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Family Healthcare A - Z, Pain Management

Rotator Cuff Injury

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Rotator cuff injury is well-treated using naturopathic medicine.

Your rotator cuff is made up of the muscles and tendons in your shoulder. These muscles and tendons connect the bone of your upper arm (humerus) with your shoulder blade and help hold the “ball” of your upper arm bone firmly in your shoulder “socket”.

Rotator cuff injuries include any irritation or damage to your rotator cuff muscles or tendons and can be caused by any action that stresses these structures (e.g., trauma, poor posture, lifting or pulling, repetitive overhead arm activity).

Seek professional healthcare if shoulder pain is severe, lasts longer than one week or if you are unable to use your arm.

Symptoms of Rotator Cuff Injury

Possible symptoms of rotator cuff injury include:

  • Shoulder pain
  • Shoulder weakness
  • Decreased shoulder range of motion
  • Aggravation of pain by raising arm overhead

Treatment of Rotator Cuff Injury at Toronto Centre for Naturopathic Medicine

At Toronto Centre for Naturopathic Medicine, the goal of rotator cuff injury treatment is complete resolution of pain and recovery of function.

Conventional treatment for rotator cuff injury may include physical therapy or surgery, or steroid injections. These treatments may have long-term side effects.

For this reason, you may choose to try natural treatment to possibly avoid use of conventional medications, or together with conventional medications in order to decrease dosages of conventional medications required to manage your rotator cuff symptoms.

Naturopathic treatment of any chronic health concern must be recognized as a process that involves:

  • Identifying specific treatment goals
  • Development by your naturopathic doctor, of a thorough understanding of all factors affecting your health, including physical, psychological, emotional and lifestyle factors
  • Development of a comprehensive treatment plan
  • Implementation and maintenance of that plan through periodic monitoring and adjustment

At Toronto Centre for Naturopathic Medicine, a typical approach to treating rotator cuff injury may be to:

Where appropriate, a number of therapeutic options are available, to be used alone, or more often in a complementary fashion, including:

Treatments provided by naturopathic doctors are covered by most extended healthcare plans.

References

Rotator cuff injury [Internet]. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research; [cited 2009 Feb 18]. Available from: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/rotator-cuff-injury/DS00192.

Family Healthcare A - Z, Pain Management

Sciatica

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Sciatica is well-treated using naturopathic medicine.

The sciatic nerve is the longest nerve in your body, running from your spinal cord to your buttock and hip area and down the back of each leg. The term “sciatica” refers to pain or numbness that radiates along the path of this nerve (i.e., from your low back to your buttocks and the back of your legs).

Sciatica is a symptom caused by other conditions affecting the nerve including herniated disks, conditions affecting the bones of the spinal column, inflammation of the piriformis muscle or trauma to the sciatic nerve or any of the bones or muscles surrounding it.

Seek professional healthcare if self-care is not effective in four weeks.

Seek emergency medical care if your sciatica:

  • Is sudden and severe
  • Accompanies numbness and muscle weakness in your legs
  • Accompanies loss of bowel or bladder control
  • Follows a violent injury (e.g., automobile accident)

Treatment of Sciatica at Toronto Centre for Naturopathic Medicine

At Toronto Centre for Naturopathic Medicine, the goals of sciatica treatment are complete pain relief, healing of any damaged tissue and prevention of recurrence.

Conventional treatment for sciatica may include physical therapy, and a variety of medications, including anti-inflammatory medications, muscle relaxants, narcotics, tricyclic antidepressants and steroid injections. These treatments may have short- or long-term side effects.

For this reason, you may choose to try natural treatment to possibly avoid use of conventional medications, or together with conventional medications in order to decrease dosages of conventional medications required to manage your sciatica.

