Summary
Chronic pain affects nearly everyone at some point, but lasting relief comes from more than temporary fixes. In this article, Dr. David Collings, ND, explains how naturopathic pain management in Alliston—through acupuncture, lifestyle optimization, and quality natural supplements—helps address the root causes of pain and supports true healing.
Pain is one of the most common reasons any person will visit their doctor or other members of their healthcare team (Naturopathic Doctor, Physiotherapist, Massage therapist, Chiropractor, etc.). As a Naturopathic Doctor, I would like to discuss what I can do to help with chronic pain.
Firstly, one of the most helpful therapies a Naturopathic Doctor can provide in office is acupuncture, or dry needling. This therapy is effective as local pain relief (short term) but also helps stimulate healing to recover and prevent pain (chronic/ long term). Acupuncture [Very tiny needles, used as the primary medical system for thousands of years in parts of Asia] does this through various mechanisms. It does so by stimulating the nervous system, releasing endorphins, and improving blood circulation, which helps deliver nutrients and oxygen to injured tissues to ultimately heal (vs. other therapies which only mask the pain or blunt inflammation and blood flow thereby preventing healing). Typically we recommend in-office acupuncture sessions once a week for one month, then reassess and decrease how often we need it from there for chronic pain.
Secondly, basically every other factor of your health (diet and weight, sleep, stress, etc.) will also affect your body’s ability to heal and recover from injury, or contribute to chronic pain perception. So as a naturopathic doctor we are always addressing all of these health and lifestyle factors to optimize your health and your body’s natural (innate) ability to heal.
Finally, where acupuncture or basic lifestyle adjustments aren’t enough we can use natural health products, or supplements, to manage and resolve pain. There are many supplements out there designed for pain, but in an unregulated industry full of mis-information, it is important you are getting a quality brand (and not wasting money on supplements that may just be filler). My favourite product for Osteoarthritis pain is called “OA Matrix” by Cyto-matrix. It is a three-in-one: Glucosamine Sulfate & Chondroitin Sulfate & Curcumin plus boswellia with MSM; all the important building blocks to repair and regenerate cartilage (the cushion connective tissue in our joints which wears down in arthritis), plus herbal anti-inflammatories for pain.
Of course always consult your Naturopathic Doctor before starting any new prescription grade Natural Health Products (such as OA Matrix).
Book an appointment at South Simcoe Physiotherapy in Alliston today, and Get Better. Faster.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is naturopathic pain management?
Naturopathic pain management focuses on identifying and treating the root causes of chronic pain through therapies like acupuncture, lifestyle optimization, and natural supplements. - How does acupuncture help with chronic pain?
Acupuncture stimulates the nervous system, releases endorphins, and improves blood circulation, promoting healing and providing both short and long-term pain relief. - What lifestyle factors can impact chronic pain?
Diet, weight, sleep, and stress all significantly affect the body’s ability to heal and can contribute to the perception of chronic pain. - Are all natural supplements for pain effective?
Not all supplements are created equal; it’s important to choose quality brands and consult your Naturopathic Doctor to avoid ineffective or misleading products. - How can I book an appointment for naturopathic pain management?
You can book an appointment at South Simcoe Physiotherapy in Alliston by visiting their online booking portal.