be
i nformed
3
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
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
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
even laser techniques.
Chiropodist (D.Ch.)
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
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.
Chiropractor (D.C.)
Chiropractors practice a
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
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.
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