Naturopathic treatment of any chronic health concern must be recognized as a process that involves:

  • Identifying specific treatment goals
  • Development by your naturopathic doctor, of a thorough understanding of all factors affecting your health, including physical, psychological, emotional and lifestyle factors
  • Development of a comprehensive treatment plan
  • Implementation and maintenance of that plan through periodic monitoring and adjustment

At Toronto Centre for Naturopathic Medicine, a typical approach to treating sciatica may be to:

Where appropriate, a number of therapeutic options are available, to be used alone, or more often in a complementary fashion, including:

Treatments provided by naturopathic doctors are covered by most extended healthcare plans.

References

Sciatica [Internet]. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research; [cited 2009 Feb 18]. Available from: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/sciatica/DS00516.

Family Healthcare A - Z, Mental Health

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

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Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is well-treated using naturopathic medicine.

Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that occurs at the same time every year, most commonly in the fall and winter months.

The specific cause of seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is unknown, but genetic factors, age, the body’s natural chemical makeup and your individual circadian rhythm (the natural rhythm affecting levels of the chemicals melatonin and serotonin, and which is disrupted by the reduced level of sunlight in fall and winter) are thought to play a role.

Untreated, seasonal affective disorder (SAD) can lead to social withdrawal, school or work problems and substance abuse.

Seek professional healthcare if you feel “down”  for days at a time and are not able to become motivated to participate in activities you normally enjoy. This is particularly important if you notice that your sleep patterns and appetite have changed, you have a sense of hopelessness or find yourself turning to alcohol for comfort or relaxation.

Seek emergency medical care if you begin to think of suicide.

Symptoms of Seasonal Affective disorder (SAD)

Possible symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) include:

  • Hopelessness
  • Social withdrawal
  • Loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities
  • Anxiety, agitation and irritability
  • Difficulty concentrating and processing information
  • Low energy
  • Oversleeping or insomnia
  • Changes in appetite (e.g., loss of appetite, craving for carbohydrate-rich foods)
  • Weight loss or gain

Treatment of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) at Toronto Centre for Naturopathic Medicine

At Toronto Centre for Naturopathic Medicine, the goals of seasonal affective disorder (SAD) treatment are to alleviate mental, emotional and physical symptoms; manage side effects of conventional medications and identify; and address triggers of seasonal affective disorder (SAD) to prevent annual recurrence.

Conventional treatment for seasonal affective disorder (SAD) may include light therapy, psychotherapy and antidepressants. These treatments may have short- or long-term side effects.

For this reason, you may choose to try natural treatment to possibly avoid use of conventional medications, or together with conventional medications in order to decrease dosages of conventional medications required to manage your seasonal affective disorder (SAD) symptoms.

Naturopathic treatment of any chronic health concern must be recognized as a process that involves:

  • Identifying specific treatment goals
  • Development by your naturopathic doctor, of a thorough understanding of all factors affecting your health, including physical, psychological, emotional and lifestyle factors
  • Development of a comprehensive treatment plan
  • Implementation and maintenance of that plan through periodic monitoring and adjustment

At Toronto Centre for Naturopathic Medicine, a typical approach to treating seasonal affective disorder (SAD) may be to:

  • Identify and address underlying factors in your lifestyle (e.g., job dissatisfaction) or general health (e.g., existing mental health disorders) that may be triggering seasonal affective disorder (SAD) episodes
  • Reduce feelings of depression using botanical (herbal) medicines or nutritional supplements
  • Reduce episode recurrence by creating a healthy lifestyle that minimizes biochemical predisposition to seasonal affective disorder (SAD) using relaxation (meditation) training or exercise prescription
  • Identify and address other health conditions related to decreased exposure to sunlight (e.g., vitamin D deficiency)

Where appropriate, a number of therapeutic options are available, to be used alone, or more often in a complementary fashion, including:

Treatments provided by naturopathic doctors are covered by most extended healthcare plans.

References

Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) [Internet]. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research; [cited 2010 Jan 17]. Available from: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/seasonal-affective-disorder/DS00195.

Conditions of Aging, Family Healthcare A - Z, Infections + Immune System Support, Pain Management, Skin Conditions, Uncategorized

Shingles + Post-Herpetic Neuralgia

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Shingles and post-herpetic neuralgia are well-treated using naturopathic medicine.

