Chronic Pain

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! 

      August 2019 Acupuncture Clinic – Aug 16, 2019 3:00-6:00pm

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      Event Summary: 

      Dr Elisha Cook ND is offering an acupuncture clinic to provide reduced fee for service for individuals without naturopathic coverage, limited funds, and to give a bit of a break to all patients and individuals for some of the fees. This acupuncture clinic is for anyone who is interested and would like to try acupuncture. The cost per treatment is $30 per person. You do not have to be an existing patient of the clinic to participate. This is on a first come-first serve basis as spots are limited, but we will be able to accommodate walk-ins as much as we are able (though pre-registration is appreciated).

      Book your spot by messaging us on facebook, calling or texting us at 226-232-7665, or emailing us at info.pnhc@gmail.com.

      Event Details: 

      When: Friday August 16, 2019

      Time: 3:00PM – 6:00PM

      Where: Plattsville Natural Health Clinic 16 Albert St Unit A Plattsville ON N0J 1S0

      Cost: $30

      Pre-registration is appreciated.

      How to Register/Book your spot: 

      Call or Text: 226-232-7665

      Email: info.pnhc@gmail.com

      More Information:

      For more information regarding this event, please follow the following link:

      https://www.facebook.com/events/352476672115440/

      For more information on how acupuncture may benefit you, please see one of Dr. Elisha Cook ND’s previous posts on how acupuncture works:

      https://www.plattsvilledoctor.ca/how-does-acupuncture-work/

       

       

      Exciting News! – Addition of Pedorthic Services to PNHC

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      We are excited to welcome Danielle Molnar C. PED (C) to the PNHC team! Danielle is a Canadian Certified Pedorthist with over 25 years experience in orthopedics! She specializes in hand crafted custom made orthotics, lower limb bracing, orthopedic footwear including footwear modifications and compression stockings. Her professionalism, excellent clinical skills, and insights into patient’s ailments are just a few of Danielle’s strong attributes.

      Many of you may be wondering what a pedorthist can do to help you with your health care goals. Danielle is able to provide a pedorthic assessment and give various lifestyle recommendations based on her findings. She may recommend and custom – make such medical devices as orthotics , bracing, and footwear modification (see below for more details).

      Pedorthic services can be beneficial for anyone with lower limb pain, or anyone feeling their gait could be improved. Such conditions that could benefit from pedorthic services might include foot pain, knee pain, achilles tendonitis, athlete’s foot, diabetes, plantar fasciitis, metatarsalgia, arthritis, bunions/claw/hammer toes, or Morton’s Neuroma.

      To book an appointment with Danielle to see if orthotics, bracing, or other footwear modifications are right for you, simply contact the clinic at 226-232-7665 and we will book you in for your initial appointment!

      Pedorthic Services

      Pedorthic Assessment
      During a visit with our Pedorthists, we will conduct a comprehensive range of motion and video gait
      assessment, as well as electronically record your gait (a person’s manner of walking) to illustrate our
      findings to you. We will develop a treatment plan based on your needs and lifestyle requirements.

      Orthotics
      Both customized and custom-made orthotics enable the feet to be supported in a more stable position in order to help correct imbalances and reduce stress and strain on the rest of your body. Over time, the use of orthotics may give you relief from both pain and fatigue – so you can once again enjoy your favorite activities.

      Bracing
      A Brace is a rigid and semi-rigid device which is used for the purpose of supporting a weak or deformed body member or restricting or eliminating motion in a disease or injured part of the body. We will work with you to determine what type of brace is required based on our assessment and your physician’s diagnosis.

      Footwear modifications
      Footwear modifications are adaptations made to a shoe(s) to improve foot function and/or
      accommodate specific pathologies. Although footwear has come a long way in terms of offering
      orthopedic or therapeutic features without affecting style, sometimes the shoe may need to be
      modified to be accommodating to your lifestyle.