testimonials

8 years after a car accident I was still feeling the effects on my back, neck, and shoulder. In the middle of my worst flare up and herniated disc in my back, I visited Sonya, and I’m extremely happy that I did. 

Sonya took the time to to assess my injury and understand the impact that it has had on my life, both physically and mentally. She also spent time getting to know me, so she could tailor a rehabilitation plan that would fit with my life and desire to get back to an active lifestyle. 

Once the herniated disc healed, Sonya began working on some of the other issues that had impacted me over the years, including tingling in fingers and toes, shoulder pain, and neck pain. For the first time since my accident I am finally pain free and regaining the ability to get back to my active life. What I appreciated most about Sonya, is that where other specialists told me the pain would be life long, she confidently told me that with work, I could conquer the pain, and she was right. 

I was very skeptical when I first heard of osteopathy. 

I had tried massage therapy, chiropractic therapy, and physiotherapy, but nothing really helped my neck, back, and shoulder pain from chronic shoulder instability and dislocation. After only two weeks of small exercises, the pain in my neck was practically gone. I didn't have the urge to crack my neck anymore, and the numb and itchy spots on my upper back had disappeared. It has greatly improved my quality of life in such a short amount of time, especially when others said it would take months of expensive treatments, and possibly surgery to fix. Sonya also treated things that I didn't even know were affecting my body (and my balance). My body feels much more stable and connected now, instead of tense and in pain.

After I stepped away from figure skating I didn’t know what to do with myself… Until I met Sonya! I was a newbie to the gym and wanted to “look like a bikini competitor”, she quickly made me realize how hard this would be! Sonya gave me the confidence in the gym that I transitioned into my everyday life. Sonya knew when I needed an extra push, she knew my limits and was always understanding. She makes you feel comfortable in the gym regardless of experience. I am so thankful I met Sonya and for my 2 years under her wing because I still use her knowledge and workout plans to this day. She allowed me to work on myself and push me past my limits and gave me the confidence and knowledge to succeed. I learnt so much about myself from trusting Sonya! I would recommend her guidance and knowledge to anyone! 

I was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis years ago, and have lost significant control of the right side of my body. Working one-on-one with Sonya over the past few months has helped me improve my strength and agility in a short period of time. I’ve gained independence and I feel like my quality of life has improved. My visits with her have impressed my neurologist who sees an overall improvement of my MS symptoms. 

I began seeking osteopathy to help relieve pain from a neck injury. After my first treatment did I not only have a reduction in pain, but also saw improvement in the range of motion in my neck. I went to Sonya thinking I was going to get relief from my pain and not only did I get relief but through only a few treatments the improvement in my range of motion and ability to move has greatly increased my quality of life. Sonya is extremely friendly, welcoming, and knowledgeable. She ensures you understand exactly what she is doing as well as what treatments you require. Sonya was also very flexible with booking appointments and was able to accommodate my busy work schedule. I would highly recommend Sonya and osteopathy to anyone! 

I initially started seeing Sonya when I was suffering from severe lower back pain and spasms, that varying other therapies had not helped. Within a couple of sessions I started to see improvements and had significantly less pain. Day to day tasks became easier and I was sleeping better, until I was free from my chronic pain. Sonya takes the time to explain how and why your body mechanics are functioning the way they are and how they should be. Rather than simply curing the symptoms, Sonya worked with me to get to the root causes of my back pain. I now have a set of exercises and stretches that let me prevent the serious bouts of back pain from ever happening. I can’t recommend her enough!

I would like to recommend Sonya Leclerc as a personal trainer. My physical as well as mental health was at an all time low when I contacted Sonya. An ex-military 25 year veteran, I had become sidelines from many day to day social activities as well as the numerous sports activities I once played. A major back injury from jumping out of a helicopter during a Search and Rescue Training exercise and subsequent surgery resulted in a medical release from the Canadian Forces. I quickly gained 60 pounds, was diagnosed with depression and placed on an opioid patch along with other medications. 

I tried everything from a Pain Management Course at the Miller Centre to Physiotherapy, Acupuncture, Chiropractic Care, Massage and even Hypnosis. They all had limited success in alleviating my pain and making me somewhat mobile. I felt useless, had no self esteem, and was a shadow of my former competitive and active self. Out of desperation I thought I’d try a personal trainer and thus started my ongoing journey. 