Shingles is a painful, blistering rash that can occur anywhere on your body, but most commonly appears as a band of painful blisters on your trunk. Post-herpetic neuralgia is pain that lingers after active shingles has resolved.

Shingles is a viral infection caused by the varicella-zoster virus, the same virus that causes chickenpox. After the symptoms of a chickenpox infection resolve, virus can remains in your body, inactive, in the nerve tissue near your spinal cord and brain. Later in life, possibly when your immune system is weakened, the virus can be reactivated resulting in shingles. Shingles will usually self-resolve a few weeks, but while active can be very painful.

Complications from shingles are the result of damage to nervous tissue or infections arising from broken skin of shingles blisters, and may include post-herpetic neuralgia (pain that remains after shingles resolves), vision or hearing problems, balance problems, encephalitis (brain inflammation), facial paralysis and skin infections.

Seek professional healthcare if you experience symptoms you suspect may be caused by shingles.

Symptoms of Shingles

Possible symptoms of shingles include:

  • Rash that is preceded by a few days by pain in the skin
  • Rash that affects only a small area of your skin
  • Rash that itches, tingles or has burning pain
  • Rash that develops into fluid-filled blisters that break open and crust over
  • Fever and chills
  • Fatigue
  • General aching
  • Headache
  • Rarely, shingles develops with no rash

Treatment of Shingles at Toronto Centre for Naturopathic Medicine

At Toronto Centre for Naturopathic Medicine, the goals of shingles treatment are to reduce pain and shorten duration of infection and prevent or address potential post-shingles complications (e.g., post-herpetic neuralgia).

Conventional treatment for shingles may include, and variety of medications, including antiviral medications, pain medications (e.g., oxycodone), tricyclic antidepressants, anticonvulsant medications and numbing agents. These medications may have short- or long-term side effects.

For this reason, you may choose to try natural treatment to possibly avoid use of conventional medications, or together with conventional medications in order to decrease dosages of conventional medications required to manage your shingles symptoms.

Naturopathic treatment of any chronic health concern must be recognized as a process that involves:

  • Identifying specific treatment goals
  • Development by your naturopathic doctor, of a thorough understanding of all factors affecting your health, including physical, psychological, emotional and lifestyle factors
  • Development of a comprehensive treatment plan
  • Implementation and maintenance of that plan through periodic monitoring and adjustment

At Toronto Centre for Naturopathic Medicine, a typical approach to treating shingles may be to:

Where appropriate, a number of therapeutic options are available, to be used alone, or more often in a complementary fashion, including:

Treatments provided by naturopathic doctors are covered by most extended healthcare plans.

References

Shingles [Internet]. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research; [cited 2010 Jan 26]. Available from: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/shingles/DS00098.

Children’s Health, Family Healthcare A - Z, Infections + Immune System Support

Sinusitis (Acute)

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Acute sinusitis (acute rhinosinusitis) is well-treated using naturopathic medicine.

Acute sinusitis is a condition in which the cavities around your nasal passages (sinuses) become inflamed and swollen. This swelling obstructs the sinus openings and prevents drainage of mucous; resulting in difficulty breathing through your nose, a sensation of swelling around your eyes and face, throbbing facial pain and headache.

The most common cause of acute sinusitis is the common cold (a viral infection). Other causes include bacterial and fungal infections.

If sinusitis persists, it can lead to serious infections and other complications such as asthma flare-ups, chronic sinusitis (sinusitis lasting more than eight weeks), meningitis, vision problems, aneurysms or blood clots, and ear infection.

Seek professional healthcare if your sinusitis symptoms don’t improve within a few days; if you have symptoms that are worsening; you have a fever higher than 38.1 ° C (100.5 ° F); or have a history of recurrent or chronic sinusitis.

