Chronic Pain

Top 5 Reasons to get Updated Bloodwork

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Getting routine bloodwork done can be anxiety provoking for some and an inconvenience for others, but having regular bloodwork done may provide some useful insights for your health. Whether it is through your medical doctor or a naturopathic doctor, bloodwork may help to reveal the culprit behind some of these common complaints: 

I’m Tired

When it comes to fatigue, there can be many common culprits from diet and lifestyle to stress and burnout. What some individuals do not realize is that fatigue can be a warning sign from our body that certain nutrients are low, or certain organs are not functioning at their optimal. A naturopathic doctor might consider ordering certain tests to help with discovering the root of this problem. 

I’m Anxious

With any mental health concern, our diet and lifestyle can make a huge impact on its state. Specifically, when trying to formulate a plan of action on how to address mental health concerns, bloodwork can be helpful in determining if there are nutrients that are deficient or other conditions that are contributing to the problem. 

I’m Bloated

Digestion is so important for our overall health. If one area of our digestive tract is not functioning well, it can affect our whole body. The most common complaint that individuals have with regards to digestion is bloating. Bloating can be the result of many different factors, for which blood tests can offer the clue to determine the culprit behind the digestive concerns. In addition, functional medicine tests such as food sensitivity testing can provide valuable insight into which foods might be contributing to bloating. 

I’m Hormonal (or feel like I am lacking)

Whether it is male or female hormones, they can all contribute to how we feel. Specifically, if hormones are too low, it can cause feelings of fatigue, mood swings, irregular cycles, etc. If hormones are too high, it can cause mood swings, skin blemishes, irregular cycles, etc. No matter the hormone, when they are imbalanced, it can create feelings of not being well. Hormones can be tested through bloodwork in order to determine if hormones are too high, or too low, and thus a treatment plan can be created to help support the journey to balance. 

I’m “Fine” 

When many individuals are not feeling well, the first stop is normally to get bloodwork done in order to determine what is going on. Occasionally, the bloodwork reveals that someone is “fine”, even though they do not feel “fine”. Getting further bloodwork may be helpful. In addition, a different perspective such as one attained through a Naturopathic Doctor, may be helpful as they look at bloodwork differently compared to your medical doctor. They look at your bloodwork compared to what is optimal and not just “fine”. This can help provide some clarity, insights, and answers for why they are feeling the way they are feeling. 

Can PNHC’s Naturopathic Doctors run Bloodwork? 

YES! Both of our naturopathic doctors are able to run most bloodwork. The bloodwork however is NOT covered by OHIP. The bloodwork can occasionally be covered under someone’s benefits (it is always best to check with your plan about this), but if nothing else, it can be put towards health expenses on an individual’s income tax return. Blood tests do vary in cost, and so, it is best to consult with your naturopathic doctor to determine the costs, what is necessary, and/or what paths to explore with testing. 

Ready to Book an Appointment? 

Give us a call/text at 226-232-7665 or go to the contact portion of this page (make sure to put in your email address correctly), and allow us to help you get matched up with the right Naturopathic Doctor for your specific situation! 

Have you benefited from reading this blog? Know someone that would benefit as well? Share, Like, Comment, or Tweet this article, and let me know what you think.

Some of the information provided above may not be appropriate for everyone, please consult with your doctor before trying any of the above. If you are interested in trying any of our services, working with any of our amazing practitioners, or are simply wanting a different approach to your health care needs, contact the Plattsville Natural Health Clinic by calling 226-232-7665 and book your appointment today! 

Expanding Registered Massage Therapy at PNHC

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We are so excited to let our community know that our massage availability has expanded with the addition of another massage therapist to our team. We now have four massage therapists who are eager to help with your health needs. Our availability in the past for evenings was limited. We are now able to offer more morning, mid day, AND evening openings! Ready to book in with one of our RMTs? Call or text 226-232-7665 to book in, or email us at info.pnhc@gmail.com. Not ready yet but want to learn more about our RMTs? See below for more information. 

Cheryl McReynolds 

Right when her patients walk in the door, Cheryl makes them feel welcome and relaxed. Cheryl started her career working in medical administration in alternative medicine offices, expanded her passions to reflexology, and further pursued training as a registered massage therapist. Her beginnings in her career have made her specifically adept at making patients feel relaxed, safe, and cared for in their treatments. Cheryl has a remarkable way of holding space for her patients and providing just the right amount of therapeutic pressure. She brings additional training to our team in the area of lymphatic drainage. 

