Arthritis and Naturopathic Medicine

Dr. Samantha Ristimaki, BSc, ND (Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine)

• Do your hands ache when you get up in the morning?
• Have you noticed you can’t move around like you used to?
• Are you looking for alternatives to the standard pain medications to help you deal with arthritis?
• Do you have a strong family history of arthritis and are wondering how you can help prevent it?

75% of the Canadian population over the age of 50 is afflicted with arthritis. If you or someone you love suffers from this painful, debilitating condition, naturopathic medicine may be able to help slow down and perhaps reverse the disease process. By rebalancing your body chemistry, the pain and inflammation associated with this disease can be relieved.

COMMON TYPES OF ARTHRITIS
Osteoarthritis
Older adults commonly suffer from osteoarthritis as it can be described as a ‘wear and tear’ form of arthritis. It occurs when the matrix of cartilage in weight bearing joints demineralizes leading to bone brittleness and bone spurs. Patients usually experience the worse stiffness when they first get up in the morning along with painful or limited range of motion. It usually does not usually affect all joints at once and is more common in the hands and knees.

Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid Arthritis is a chronic inflammatory condition that affects the whole body. It typically affects the hands, wrists, feet, ankles and knees but may also include the shoulders and hips. This form of arthritis is considered an autoimmune disease which means the body starts to attack its own joints. The constant state of inflammation in this disease results in joints that are tender, swollen and almost constant pain and stiffness. As the disease progresses, joint deformities may occur.

NATUROPATHIC MEDICINE CAN HELP
Slowing the degeneration of joints and managing pain are the primary goals of treatment. Naturopathic medicine utilizes specific nutrition, vitamin supplementation, botanical medicine, acupuncture and lifestyle counseling to achieve better joint health. The patient’s level of pain and joint deterioration will help guide the development of a treatment plan. Helping the body to rebuild its vitality in order to allow for healing and repair to occur is the primary goal of naturopathic medicine.

Please call us at 905.465.4595 for more information
and to book your appointment with Dr. Samantha Ristimaki.

For pricing information please click here.

The Super Cities Walk for MS

Wellness for the Body was proud to donate their time and services!

The Super Cities WALK for MS is the Society’s largest event fundraiser. It involves over 70,000 participants and volunteers and takes place in communities from coast-to-coast.

The MS Society's mission is to be a leader in finding a cure for multiple sclerosis and enabling people affected by MS to enhance their quality of life.

On April 15th, Wellness for the Body sent therapists to educate and treat the walkers at the finish line. Congratulations on a successful 2007 event!

For more information visit: www.mssociety.ca

Purchase Gift Certificates Over the Phone or Online

Now purchasing the gift of natural healing couldn't be any easier! Gift certificates may be purchased over the phone or online for any amount. Your certificate will be mailed or emailed within 2 business days.

Please call us at 905.465.4595 to purchase
your gift certificate or visit us online at
www.wellnessforthebody.com