 Can you define your role as a Chiropractor? My role is first and foremost to help my patients. What that entails fully depends on the person but most often the underlying reason to seek care is not so much an injury but a functional barrier. Something has either become difficult or unmanageable. My job is to get patients back to the activities and lifestyle they enjoy at the level they desire. What does a chiropractor treat? Any condition that affects the joints, muscles, or nerves of the body. From headaches to toe sprains (and of course back pain) we do it all. What are the top three most common issues you help clients address? Conditions due to overuse, underuse, or the unlucky people that have had some kind of mishap that resulted in injury. Or better known as sprains/strains, postural related pain/discomfort, and sports injuries. What types of treatment methods/approaches do you use? I’m going to break that down into 3 main categories:
What is your treatment philosophy? Personalize every aspect of care. What each patient needs, expects, and experiences is completely different. Their treatment plans should reflect that. What might a typical appointment look like with you? What is involved in an initial assessment? Follow up appointments vary quite a lot from person to person. They usually include some combination of catching up on how things have gone since the last visit, troubleshooting any setbacks, hands-on care, and self-care (exercises, mobilization, positioning/posture). Initial appointments follow a more routine pattern. First I discuss with my patient what brings them in. My goal is to get a good understanding of what is happening, their general health status and how it impacts their day to day life. That information drives my assessment, usually this involves moving around (think bending, squatting, turning) and some orthopaedic tests to confirm what anatomical structures are involved. From there I communicate my diagnosis and explain what to expect in terms of recovery and treatment. Often a hands-on treatment along with education on what can be done at home to improve outcomes is given on the first visit as well. What is a common question patients ask you? Honestly… how many years of school it takes to become a Chiropractor and how many years I’ve been in practice. The answer is 4 years of undergraduate studies (mine is in Biology and Psychology), 4 years of Chiropractic College, and over 5 years in practice now; and I’m still learning every day. If you could give everyone one piece of advice this winter what would it be? Wash your hands! What do you like to do for fun/or tell us something most people don't know about you? I’m obsessed with UK gardening shows. It gets me through winter until I can get outside myself. <<<Click here to Book an appointment with Dr Stephanie Tabbert>>>
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 What is Naturopathic Medicine?
Naturopathic medicine is a complete approach to health care that incorporates diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disease using natural therapies. Naturopathic doctors are primary health care professionals trained to treat diverse medical conditions for men, women and children of all ages. Treatment is focused on preventing future illness, and helping patients to improve their overall health and energy. What Conditions can Benefit from Naturopathic Medicine? Naturopathic medicine can benefit people of all ages with a variety of chronic and acute conditions. The most common conditions seen at our clinic include:
What Laboratory Testing is offered? Blood, urine, hair, and saliva analysis are available to investigate a variety of health ailments if needed. This includes food sensitivities and other allergies, hormone imbalances, digestive problems, environmental toxicity, nutrient deficiencies, etc. What can I expect from my first appointment with a Naturopathic Doctor? An initial appointment is approximately 1 hour to allow time for a thorough health assessment. During this visit, current health concerns, as well as relevant medical history, is analyzed. A pertinent physical examination may be performed, and further specialized laboratory or diagnostic testing may be recommended. A personalized treatment plan is then created to help patients achieve their health goals. What are Naturopathic Therapies and Treatment Options? Naturopathic Doctors are licensed to use a range of natural therapeutics that include Traditional Chinese Medicine (acupuncture & herbs), homeopathy, botanical medicine (herbs), hydrotherapy, diet & lifestyle counseling, clinical nutrition. Through their training in these disciplines, a Naturopathic Doctor can draw on all of these fields in providing a custom-tailored treatment plan for patients. How are Naturopathic Doctors trained? A minimum of 7 years of formal post-secondary education is required to receive the designation of "Naturopathic Doctor". This includes 3-4 years of premedical university studies plus completion of an intensive full-time 4-year post-graduate medical program from an accredited Naturopathic medical school, which includes extensive medical education as well as clinical training. Graduates must then pass North American licensing board examinations as well as provincial board examinations. To remain in good standing with the licensing board, Naturopathic doctors must continue their education throughout their careers. All Naturopathic Doctors in Ontario are licensed and regulated Is Naturopathic Medicine Scientific? Yes, Naturopathic doctors are educated in conventional medical sciences in addition to traditional medicine, such as anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, pathology, microbiology, immunology, pharmacology, laboratory diagnosis, clinical & physical diagnosis, radiology, obstetrics, gynecology/women's health, men's health, and pediatrics. More and more researchers are looking to traditional methods of healing to gain insight into modern day illnesses and thousands of modern clinical studies have validated a variety of natural medicines and treatments which are used by Naturopathic Doctors. Is Naturopathic Medicine Safe? Naturopathic medicine has an excellent safety record. The emphasis is on natural sources of medicines that are gentle, non-toxic, and non-invasive. Side effects are rare and Naturopathic doctors are trained about interactions between Naturopathic remedies and conventional medicines. Naturopathic treatments also work well in conjunction with conventional Western treatments. How can Naturopathic Medicine help YOU? Typically patients choose to come to the clinic for one or more of the following reasons:
