Naturopathy and naturopathic services in Alliston
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What is Naturopathy?
Naturopathy is a form of alternative medicine that emphasizes the body’s ability to heal itself through natural remedies and techniques. Naturopathic practitioners focus on treating the root causes of health issues rather than just addressing symptoms. They use a combination of therapies such as herbal medicine, dietary and lifestyle changes, acupuncture, massage, hydrotherapy, and nutritional supplements to promote overall wellness and balance in the body. Naturopathy also places importance on preventive care and patient education.
What are some differences between a naturopathic doctor (ND) and a medical doctor (MD)?
1. Training and education
- Naturopathic doctor
- ND attends naturopathic medical school, which involves a combination of coursework in basic sciences, clinical sciences, and naturopathic therapies.
- This education typically takes a total of 8 years, four years of a undergraduate degree and fours years of naturopathic medical school
- Medical doctor
- MD attends medical school
- This education typically takes a total of 8 years, four years of a undergraduate degree and fours years of medical school
2. Philosophy and approach
- Naturopathic doctor
- NDs emphasize a holistic approach to health, focusing on natural therapies, lifestyle modifications, nutrition, and the body’s innate ability to heal itself. They often use a combination of herbal medicine, nutrition, acupuncture, physical medicine, and other natural therapies.
- Medical doctor
- MDs primarily use conventional medical treatments such as pharmaceuticals, surgeries, and interventions based on scientific evidence and clinical trials.
3. Scope of practice
- Naturopathic doctor
- NDs are licensed in Ontario to diagnose and treat patients using naturopathic therapies.
- Medical doctor
- MDs are licensed to diagnose and treat medical conditions using standard medical interventions.
4. Insurance coverage
- Naturopathic doctor
- ND services may or may not be covered by insurance, depending on the policies of individual insurance companies and the regulations in the area.
- Medical doctor
- MD services are typically covered by OHIP or other health insurance plans
5. Collaboration and referrals
- Naturopathic doctor
- NDs may collaborate with conventional healthcare providers but often focus on providing comprehensive naturopathic care themselves. They may refer patients to specialists or MDs for certain medical interventions outside their scope of practice.
- Medical doctor
- MDs often collaborate with other healthcare professionals, such as specialists, surgeons, and therapists, and may refer patients to them for specialized care.
What do Naturopaths treat?
- Chronic conditions
- Naturopathic medicine can offer support for chronic conditions such as allergies, asthma, arthritis, diabetes, hypertension, and digestive disorders.
- Stress management
- Naturopathic treatments like herbal medicine, acupuncture, and relaxation techniques can help manage stress, anxiety, and mood disorders.
- Immune system support
- Naturopathy focuses on strengthening the immune system through nutrition, lifestyle modifications, and herbal supplements, which can be beneficial for preventing and managing infections.
- Women’s health
- Naturopathic practitioners often provide care for women’s health issues such as hormonal imbalances, menstrual irregularities, fertility concerns, menopause symptoms, and prenatal care.
- Digestive health
- Naturopathy emphasizes gut health and can assist with conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), acid reflux, constipation, and food sensitivities through dietary changes, probiotics, and digestive enzymes.
- Pain management
- Naturopathic treatments like acupuncture, massage therapy, herbal remedies, and physical medicine techniques can help manage pain from conditions such as migraines, fibromyalgia, and musculoskeletal disorders.
- Weight management
- Naturopathic approaches to weight management focus on personalized nutrition plans, lifestyle modifications, exercise recommendations, and addressing underlying factors contributing to weight issues.
- Preventative care
- Naturopathy promotes preventive healthcare by focusing on lifestyle factors such as diet, exercise, stress management, sleep hygiene, and regular health screenings to maintain overall wellness and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
How are Naturopaths regulated in Ontario, Canada?
In Ontario, naturopaths are regulated healthcare professionals. The regulation of naturopaths is overseen by the College of Naturopaths of Ontario (CONO), which was established under the Regulated Health Professions Act.
The CONO is a regulatory body responsible for governing naturopathic medicine in Ontario. Its primary purpose is to protect the public interest by ensuring naturopaths provide safe, competent, and ethical care. To register and license as a naturopathic doctor, an individual must meet specific education and training requirements set out by the CONO. This includes completing an approved naturopathic medical program at a recognized institution, passing board exams, and fulfilling continuing education requirements. “Naturopath”, “ND”, and “Naturopathic Doctor” are all protected terms, meaning that only those that are licensed to practice can use these titles.
Overall, naturopathy is an alternative medicine that focuses on whole-patient wellness through health promotion, and disease prevention, while addressing the underlying cause of the patients’ condition. Anyone seeing a naturopath should expect a highly trained professional who has met comprehensive standards.
Contact our naturopath now and find the way to better health.