Seek emergency medical care if you have:

  • Pain or swelling around your eyes
  • Swelling at your forehead
  • Severe headache
  • Confusion
  • Double-vision or other vision changes
  • Neck stiffness
  • Shortness of breath

Symptoms of Acute Sinusitis

Possible symptoms of acute sinusitis include:

  • Nasal obstruction or congestion, causing difficulty breathing through your nose
  • Thick, yellow or greenish discharge (mucous) from the nose or back of the throat
  • Reduced sense of smell and taste
  • Pain, tenderness, swelling and pressure around your eyes, cheeks, nose, or forehead
  • Aching in your upper jaw and teeth
  • Ear pain
  • Sore throat
  • Bad breath
  • Cough, which may be worse at night
  • Fatigue
  • Irritability
  • Fever
  • Nausea

Treatment of Acute Sinusitis at Toronto Centre for Naturopathic Medicine

At Toronto Centre for Naturopathic Medicine, the goals of acute sinusitis treatment are to drain sinuses, reduce discomfort associated with sinus inflammation and identify possible triggers and causes to prevent sinusitis recurrence.

Conventional treatments for acute sinusitis are primarily to reduce symptoms, and include a variety of medications including saline nasal spray, nasal corticosteroids, nasal, over-the-counter decongestants and pain relievers. Rarely, antibiotic or antifungal medications and immunotherapy may also be used. These treatments may have short- or long-term side effects.

For this reason, you may choose to try natural treatment to possibly avoid use of conventional medications, or together with conventional medications in order to decrease dosages of conventional medications required to manage your acute sinusitis symptoms.

Naturopathic treatment of any chronic health concern must be recognized as a process that involves:

  • Identifying specific treatment goals
  • Development by your naturopathic doctor, of a thorough understanding of all factors affecting your health, including physical, psychological, emotional and lifestyle factors
  • Development of a comprehensive treatment plan
  • Implementation and maintenance of that plan through periodic monitoring and adjustment

At Toronto Centre for Naturopathic Medicine, a typical approach to acute sinusitis treatment may be to:

Where appropriate, a number of therapeutic options are available, to be used alone, or more often in a complementary fashion, including:

Treatments provided by naturopathic doctors are covered by most extended healthcare plans.

References

Acute sinusitis [Internet]. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research; [cited 2010 Jan 9]. Available from: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/acute-sinusitis/DS00170.

Children’s Health, Family Healthcare A - Z, Infections + Immune System Support

Sinusitis (Chronic)

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Chronic sinusitis (chronic rhinosinusitis) is well-treated using naturopathic medicine.

Sinusitis is a condition in which the cavities around your nasal passages (sinuses) become inflamed and swollen. This swelling obstructs the sinus openings and prevents drainage of mucous; resulting in difficulty breathing through your nose, a sensation of swelling around your eyes and face, throbbing facial pain and headache. Sinusitis is described as “chronic” if the symptoms persist for eight weeks or longer, or recur regularly.

Chronic sinusitis may be caused by infections, allergic reactions, nasal growths called polyps, deviated nasal septum, facial trauma or may occur as a complication of other chronic health conditions such as asthma, heartburn or human immunodeficiency virus [HIV] infection.

If sinusitis persists, it can lead to asthma flare-ups, meningitis, vision problems or aneurysms (blood clots).

Seek professional healthcare if your sinusitis symptoms do not improve within a week, or your symptoms do not respond to treatment.

Seek emergency medical care if you experience:

  • Pain or swelling around your eyes
  • Swelling at your forehead
  • Severe headache
  • Confusion
  • Double-vision or other vision changes
  • Neck stiffness
  • Shortness of breath

Symptoms of Chronic Sinusitis

Possible symptoms of chronic sinusitis include:

  • Nasal obstruction or congestion, causing difficulty breathing through your nose
  • Thick, yellow or greenish discharge (mucous) from the nose or back of the throat
  • Reduced sense of smell and taste
  • Pain, tenderness, swelling and pressure around your eyes, cheeks, nose, or forehead
  • Aching in your upper jaw and teeth
  • Ear pain
  • Sore throat
  • Bad breath
  • Cough, which may be worse at night
  • Fatigue
  • Irritability
  • Fever
  • Nausea

Treatment of Chronic Sinusitis at Toronto Centre for Naturopathic Medicine

At Toronto Centre for Naturopathic Medicine, the goals of chronic sinusitis treatment are to drain sinuses, reduce discomfort associated with sinus inflammation and identify possible triggers and causes to prevent sinusitis recurrence.