Book with our Naturopathic Doctor Suzanne Bartolini for an Assessment>>>>>  By Dr Sonya Hamilton, Chiropractor
Acupuncture is an ancient component of Chinese Medicine (TCM) which has gained immense popularity in North America during the past decade due to it's efficacy in relieving pain, and improving quality of movement. Medical acupuncture is an effective treatment approach aimed at reducing and/or relieving pain and improving muscle function and activity of affected areas of the body. A thin, disposable needle is inserted into the skin and tissue in specific areas of the body (as mapped out by TCM Meridians), through the use of western biomechanical principles. Acupuncture stimulates the body to produce its own pain relieving neurochemicals, and it can encourage natural healing through the reduction of inflammation. The use of acupuncture is safe and very effective (as the building body of research literature indicates). The improved energy and biomechanical balance produced by acupuncture stimulates the body's natural healing abilities, and patients often feel better within 5-8 treatments. Acupuncture is very effective in treating a variety of painful disorders such as: Low back pain, Osteoarthritis, Headaches (Migraine/Tension), Neck pain, Rotator cuff tendinitis, IT Band Syndrome, Muscle tightness, Shin splints, Lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow), Knee pain, Jaw pain, Plantar fasciitis Commonly Asked Questions: What is a treatment like? Contemporary medical acupuncture is generally used by our chiropractor in combination with other manual therapy treatment techniques such as joint mobilization, soft tissue techniques, and rehabilitation exercises. Dr Hamilton will first complete a comprehensive clinical exam and discuss with you her diagnosis, and clinical options to effectively treat your specific diagnosis. How long might my treatment last? The length depends on the goal of the treatment and individual response. For many local uncomplicated injuries the needles can be inserted for up to 15 to 20 minutes to produce an appropriate effect. Research shows that long lasting results take effect from 5-8 visits. Is it painful? In general, most people report that they barely feel an acupuncture needle being inserted with no pain reported. A short and minor feeling of sharpness occasionally happens when a needle is inserted but it is nothing to worry about. Acupuncture is generally a comfortable experience for most. Interested in booking an Acupuncture Assessment with Dr Hamilton? Click Here>> Rejuvenate your Health: Get the year off to a good start with a Personalized Cleansing Program1/2/2019
There are many different types of detoxification programs which cleanse the body of toxins, and each type has its own specific purpose and benefits. For instance, Heavy metal cleanses focus on removing accumulations of heavy metals from the body, such as mercury and aluminum. Organism cleanses work to eliminate specific organisms, such as parasites or candida yeast. Organ cleanses detoxify the liver and gall bladder, lungs, kidneys, and colon.
One of the main organs involved in cleansing is the liver, which filters all impurities and toxins from the blood. The liver filters these substances and reduces them into compounds that the body can then eliminate through the kidneys (as urine), the skin (as sweat), the lungs (as expelled air), and the bowels (as feces). It is important for overall health to make sure that each organ system is functioning optimally. By improving the efficiency of these systems you will notice that you have more energy, sleep better, are more mentally alert, and have enhanced well-being that is especially visible in better skin and shiny hair. You may even notice that you suffer less from colds and flus because of an improvement in your immune system. Health concerns that can benefit from a personalized cleansing program include: • Constipation and digestion problems such as bloating— poor bowel movements encourage harmful bacteria and toxins to accumulate over time. • High cholesterol and high blood pressure— detoxification diets help to establish lifestyle changes that are important in both treatment and prevention of strokes and heart disease. • Colds and flus – This is a clear reflection of a much weaker immune function and the body’s inability to fight bacteria and viruses well. • Also— headaches and migraines, allergies and sensitivities, joint pain, smokers, those with high alcohol consumption, and those who generally feel fatigue and tired. A Naturopathic doctor can find the best cleanse program for you personally. Under guided supervision, a total health plan can be created for you that rejuvenates your energy and restores your health to an optimal level. Dr Bartolini is at Rebound Health + Wellness on Wednesdays. Interested in jump starting your health naturally? Book an Initial Assessment with Dr Bartolini >>> Book Online  This month we sat down to chat with our newest physio Steven. He is in clinic Tues/Thurs, and every other Sunday!
