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frequently asked questionsWhat is a Naturopathic Doctor? Can naturopathic medicine help my condition? How does the approach of naturopathic medicine differ? Is naturopathic medicine covered by insurance? When should I see a Chiropractor? If I don’t have an injury, can I still benefit from chiropractic care? If I go to see a chiropractor, how often will I be expected to go? Why should children see a Chiropractor? Can anyone receive massage therapy? What is a Naturopathic Doctor?Naturopathic Doctors (NDs) are primary health care providers trained in the medical sciences and diagnosis, with emphasis placed on the use of a wide range of natural treatment methods throughout their medical training. Your Naturopathic Doctor has a unique perspective on health, based on the Principles of Naturopathic Medicine:
What kind of training do NDs receive? How can I be sure the practitioner I want to see meets these standards?A licensed naturopathic doctor undergoes rigorous training including at least four years of post-graduate education from a recognized school of naturopathic medicine. Training includes clinical and medical sciences, natural therapeutics and extensive clinical training as interns. After completion of these four years of schooling, a ND must pass a set of North American licensing exams and then be registered with the provincial regulating body. In Ontario, naturopathic doctors in good standing will be registrants of the BDDT-N and should also be members of the Ontario Association of Naturopathic Doctors.
Can naturopathic medicine help my condition?The approach of naturopathic medicine can work for everyone. NDs treat the whole person, beginning with a comprehensive assessment of every patient. This information helps us to determine the root cause of your imbalances that contribute to your current condition.
How does the approach of naturopathic medicine differ?Our approach differs from what you may have previously experienced in visiting your medical doctor in that:
Is naturopathic medicine covered by insurance?The services offered by licensed naturopathic doctors are covered by most extended health benefit plans. Please check with your provider to understand the details of your coverage. Naturopathic services are not covered by OHIP.
How do I make an appointment? Do I need a referral from my medical doctor to become a patient at your clinic?You do not need to go through your medical doctor to make an appointment with any of our practitioners, although many of our patients have come to us through their MD’s referral. We can work together with your MD to provide the most comprehensive care. Our office is open from Monday to Saturday and you can call us directly at 416-385-9277 to book an appointment for any of the services offered here. A few insurance programs require a MD’s referral letter in order for your claim to be processed, so please check the details of your insurance coverage and ask if this is necessary.
When should I see a Chiropractor?The vast majority of patients who seek chiropractic care do so to relieve painful joint, muscular and spinal problems related to work, accidents, sports injuries, household chores and even the stress of daily living. Some of the more common reasons why many people visit a chiropractor each year include: back pain, neck pain, headaches, whiplash, repetitive strain injuries and arthritis.
If I don’t have an injury, can I still benefit from chiropractic care?Yes. Here are some of the ways chiropractic care can help you:
If I go to see a chiropractor, how often will I be expected to go?That’s entirely up to you. Some people only want to be treated for a specific pain or illness, and when the symptoms disappear, they stop going. Others use chiropractic care, to correct the underlying cause of symptoms and remain feeling really well. Like a car, your body is under constant stress and wear, and will benefit from a “tune-up”. However, the treatment approach you prefer is always your choice.
Why should children see a Chiropractor?Like the rest of us, children are exposed to the bumps, strains and pressures of every day life. They carry heavy book bags, play sports and often have stress at school. Our chiropractor will modify her treatment technique based on your child’s age, size and condition.
Can anyone receive massage therapy?Yes, massage therapy is appropriate for individuals of all ages, including infants, children and the elderly; however there are some conditions for which massage therapy is not appropriate. A qualified massage therapist is trained to recognize these cases.
Does massage therapy hurt?As with many treatments affecting the soft tissue, there are times when massage therapy can cause some slight discomfort, but it is not harmful. A comfort level will be established with the massage therapist, who will only work within the client’s tolerance level. The client can change the treatment at any time and the massage therapist will modify her techniques to meet each individual’s needs.
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naturopathic medicine • chiropractic • massage therapy • acupuncture • shiatsu north toronto naturopathic clinic © 2010 – 2011 nature photos courtesy of Michael Bartha |