Conventional treatments for chronic sinusitis are primarily to reduce symptoms, and include a variety of medications including saline nasal spray, nasal corticosteroids, nasal, over-the-counter decongestants and pain relievers. Rarely, antibiotic or antifungal medications and immunotherapy may also be used. These treatments may have short- or long-term side effects.

For this reason, you may choose to try natural treatment to possibly avoid use of conventional medications, or together with conventional medications in order to decrease dosages of conventional medications required to manage your chronic sinusitis symptoms.

Naturopathic treatment of any chronic health concern must be recognized as a process that involves:

  • Identifying specific treatment goals
  • Development by your naturopathic doctor, of a thorough understanding of all factors affecting your health, including physical, psychological, emotional and lifestyle factors
  • Development of a comprehensive treatment plan
  • Implementation and maintenance of that plan through periodic monitoring and adjustment

At Toronto Centre for Naturopathic Medicine, a typical approach to chronic sinusitis treatment may be to:

Where appropriate, a number of therapeutic options are available, to be used alone, or more often in a complementary fashion, including:

Treatments provided by naturopathic doctors are covered by most extended healthcare plans.

References

Chronic sinusitis [Internet]. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research; [cited 2010 Mar 7]. Available from: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/chronic-sinusitis/DS00232.

How We Make It Easy(er)

Telemedicine (Telephone and Televideo) Consultations

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Your time is valuable. Telemedicine saves time.

Although an appointment at our office rarely involves more than five minutes waiting time, we recognize the inconvenience of travel time. Perhaps telemedicine is a solution.

In many cases, it is possible to gather the information required at follow-up appointments, and communicate treatment recommendations over the telephone or via televideo, allowing you have appointments from your office or home, at times that are most convenient for you.

For televideo consultations, we our booking platform, Jane,  a secure, Personal Information and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA) compliant platform.

Arranging a telemedicine consultation is as simple as contacting our office to arrange a time that is convenient for you, and letting us know how best to contact you.

Once your appointment is booked, you will receive an email to confirm your appointment date and time. 24 hours before your telemedicine appointment, you will receive a reminder email and a link to our video platform.

If you prefer a telephone consultation, be prepared at the contact number you have indicated.

Nutritional supplements, botanical (herbal) medicines and other prescriptions can be filled using our Online dispensary, or can be mailed to you directly from our office.

By taking advantage of our telemedicine and online services, you can stay on track in the pursuit of your health goals simply and conveniently.

Children’s Health, Family Healthcare A - Z, Healthworthy, Pain Management

Thoracic Outlet Syndrome

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Thoracic outlet syndrome is well-treated using naturopathic medicine.

Thoracic outlet syndrome is a group of disorders that occur when the blood vessels or nerves in your thoracic outlet, the space between your collarbone and your first rib become compressed. Compression may be caused by injury (e.g., automobile accident), repetitive strain (e.g., baseball pitching), poor posture or chronic joint stress (e.g., daily carrying of a heavy backpack).

Untreated, thoracic outlet syndrome can cause permanent nerve damage.

Seek professional healthcare if you consistently experience symptoms of thoracic outlet syndrome.

Symptoms of Thoracic Outlet Syndrome

Possible symptoms of thoracic outlet syndrome include:

  • Pain in your shoulder and neck
  • Pain in your arm or hand (usually of an aching quality)
  • Swelling in your arm
  • Weakness of your hand grip
  • Numbness or tingling in your fingers
  • Discoloration (bluish) or pallor (paleness) of your hand or fingers
  • Tiny black spots (infarcts) on your fingers

Treatment of Thoracic Outlet Syndrome at Toronto Centre for Naturopathic Medicine

At Toronto Centre for Naturopathic Medicine, the goal of thoracic outlet syndrome treatments is significant or complete symptom, and prevention of recurrence. Conventional treatment for thoracic outlet syndrome may include physical therapy or surgery, and anti-inflammatory medications. These treatments may have short- or long-term side effects.