MANUAL AND MANIPULATIVE THERAPY
Our therapists use a variety of hands on techniques to both accurately assess and efficiently treat patients. Specialized training through the Orthopaedic Division of the Canadian Physiotherapy Association (orthodiv.org) allows for accurate diagnosis and faster recovery. Fellows of the Canadian Academy of Manipulative Physiotherapists (FCAMPT) have taken extensive post-graduate training and have received international recognition in hands on techniques.
manippt.org
CONCUSSION MANAGEMENT
At South Simcoe Physiotherapy we have training in the Shift Concussion Management Program (shiftconcussion.ca). Using this program as a basis, we thoroughly assess the individual systems often effected in a concussion using a variety of tests, as well as cognitive tools such as imPact. Once an accurate assessment has been performed, we develop a multi-faceted rehabilitation strategy to return the individual to optimal function.
PELVIC HEALTH
massage therapy
Massage therapy is a form of hands in treatment that affects the body’s soft tissues such as the muscles, connective tissue, ligaments, tendons and joints. Massage therapy can have therapeutic effects on the muscular, circulatory, and nervous systems. For more information on Registered massage therapy please visit: www.rmtao.com
acupuncture
Acupuncture is rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine and uses tiny needles which are inserted into various points in the body. Acupuncture stimulates the body’s natural healing mechanisms and is effective in treating a variety of conditions including headaches, back pain, neck pain, various overuse and sports injuries. Our therapists have training in acupuncture through Acupuncture Canada ( https://www.acupuncturecanada.org)
RUNNING ASSESSMENT / GAIT ANALYSIS
Gait analysis and Running Assessments can be useful in determining biomechanical irregularities during either walking or running that are either causing or are caused by a certain condition or injury. Gait analysis can also help to identify inefficiencies that may be reducing performance in runners and perhaps predisposing or contributing to injury.
We use multiple tools to analyze a person’s gait. First, we use our physiotherapy backgrounds and knowledge of biomechanics. By observing someone walking/running/using the treadmill (and perhaps recording them) we can often identify these major faults. A biomechanical exam can also aid in this process through identifying structural limitations, muscle weakness and tone, and a variety of other potential faults. Finally, using training from courses such as those taught at The Running Clinic https://therunningclinic.com/en, can help to consolidate all of this information while allowing us to make recommendations on items such as footwear, training schedules, and other information relevant to your specific situation.
IMS/IDN
Intramuscular Stimulation and Integrated Dry-Needling. Both IMS and IDN are forms of dry needling where an acupuncture needle is inserted into a taut band in a shortened muscle or near the nerve root in order to cause a reflex relaxation of the muscle, a micro trauma to stimulate natural healing and create an action potential to restore normal nerve conduction. This technique can be extremely useful to treat chronic pain, myofascial pain syndromes, many sports injuries, and overuse injuries. For more information visit: www.istop.org
exercise prescription
Exercise is an essential part of all rehabilitation programs. In order to restore normal muscle length and strength, correct biomechanical faults and return to function, exercises need to be specifically tailored to suit individual needs.
custom bracing
shockwave therapy
Shockwave is a non-invasive way to treat many muscular, tendinous, ligamentous, and bone problems that lead to pain and loss of function. Briefly stated it uses strong energy pulses to stimulate increased blood flow and metabolism allowing regeneration of damaged tissue. A phenomenon called “micro-cavitation” occurs where “bubbles’ expand and burst creating a force that penetrates damaged tissue and stimulates cell reparation. Shockwave is especially effective in treating issues that have been unresponsive to other conservative methods.
VIDEO AND TELEPHONE CONSULTATIONS
At a time when social distancing is necessary, we are pleased to be able to offer our exceptional care in an alternative method. Video consultations (think FaceTime or Skype) can be an effective method to assess and treat musculoskeletal and other physiotherapy appropriate impairments. A thorough analysis can be conducted by performing a detailed subjective, observing individual movements, performing simple tasks and special tests, and evaluating the environmental factors which are aggravating the condition. From there, our therapist can devise an appropriate treatment plan including self management strategies, modifications, and exercises appropriate to address your condition. The therapist is easily able to demonstrate the exercises and observe you performing them, and can even send you video demonstrations of the exercises. For those that are unable to access reliable internet, or do not regularly use a computer, telephone consults are also an option.
No doctor's referral is necessary and these sessions are covered by most insurers
NATUROPATHY
Frequently Asked Questions
What is physiotherapy?
Simply stated, physiotherapy is the treatment of deficits and disease without the use of medications. Physiotherapy is useful for the majority of injuries and ailments one might suffer. The goal of our physiotherapists is to reduce your symptoms and allow you to return to function in a timely manner. If you are unsure if your condition is appropriate for physiotherapy, please feel free to contact us.
How do I pay for your services?
Does OHIP cover physiotherapy?
Do I need a doctor’s referral to come and see you?
What do I need to wear for my assessment?
Will my private insurance cover the cost of this treatment?
What if my injuries are as a result of a motor vehicle accident or workplace injury?
- Date of accident
- Claim number
- Adjuster’s name and contact information
- Private health insurance information (if applicable)
- Area of injury
We are able to direct bill your motor vehicle insurance, but please note that all of your private health insurance must be used prior to accessing your motor vehicle insurance. These rules are mandated by the Financial Services Commission of Ontario and not our clinic.
Workplace injury (WSIB): we often treat people as a result of a workplace injury, however, we do not bill WSIB directly. If your injury is part of a WSIB claim, you are expected to pay just as other clients and then submit your invoices to WSIB.