What influenced your decision to become a physiotherapist? I had many sports injuries growing up and have always tried to find ways to help myself rehab from those injuries. My interest in learning about the human body grew stronger when I enrolled in the Kinesiology program at York University and took courses in athletic injuries. However I soon realized that there was more to rehab than just helping athletes, I wanted to treat all kinds of injuries and that’s why I decided to go into physiotherapy. In this field, I can combine my passion for helping athletes return to their sports and also help treat pain and injuries that are affecting the lives of the general population. What is your treatment philosophy? I believe TENS and electrical modalities has its place in physiotherapy but I do not believe it should be used as the ONLY treatment option. I also believe that patients will have better results in their rehab if they spend more time with the physiotherapist instead of assistants. I believe that these two things are what separates Rebound Health and Wellness from other clinics, I do not use any assistants during my treatment sessions and so you will spend one on one times with me for your entire visit. Our treatment sessions will include more than just a heat pack on your back as well! What can someone expect an initial appointment with you to look like? We will first try to figure out the cause of your pain by taking a detailed history of your pain to narrow down the cause. Next, we will go through specific movements and special tests to pinpoint which exact treatment you will need. The rest of the initial appointment will be treatment of your problem areas using specific strengthening and stretching exercises, joint mobilizations, soft tissue massage, athletic taping, and electrical modalities. What types of treatment methods/approaches do you use? Once I find out what issues my patients have, I like to use a variety of techniques to treat those issues. -Cervical, thoracic and lumbar mobilizations using various Maitland, Kaltenborn, Mulligan, traction, and Snag Techniques -Mobilization of SI joint, knee, ankle, shoulder, elbow, wrist and phalanges -McKenzie Method of Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy for neck and low back pain -Soft Tissue release techniques including Petrissage and Kneading Massage, Percussion Massage, Deep Friction Massage, Trigger Point Release Technique, GTO release -Myofascial release techniques for commonly tight muscle groups including: trapezius, suboccipital, scalene, lats, hip flexors, piriformis, hamstring, gastrocs, quadriceps, supraspinatus, plantar fascia -Therapeutic taping techniques using Leukotape and KT Tape What are the top three most common issues you help clients address? 1. Shoulder pain (either from a rotator cuff issue or shoulder impingement) - don’t know if I should be specific or general 2. Neck pain (from pinched nerves in the that causes pain to radiate down the arm) 3. Low back pain If you could give everyone one piece of advice this winter what would it be? Hmmm, I would advise everyone to watch their steps and be careful of the slippery ice! It is much easier to prevent a fall than to deal with all of the pain and complications that come from a nasty slip and fall! What do you like to do for fun? I like to play basketball, volleyball, badminton and basically any sport for fun. If I’m not being physically active, I like to relax by reading up on the news while listening to music or watching TV shows. Book Online with Steven>>  What are the top three most common issues you help clients address?