For this reason, you may choose to try natural treatment to possibly avoid use of conventional medications, or together with conventional medications in order to decrease dosages of conventional medications required to manage your thoracic outlet syndrome symptoms.

Naturopathic treatment of any chronic health concern must be recognized as a process that involves:

  • Identifying specific treatment goals
  • Development by your naturopathic doctor, of a thorough understanding of all factors affecting your health, including physical, psychological, emotional and lifestyle factors
  • Development of a comprehensive treatment plan
  • Implementation and maintenance of that plan through periodic monitoring and adjustment

At Toronto Centre for Naturopathic Medicine, a typical approach to treating thoracic outlet syndrome may be to:

  • Identify and address underlying factors in your lifestyle (e.g., stress causing muscle tension, poor posture) that may be contributing to development of thoracic outlet syndrome
  • Reduce pain by correcting nerve or blood vessel impingement using Bowen Therapy or Suikodo™

Where appropriate, a number of therapeutic options are available, to be used alone, or more often in a complementary fashion, including:

Treatments provided by naturopathic doctors are covered by most extended healthcare plans.

References

Thoracic outlet syndrome [Internet]. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research; [cited 2009 Feb 18]. Available from: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/thoracic-outlet-syndrome/DS0080.

Digestive Health, Family Healthcare A - Z, Infections + Immune System Support, Pain Management

Ulcerative Colitis

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Ulcerative Colitis is well-managed using naturopathic medicine.

Ulcerative colitis is a condition characterized by chronic inflammation of the digestive tract, specifically segments of the large intestine. If the entire colon is affected, complications may be life threatening.

The cause of ulcerative colitis is unknown, but genetic mutation, viral or bacterial infection and autoimmune reaction are considered possibilities.

Ulcerative colitis can severely impair quality of life, and may lead to complications including severe dehydration; perforation of the colon; liver disease and skin, joint and eye inflammation; and increased risk of colon cancer.

Seek professional healthcare if you experience a persistent change in your bowel habits, ongoing bouts of diarrhea that do not respond to over-the-counter medications or notice blood in your stool.

Symptoms of Ulcerative Colitis

Symptoms of ulcerative colitis vary depending on the severity of inflammation and which segment of the large intestine is affected. Possible symptoms of ulcerative colitis include:

  • Abdominal cramping and pain
  • Rectal pain and bleeding
  • Profuse diarrhea, possibly with blood
  • Difficulty having bowel movements in spite of urge
  • Weight loss
  • Dehydration
  • Fatigue
  • Night sweats

Treatment of Ulcerative Colitis at Toronto Centre for Naturopathic Medicine

At Toronto Centre for Naturopathic Medicine, the goals of ulcerative colitis treatment are to reduce symptom intensity and frequency; identify and eliminate food triggers of ulcerative colitis episodes; soothe and heal tissue of the large intestine; address dehydration and malnutrition caused by fluid losses and poor nutrient absorption; manage side effects of conventional medications; and if possible, prevent recurrence of “flare-ups”.

Conventional treatment for ulcerative colitis may include surgery, and a variety of medications, including anti-inflammatory medications, immune system suppressors, nicotine patches, anti-diarrheal medications, laxatives and pain relievers. These treatments may have short- or long-term side effects.

For this reason, you may choose to try natural treatment to possibly avoid use of conventional medications, or together with conventional medications in order to decrease dosages of conventional medications required to manage your ulcerative colitis symptoms.

Naturopathic treatment of any chronic health concern must be recognized as a process that involves:

  • Identifying specific treatment goals
  • Development by your naturopathic doctor, of a thorough understanding of all factors affecting your health, including physical, psychological, emotional and lifestyle factors
  • Development of a comprehensive treatment plan
  • Implementation and maintenance of that plan through periodic monitoring and adjustment

At Toronto Centre for Naturopathic Medicine, a typical approach to treating ulcerative colitis may be to:

Where appropriate, a number of therapeutic options are available, to be used alone, or more often in a complementary fashion, including:

Treatments provided by naturopathic doctors are covered by most extended healthcare plans.