I must admit that I had little confidence in trying this avenue as I was never a “gym” person but usually achieved my exercise through competitive sports and my day to day military activities. I had resolved that if this trainer proved uneducated in various back injuries etc I would terminate her services. I had also resolved that if she showed little interest in my individual needs I would terminate the sessions. Well, it has been roughly six months and I still see Sonya three times per week. I no longer wear a pain patch and I was able to go through the major withdrawals with her help. Her outstanding expertise and dedication has resulted in a huge improvement in both my physical and mental well being. Sonya seems to know my limitations as well as my potential better than me. She is always fully engaged in our sessions and actually monitors not only every set of an individual exercise but also each and every rep. She can rapidly adapt and modify a session to suit my physical aptitude during the sessions, whether I am having a bad and painful back day, or the opposite and feeling pain free. Her detailed knowledge of the human anatomy is slowly being passed to me, although at times I am a reluctant student. Never one to give up, she constantly drills me and reminds me of the various muscle groups and related structures to instil knowledge in the hope that I can be more in tune with my own body. She is also well versed on the dietary aspect and continues to coach me in this discipline. A recent vacation to Costa Rica revealed how much I had improved under Sonya’s guidance. Normally the flight alone would result in constant pain and the subsequent vacation would not be enjoyable. My Costa Rica flight was pain free, my numerous physical activities that would normally sideline me for days were completed with little to no agitation and I was able to have a more active and complete vacation. 

In summary, Sonya Leclerc has changed my life, at least in the short term. It will be up to me to utilize the tools and discipline she has instilled in order to realize long term change. I would not hesitate to recommend Sonya as a trainer, whether for a gym novice like me or a seasoned athlete looking to compete. She is the complete package. 

I have been a patient of Sonya Leclerc for a few years now and I am grateful and fortunate for the effective personalized care I have received. I sustained a cervical spinal cord injury when I broke my neck in a diving accident many years ago. This rendered me a quadriplegic. As the years went by my spine underwent progressive Degenerative and arthritic changes which are now severe and responsible for severe chronic neck pain. I am a medical physician, with two specialties; Diagnostic Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, and I have a good understanding of the cause and nature of my pain. When I interpret diagnostic imaging studies such as CT scans and nuclear medicine scans I view multiple images on three large computer monitors for several hours a day which is quite challenging for somebody with neck pain. In addition to interfering with my ability to work the chronic pain progressed to a level where it negatively impacted every aspect of my life, draining me physically and emotionally. It was challenging to enjoy time with family and friends for more than short visits. I had tried everything available including medication, Acupuncture, physiotherapy, TENS and massage therapy but I remained stuck in a bad place. When I first met Sonya I was impressed with how thorough my initial assessment was. As a physician, I knew very little about osteopathy, but the proof is in the pudding. Sonya’s treatments have given me considerable relief. The physical manoeuvres are gentle and safe. The exercises I was instructed to perform were tailored to my disability, easy to do, and time efficient. Through my interaction with Sonya I have also become more aware of the brain-body connection and I am trying to harness other psychological tools that can help in dealing with chronic pain. I credit Sonya with getting me to a point to be able to return to work part-time following a period of full-time absence. Sonya is an exemplary health care professional. She has great communication skills, genuine empathy, a kind demeanour and a sense of humour. In my profession we would say she has a great “ bedside manner” and provides truly personalized care. Thank you Sonya!

Sonya, I never thought I could sleep a whole night without back pain. What you do is so amazing! There aren’t words to describe how grateful I am for your care.

Sonya gave me the knowledge and confidence to train effectively in the gym. She patiently and thoroughly explained every exercise, and the workouts were fun and diverse! She instilled in me the benefits of living a healthier lifestyle, both inside and outside the gym, and I am proud of how far I’ve come in my fitness journey thanks to her dedication and genuine interest in seeing me succeed!

I have been treated by Sonya for almost two years. When I came to her I walked into her office using a walking cane. Thanks to Sonya's treatments I no longer use my can and can do things I though I would have to give up, like playing and chasing after my grand children, gardening, and enjoying the boat. 

Osteopathic techniques deliver great results. I have experienced first hand how beneficial Sonya's techniques work to relieve pain. Don't live your life in discomfort when you can book an osteopathy session with Sonya, you will be happy you did!