What approaches or techniques do you use as a chiropractor use to treat issues of the musculoskeletal system? Depending on the issue someone presents with, I use an individualized approach based on current evidence, and clinical experience. This means that I do not follow a cookie cutter approach for everyone. I have a variety of techniques in my “toolbox” as a chiropractor, depending on the area of concern. Treatments often include some soft tissue therapy (muscle release), joint mobilizations to improve motion and decrease pain, and other techniques which include medical acupuncture, instrumented soft tissue treatment, and taping. I also work with my patients to address their ergonomics, sleep positioning, exercise routines, and I provide stretching and strengthening advice when needed. If you could give everyone one piece of advice this summer what would it be? Listen to your body! If you are sore and achy during work, take a break- get up and stretch, go for a walk, and stop eating your lunch at your desk! When gardening or exercising, if you feel a strain consider what you are doing before it’s too late. What is new and exciting on the Chiropractic horizon for this summer? Chiropractors in Ontario are working harder than ever before to become an integral part of your primary health care team. As musculoskeletal experts, we continue to collaborate with medical doctors, and work to improve patient outcomes in reducing chronic pain. How is a chiropractor different than a physiotherapist? Chiropractors and physiotherapists work towards the same goals of improving your function and mobility, while decreasing pain. Chiropractors study conditions and diseases of the musculoskeletal system extensively, and as a result are legislated with the right to diagnose and communicate a diagnosis and are legally permitted the term Doctor. Chiropractors are allowed to provide more forceful mobilizations to the spine known as adjustments; physiotherapists with extra certifications can also do this as well. Both chiropractors and physiotherapists often have a focus on rehabilitation to decrease the possibility of your condition returning. Physiotherapists tend to work more hands on with their clients to complete their rehabilitation exercises. What can someone expect an initial appointment with you to look like? An initial assessment includes a thorough health history, and an orthopedic examination. After discussing your current concern, I will examine the area at issue, using a variety of orthopedic tests to determine the root cause. If it is something I can treat, we will discuss my recommended treatment plan, and I start off with some treatment and recommendations. If needed, I will refer you to another appropriate practitioner such as your family doctor, or for an x ray for further assessment. Dr Hamilton provides free 15 minute consultations to discuss treatment options, and to learn more about chiropractic (please note no health advice is given during these sessions). Click here to book online >>  What are the top three most common issues you help your patients address?
I tend to see a lot of patients who have food sensitivities and digestive issues such as gas, bloating, heartburn, constipation/diarrhea, etc. Some of these patients have underlying conditions like IBS or IBD. I also often work with women who deal with PMS and menopause symptoms, to rebalance their hormone levels. This also includes breast and bone health. Many people also come to see me because they suffer from low energy or they are frequently sick and are wanting to strengthen their immune system. I really enjoy working with people of all ages (including children) to improve their health. How might a Naturopathic Doctor's approach differ, or compliment the treatment someone may receive from their GP? Naturopathic doctors are licensed health care professionals trained to treat diverse medical conditions and work collaboratively with GPs and other health care professions. Like family doctors, we are trained to diagnose diseases, to order and interpret lab work, to formulate appropriate treatment, and to refer patients to other health care providers when appropriate. We are also formally trained in the interactions and side effects of both pharmaceutical and herbal medications. Naturopathic doctors search for the underlying cause of illness and aim to restore optimal health. Our focus is on prevention and using natural treatments. We develop personalized treatment plans for our patients that combine clinical nutrition, botanical (herbal) medicines, acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine, homeopathy, and appropriate vitamin/mineral supplements. If you could give everyone one piece of advice with regards to their health this spring what would it be? Spring is a great time to prioritize your health and get started on a new health regime that will increase your energy and help you feel your best! To start your day off right, drink warm lemon water in the morning before you eat your breakfast. This is a simple way to cleanse your body and start your day. What is new and exciting on the Naturopathic horizon for this spring? If you have been suffering from allergies, you may want to consider a Naturopathic approach this spring. There are several natural treatments that can help alleviate allergy symptoms by getting to the root of the issue. I will soon be posting an article on this in our blog. What can someone expect an initial appointment with you to look like? An initial Naturopathic appointment is approximately 1 hour in length to allow time for a thorough health assessment. During this visit, we will discuss current health concerns as well as relevant medical history. A pertinent physical examination may be performed, and further specialized lab or diagnostic testing may be recommended. I encourage my patients to bring copies of recent lab/ blood work to our appointment, as well as any medications and supplements that they are currently taking. Together, we will create a personalized treatment plan/protocol that is right for you. *Optimal health is priceless! Most extended health insurance plans cover all or part of Naturopathic visits. Please check with your insurance company. * Dr. Bartolini offers a 15-minute complementary consultation to answer questions you may have and to help you decide if naturopathic medicine is the right choice for you. Please note that no health advice is given in this visit. To book an appointment with Suzanne click here. |
AuthorWritten by the team at Rebound Health and Wellness Archives
May 2023
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