References

Ulcerative colitis [Internet]. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research; [cited 2010 Jan 25]. Available from: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/ulcerative-colitis/DS00598.

Children’s Health, Family Healthcare A - Z, Infections + Immune System Support, Pain Management, Women’s Health

Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)

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Urinary tract infection (UTI) is well-treated using naturopathic medicine.

Urinary tract infection (UTI) describes an infection of the bladder (cystitis) or the urethra (urethritis).

Urinary tract infections typically occur when bacteria enter the urinary tract through the urethra.

Complications of urinary tract infections (UTIs) may include recurrent infections (especially in women who experience three or more urinary tract infections [UTIs]), permanent kidney damage from an acute or chronic kidney infection (pyelonephritis) and increased risk of women delivering low birth weight or pre-mature infants.

Seek professional healthcare if you suspect you have a urinary tract infection (UTI).

Symptoms of a Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)

Possible symptoms of a urinary tract infection (UTI) include:

  • Strong, persistent urge to urinate
  • Passing frequent, small amounts of urine
  • Burning sensation when urinating
  • Urine that appears cloudy
  • Urine that appears red, bright pink or cola-colored
  • Strong-smelling urine
  • Pelvic pain (in women)
  • Rectal pain (in men)

Treatment of Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) at Toronto Centre for Naturopathic Medicine

At Toronto Centre for Naturopathic Medicine, the goals of urinary tract infection (UTI) treatment are to reduce pain, resolve underlying infection and prevent recurrence.

Conventional treatment for urinary tract infection (UTI) is generally antibiotics, which may have short- or long-term side effects or complications.

For this reason, you may choose to try natural treatment to possibly avoid use of conventional treatments, or together with conventional treatments in order to limit conventional treatment required to treat your urinary tract infection (UTI) or non-infectious cystitis symptoms.

Naturopathic treatment of any chronic health concern must be recognized as a process that involves:

  • Identifying specific treatment goals
  • Development by your naturopathic doctor, of a thorough understanding of all factors affecting your health, including physical, psychological, emotional and lifestyle factors
  • Development of a comprehensive treatment plan
  • Implementation and maintenance of that plan through periodic monitoring and adjustment

At Toronto Centre for Naturopathic Medicine, a typical approach to treating urinary tract infections (UTI) and other causes of cystitis may be to:

  • Identify and address underlying factors in your lifestyle (e.g., insufficient water intake, delaying urinary voidance, frequent tub baths, poor genital hygiene, birth control selection) or general health (e.g., kidney stones, enlarged prostate gland), compromised immune system, prolonged use of bladder catheters) that may be contributing to your cystitis symptoms
  • Resolve infection using botanical (herbal) medicines and nutritional supplements
  • Prevent recurrence by increasing immune system activity using botanical (herbal) medicines

Where appropriate, a number of therapeutic options are available, to be used alone, or more often in a complementary fashion, including:

Treatments provided by naturopathic doctors are covered by most extended healthcare plans.

References

Urinary tract infection (UTI) [Internet]. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research; [cited 2015 Mar 28]. Available from: http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/urinary-tract-infection/basics/definition/con-20037892.

Family Healthcare A - Z, Pain Management, Women’s Health

Uterine Fibroids

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Uterine fibroids are well-treated using naturopathic medicine.

Uterine fibroids, also called fibromyomas, leiomyomas or myomas, are noncancerous growths of the uterus that often appear during your childbearing years. They are often asymptomatic, and contrary to popular belief are not associated with increased risk of uterine cancer, but may affect fertility.

It is unclear what leads to the development of uterine fibroids, but hormones including estrogen, progesterone and insulin-like growth factor appear to promote their growth.

Seek professional healthcare if you experience persistent pelvic pain, painful menstrual periods, spotting or bleeding between menstrual periods, pain during intercourse or difficulty urinating or moving your bowels.