A fun fact about Cheryl is that she is a fantastic “sharer”. From deals to treats, she loves to brighten our days with small acts of kindness. 

Joshua Morrison 

Josh brings a great wealth of knowledge to our team with his experience working in teams alongside physiotherapists. He loves trying to solve a problem that has not been solved yet, or has been difficult to correct. Josh allows his knowledge with personal training to align with his skills as a registered massage therapist in order to produce therapeutic outcomes. Of all of our Registered Massage Therapists, he has the deepest pressure. He finds it rewarding to help his patients get back to a place of health and reduced pain. Whether it is on the sports field or in the workplace, he helps his patients achieve a better quality of life.

A fun fact that you may not know about Josh is that he is our clinic “scarer”. If you hear a random “yelp” out of our team, Josh is likely the culprit behind it. 

Amber Stere 

Amber is a familiar face at our clinic as she started her journey as one of PNHC’s medical administrators. She wanted to expand her impact on client care and dove into the world of Registered Massage Therapy. Amber is interested in getting to the root of what is causing a patient’s concerns. She is always looking to solve the puzzle of what is ailing them. She, like much of our team, also finds joy in brightening her patients’ day, and giving them hope for their situations. She absolutely loves helping individuals recovering from musculoskeletal injuries, struggling with acute or chronic pain, and looking to de-stress in life. 

A fun fact about Amber is that she has been known to be randomly, joyfully dancing and singing at our clinic, and has been caught by a patient/team member or two. 

Lorri Zimmerman

Though Lorri is not currently accepting new patients, she brings the perfect therapeutic touch to those she works with. Lorri initially began her career as a reflexologist, and expanded her approach to include registered massage therapy. This therapeutic combination is seen in her treatments, as she often combines the two to help her patients to achieve their health goals. Lorri’s holistic approach to care creates a treatment that helps a patient’s physical and mental/emotional well-being.  Lorri enjoys working with patients who struggle with frequent headaches and migraines, as she understands the struggle first hand. She believes that most of our ailments can be attributed to the stress response, and that by activating the parasympathetic nervous system through massage and reflexology, it can make a huge impact on our health.

A fun fact about Lorri is that she shows a lot of joy around holidays, often bringing fun props and dressing up to brighten spirits around holidays. 

All of our RMTs can work with a wide range of concerns and patient demographics, but also have certain areas they work really well in. Not sure who would be the best fit for your situation? Ask our team and we would be happy to direct you to the right fit for your specific concern!  

Top 5 Reasons to See a Naturopathic Doctor

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In honour of naturopathic medicine week (which we celebrate in May), we wanted to share the top 5 reasons why you might want to consider seeing a naturopathic doctor. Here at Plattsville Natural Health Clinic, we have two naturopathic doctors that are well equipped to help you along your healing journey, whether it may be seeking their help for the below 5 reasons or other concerns!

Top 5 Reasons to See a Naturopathic Doctor

1.“I’m Tired”

      The fatigue you experience may not be just because you are busy. There can be many explanations for fatigue which could include how foods are paired in the diet, nutrient deficiencies, chronic illness, stress and other reasons. Naturopathic Doctors may be able to take a full history, order blood work, and determine the root cause of the fatigue you may experience.

      2. “I’m Stressed/ Depressed/ Anxious”

      Whether it is stress, low mood, or nervousness; a naturopathic doctor is equipped with many tools to help you through these struggles. The way we eat, move our bodies and respond to our environments can most certainly impact our mental health, but there may be something more behind how you are feeling. Could there be nutrients, hormones, or other factors influencing where your mind is at? Let a Naturopathic Doctor help you determine that.

      3. “I’m in Pain”

      From chronic migraines, to back pain and beyond, there are many different pain experiences, influential factors, and modalities to aid them. Naturopathic Doctors are able to use modalities including acupuncture, cold laser therapy, cupping, and body work to help alleviate pain. In addition, naturopathic doctors look at the whole system in order to address inflammation and some other potential root causes to pain.

