Be Active

3

b e a c t i v e

be i nformed Who Cares for your health? the body is naturally able to heal itself. The practitioner of Traditional Osteopathy works with the body to enhance this natural ability to self-regulate

and self-heal. Osteopathic Manual Practitioners rely on the quality and finesse of their palpation and work with the position, mobility and quality of the tissues. In Ontario, Osteopathic Manual Practitioners can be recognized by the professional designation D.O.M.P. or DOMTP ( if educated in Ontario) that signifies that the practitioner holds a Diploma in osteopath- ic manual practice or by other designations (if they were educated outside of Ontario). Naturopath/Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine ( N.D) Naturopathic medicine is a distinct primary health care system that blends modern scientific knowledge with traditional and natural forms of medicine. The naturopathic philosophy is to stimulate the healing power of the body and treat the underlying cause of disease. Symptoms of dis- ease are seen as warning sig- nals of improper functioning of the body, and unfavourable lifestyle habits. Naturopathic Medicine emphasizes disease as a process rather than as an entity. Treating both acute and chron- ic conditions, naturopathic treatments are chosen based on the individual patient – their physiological, structural, psychological, social, spiritual, environment and lifestyle factors. In addition to diet and lifestyle changes, natural therapies including botanical medicine, clinical nutrition, hydrotherapy, homeopathy, naturopathic manipulation and traditional Chinese medicine/

Nowadays it seems there are so many more health care providers out there in addition to your Family Doctor. Often times Family Doctors will refer their patients to other healthcare providers who are specialists in a particular field or specific therapy. Below we review some of the common health care providers and clarify their specialties.

Pedorthist (C Ped C) Canadian Certified Pedorthists are orthotic and orthopae- dic footwear experts. These professionals have specialized education and training in foot biomechanics and footwear, and help to alleviate pain, abnormalities and debilitating conditions of the lower limbs and feet. Pedorthosists consult with patients based on a referral from physicians, nurse practi- tioners and other healthcare providers. They possess an in depth knowledge of lower limb anatomy, biomechan- ics, orthotic manufacturing techniques and footwear construction. Pedorthists often work with onsite facilities to manufacture custom made orthoses and modify footwear. The goal of every Pedorthist is to help patients achieve and maintain proper foot care and lower limb health, and live

of the foot and toes. As a pri- mary care provider capable of independent clinical practice, these skills are often practiced independent of medical refer- ral and medical supervision. drug-free, manual approach to health care that includes patient assessment, diagnosis and treatment. In particular, they assess patients for disor- ders related to the spine, pel- vis, extremity joints, and their effect on the nervous system. Chiropractors use a hands-on approach and may use a va- riety of treatment techniques such as: joint manipulations, muscle release, trigger point therapy or modalities like ultrasound or electronic muscle stimulation. Osteopathic Manual Practitioner (D.O.M.P) Osteopathic Manual Prac- titioners practice Natural Medicine – the idea that with an osteopathic treatment, nothing is added (medications or remedies) or subtracted ( surgery) from the body. The osteopathic philosophy embraces the notion that Chiropractor (D.C.) Chiropractors practice a

Law to communicate a diag- nosis to patients. Podiatrists are concerned with the examination, diagnosis and prevention of foot disorders by mechanical, surgical and other means of treatment. Many Podiatrists utilize both conventional and highly specialized methods that include both conserva- tive and surgical techniques. X-rays and other diagnostic tests may be performed by a Podiatrist. Surgery on an outpatient basis may involve the use of traditional open or minimal incision surgery including endoscopic and A Chiropodist is a primary care professional practicing in podi- atric medicine that specializes in assessment, management and prevention of diseases and disorders of the foot. Chiropodists are skilled in assessing the needs of their patients and managing both chronic and acute conditions affecting foot and lower limb function. They specialize in wound care, diabetic foot care and minor surgical procedures even laser techniques. Chiropodist (D.Ch.)

healthy, active lives. Podiatrist (D.P.M.)

A Doctor of Podiatric Medicine is a highly trained specialist in the care of feet. Podiatrists are one of six primary care profes- sions, authorized by Ontario

30