Seek emergency medical care if you experience sudden:

  • Severe vaginal bleeding
  • Sharp pelvic pain

Symptoms of Uterine Fibroids

Possible symptoms of uterine fibroids include:

  • Heavy menstrual bleeding
  • Prolonged menstrual periods
  • Bleeding between menstrual periods
  • Pelvic pain
  • Back or leg pain
  • Frequent urination
  • Constipation 

Treatment of Uterine Fibroids at Toronto Centre for Naturopathic Medicine

At Toronto Centre for Naturopathic Medicine, the goals of uterine fibroids treatment are to decrease or eliminate pain; and balance hormones to regulate menstrual bleeding, shrink existing fibroids and prevent development of new fibroids.

Conventional treatment for uterine fibroids may include surgery, and a variety of medications, including gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists, androgens, oral contraceptives and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). These treatments may have short- or long-term side effects.

For this reason, you may choose to try natural treatment to possibly avoid use of conventional medications, or together with conventional medications in order to decrease dosages of conventional medications required to shrink your uterine fibroids and manage their symptoms.

Naturopathic treatment of any chronic health concern must be recognized as a process that involves:

  • Identifying specific treatment goals
  • Development by your naturopathic doctor, of a thorough understanding of all factors affecting your health, including physical, psychological, emotional and lifestyle factors
  • Development of a comprehensive treatment plan
  • Implementation and maintenance of that plan through periodic monitoring and adjustment

At Toronto Centre for Naturopathic Medicine a typical approach to treating uterine fibroids may be to:

Where appropriate, a number of therapeutic options are available, to be used alone, or more often in a complementary fashion, including:

Treatments provided by naturopathic doctors are covered by most extended healthcare plans.

References

Uterine fibroids [Internet]. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research; [cited 2009 Feb 18]. Available from: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/uterine-fibroids/DS00078.

Family Healthcare A - Z, Women’s Health

Uterine Polyps

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Uterine polyps are well-treated using naturopathic medicine.

Uterine polyps are growths, ranging from millimeters to centimeters in size, attached to the inner wall of the uterus and protruding into the uterine cavity. They most commonly occur in women in their 40s and 50s.

Although it is not known what causes uterine polyps, they increase in size when exposed to estrogen.

Uterine polyps may affect fertility.

Seek professional healthcare if you experience vaginal bleeding after menopause, between menstrual periods or have irregular menses.

Symptoms of Uterine Polyps

Possible symptoms of uterine polyps include:

  • Irregular menstrual bleeding
  • Bleeding between menstrual periods
  • Heavy menstrual bleeding
  • Menstrual bleeding after menopause
  • Infertility 

Treatment of Uterine Polyps at Toronto Centre for Naturopathic Medicine

At Toronto Centre for Naturopathic Medicine, the goals of uterine polyps treatment are to shrink uterine polyps and decrease or eliminate excessive vaginal bleeding.

Conventional treatment for uterine polyps may include surgery, and a variety of medications, including gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists. These treatments may have short- or long-term side effects.

For this reason, you may choose to try natural treatment to possibly avoid use of conventional medications, or together with conventional medications in order to decrease dosages of conventional medications required to manage your uterine polyps symptoms.

Naturopathic treatment of any chronic health concern must be recognized as a process that involves:

  • Identifying specific treatment goals
  • Development by your naturopathic doctor, of a thorough understanding of all factors affecting your health, including physical, psychological, emotional and lifestyle factors
  • Development of a comprehensive treatment plan
  • Implementation and maintenance of that plan through periodic monitoring and adjustment

At Toronto Centre for Naturopathic Medicine, a typical approach to treating uterine polyps may be to:

Where appropriate, a number of therapeutic options are available, to be used alone, or more often in a complementary fashion, including:

Treatments provided by naturopathic doctors are covered by most extended healthcare plans.

References

Uterine polyps [Internet]. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research; [cited 2009 Feb 18]. Available from: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/uterine-polyps/DS00699.

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