travelling, and spending time with friends and family.
As part of the Summerhill team, Catherine brings a unique perspective to our multidisciplinary approach, offering Shiatsu as another way for patients to support their physical well-being, relaxation and overall balance.
What is shiatsu therapy?
Shiatsu is a form of Japanese bodywork that uses pressure applied with the hands, thumbs and other parts of the body, along with stretching and gentle joint movement.
Rather than focusing only on one area, Shiatsu takes a whole-body approach. Treatment is adapted to how you're feeling and may incorporate different techniques to encourage relaxation, ease muscular tension and support comfortable movement.
For some people, Shiatsu is part of their approach to managing physical tension and maintaining mobility. For others, it provides an opportunity to slow down, relax and reset.
How we approach shiatsu therapy at Summerhill?
At Summerhill, Shiatsu is tailored to the individual rather than following a fixed treatment routine.
Your therapist considers where you are experiencing tension or discomfort, how you're feeling overall and what you'd like to get from your appointment.
Treatment may include:
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Gentle pressure and massage techniques
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Stretching
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Joint mobilization
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Work to address muscular tension
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Techniques designed to promote relaxation
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Whole-body treatment focused on balance and comfortable movement
Shiatsu can also complement other forms of care at Summerhill, depending on your individual needs.
Who could benefit from shiatsu therapy?
Shiatsu may be a good option if you're looking for support with:
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General muscular tension and tightness
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Stress and physical tension
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Reduced mobility
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Everyday aches and stiffness
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Physical fatigue
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Recovery from an active lifestyle
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Relaxation and restorative care
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Maintaining mobility and overall well-being
You don't need to have a specific injury or condition to benefit from Shiatsu. It can simply be an opportunity to take time for yourself and reconnect with how your body feels.
What to expect at your appointment?
Your appointment begins with a conversation about how you're feeling, any areas of concern and what you'd like to get out of your treatment.
Shiatsu is generally performed through comfortable clothing on a treatment mat or table, depending on the approach used by your therapist. Your therapist applies pressure and uses stretching and gentle movement techniques throughout the treatment.
Pressure and techniques are adjusted to your comfort level. Many people find Shiatsu deeply relaxing, while still feeling that their body has been gently worked and mobilized.
Your therapist will check in with you throughout the appointment and adapt the treatment to what you need that day.
A different perspective within a multidisciplinary clinic.
At Summerhill, we believe there isn't one approach that works for everyone.
Our multidisciplinary team brings together chiropractic care, massage therapy, medical acupuncture, naturopathic medicine and psychotherapy alongside Shiatsu therapy. Having different approaches under one roof allows us to help you find the type of care that best fits your needs.
Shiatsu offers a different perspective — one that emphasizes whole-body treatment, relaxation, mobility and balance.