      4. “My Digestion is Off”

      “Digestive” concerns can mean so many things. If it is too slow or too fast, this can cause concerns for individuals. There are so many symptoms that can be uncomfortable for individuals including bloating, gas, abdominal pain, cramping, constipation, diarrhea, burping, regurgitation, acid reflux, GERD, and more. Naturopathic Doctors are able to look at diet, lifestyle, blood work, and your health history to formulate a plan of action to address these concerns.

      5. “My Hormones are Ruining my Life”

      Whatever stage of life you are in, hormones can be so impactful. Whether your goal is trying to have a family (i.e. get pregnant), weather the storms of menopause, have a normal period, or get the muscular gains from your workouts; Naturopathic Doctors are able to assess your hormonal health and determine the right plan for your individual situation. From supplements, to diet and beyond, Naturopathic Doctors have many ways of approaching your individual case in order to help find a solution.

      For more information about our naturopathic doctors or naturopathic medicine, please see the naturopathic tab on our website, or contact us today to allow us to answer any questions or concerns you might have.

      Have you benefited from reading this blog? Know someone that would benefit as well? Share, Like, Comment, or Tweet this article, and let me know what you think.

      Some of the information provided above may not be appropriate for everyone, please consult with your doctor before trying any of the above. If you are interested in trying any of our services, working with any of our amazing practitioners, or are simply wanting a different approach to your health care needs, contact the Plattsville Natural Health Clinic by calling 226-232-7665 and book your appointment today! 

      What is cupping and how does it work?

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      Written by Dr. Elisha Cook ND

      Cupping has had a lot of media coverage over the years in regards to athletes and pain, but what is it really and how can it help you? To begin with, cupping is a form of traditional Asian medicine that has been used for thousands of years to aid with so many different health concerns. Though cupping and acupuncture look quite different, their actions can be quite similar. For some, cupping can have a more profound effect on issues such as fibrotic tissue and fascia that is tight. Cupping has been compared to massage therapy treatment as well as a result.

      The following is a list of both actions that can take place in the body and the potential conditions or symptoms it can help to alleviate.

      How Does Cupping Work?

      Cupping works via many different pathways which cause:  

      • Releases endorphins – resulting in decreased pain
      • Relaxes muscle
      • Reduces pain
      • Promotes blood flow
      • Promotes lymphatic circulation
      • Stimulates the immune system
      • Regulates inflammatory pathways

      What Can Cupping Help with?

      Cupping can help with many surprising conditions/symptoms including:

      • Pain – muscle
      • Muscle tension
      • Sports injuries
      • Stress
      • Fertility
      • Depression
      • Anxiety 
      • Headaches/ Migraines
      • Insomnia
      • Coughs and colds
      • Weight loss
      • Fatigue
      • Hypertension (high blood pressure)
      • Lumbar Disc Herniation
      • Acne
      • And more

      How do our Naturopathic Doctors use cupping?

      Our Naturopathic Doctors’ approach to cupping is based on both Asian medicine and Western medicine. They apply the cups based on the muscle areas that hurt and also the pathways that from a Asian medicine perspective need to be addressed. In this way, the system as a whole is supported and not just help with sore muscles. You are not your disease and you need to be treated as such.

      Moving cupping or stationary cupping may be chosen for your specific situation and depending on your particular concerns. The cup is typically left for 5-20 minutes (again depending on the concern). This treatment can be quite aggressive and so your Naturopathic Doctor needs to assess whether this is a valid treatment option for you. Cupping also leaves a dark hue on the skin that can often be tender following treatment. Some individuals may choose to use acupuncture only to avoid the discolouration of the skin. This discolouration is not permanent, but may last up to a week following treatment.

      The colour change that happens on the skin is a result of increase circulation and increased lymphatic flow to the area. From an Asian medicine perspective, this is the result of a heavily stagnated area that has finally broken up. Following treatment, some individuals may also feel a bit sore. This is normal, and so, some individuals may choose to ice the area for 10 minutes to decrease the tenderness.  

      If you are interested in trying cupping, feel free to contact the clinic and book your appointment today, or contact me through the contact portion of my website for more information.

      Have you benefited from reading this blog? Know someone that would benefit as well? Share, Like, Comment, or Tweet this article, and let me know what you think.

      Some of the information provided above may not be appropriate for everyone, please consult with your doctor before trying any of the above. If you are interested in Naturopathic Medicine and wanting a different approach to your health care needs, contact Dr. Elisha Cook ND by calling 226-232-7665 and book your appointment today!