Chiropractic is a specialized form of health care that addresses the Neuromusculoskeletal system. Chiropractors are professionally trained and spend four years learning about the assessment diagnosis and treatment of various ailments of the musculoskeletal system. At the Wellness Institute of Niagara an integration of Chiropractic, Acupuncture and Active Release Technique are combined to create an individualized treatment. Acupuncture and Active Release Technique can help decrease pain and achieve optimal function of the body part or joint in need of treatment, while the use of manual manipulation addresses a loss of motion within the joints of the body.

This technique involves the insertion and manipulation of fine acupuncture needles into points along the body to restore health. This technique is particularly good at treating pain and enhancing the healing process of musculoskeletal injuries and ailments. In addition, acupuncture can assist in the treatment of general health concerns such as insomnia, headaches, allergies, anxiety/restlessness, gastrointestinal issues, hormone balancing and fertility. The doctors are professionally trained to provide this treatment safely and effectively.

Active Release Technique (ART) is a highly specific soft tissue manipulation system. When used properly, it aids in the degradation of scar tissue and the restoration of joint mechanics. ART can increase musculoskeletal range of motion and enhance mobility.

Soft Tissue treatment can be performed many ways; this technique involves the use of stainless steel instruments to breakdown scar tissue that may otherwise be difficult for the human hand to perform on its own. This technique requires professional certification and the proper tools to be truly effective.

Naturopathic Doctors are licensed health care professionals. Naturopathic Doctors have extensive health care education and training. This approach to health offers solutions to all health concerns and for all stages of life.

Conventional medical physicians often prescribe medication to alleviate symptoms. Naturopathic Doctors ask why those symptoms are happening and consider the whole health picture of that person. A treatment approach offered by a Naturopathic Doctor is designed to remove obstacles that may inhibit the body’s ability to maintain optimal health. Treatments are intended to help the body regain and sustain balanced function. When obstacles to health are removed, and the body’s function is balanced, symptoms resolve. If this is achieved, quality of health significantly rises.

Naturopathic Doctors work to educate people about health and give solutions to help people feel their best and prevent illness. Improved health and vitality leads to a better quality of life and overall feeling of wellness.

Natural Injection Therapy is practiced extensively in general medical practices in Europe and is a cutting edge therapy offered to atheletes in North America. This therapy involves the injection of natural substances into muscle, joint or other structures, like scars, that can be causing concern. Natural injection therapy can treat a variety of musculoskeletal issues to help improve healing, reduce inflammation and lessen pain. Concerns such as sports injuries, muscle injuries, areas of joint degeneration, old injuries, carpal tunnel, neuralgia, among others, can be very well treated with this therapy. Furthermore, patients who are not candidates for taking anti-inflammatory or pain medication would benefit from this therapy, in addition to those who are interested in limiting the use of pharmaceutical therapy for musculoskeleteal concerns.

The body is very intelligent, and health is at its best when the body keeps itself precisely balanced. Biotherapeutic drainage involves the use of specific remedies to restore and improve the function and balance of the body. The Skin, Lungs, Liver, Gastrointestinal Tract and Kidneys are five fundamental organs of the body that work together to keep the body healthy and in balance. These organs are directly linked to how well we feel, yet their function can be compromised by many factors.

For example, the balance of the body can become compromised by these factors:

Lifestyle - stress, sleeplessness, level of activity

Diet – food intolerances, processed food, sugar, caffeine, alcohol, skipping meals, overeating

Environment – environmental toxins, impure water, molds, environmental allergens

This method of treatment, in addition to strategies for proper lifestyle and nutrition, is supportive of the body, can strengthen the body, make it more resilient and elevate health.

The advantage to using homeopathic remedies is that they are very deep acting and stimulate the body’s natural healing capacity when properly used. They do not disrupt, suppress or irritate the natural function of the body’s vital organs. Homeopathy has been used for approximately 200 years as a very supportive approach to optimizing health.

An important concept at the Wellness Institute of Niagara is using food as a means to heal the body. Nutritional guidance, education and support is provided by our Naturopathic Doctor. The goal to nutrition therapy is to teach individuals how to use nutrition to facilitate a better level of health.

Massage Therapy is performed by a Registered Massage Therapist and is an excellent therapy to help rid the body of tense musculature, improve circulation, improve musculoskeletal range of motion and mobility and help alleviate stress. Massage Therapy can be part of a comprehensive treatment plan to help in the recovery and repair of injuries.

Through the professional insight of your naturopathic doctor or chiropractor, natural remedies may be recommended. The high quality brands of homeopathic remedies, botanical remedies and nutriceuticals in our natural pharmacy are only available through professional health care providers. Remedies are only dispensed under the supervision of the doctor you are working with. This ensures natural remedies are accurately chosen based on your health profile. Above all, this ensures natural remedies are safely and effectively used with the proper respect and intent.

We offer in-clinic blood and specimen collection by Laura Imola, Naturopathic Doctor. Our clinic can provide this service for patients needing to update their testing or who need test results quickly. Test results are available within 24-48 hours and Dr. Imola will be available to promptly give patients results and feedback.

Bloodwork

Routine blood work can be preformed in-clinic at the Wellness Institute of Niagara. There is an extensive number of tests that are available. We can take samples for routine Complete Blood Count, Cholesterol, Blood Glucose, and many more.

Gynecological Testing

Women who are working with Dr. Imola on optimizing their health can now have specialized gynecological testing done in-clinic. In addition, this service will be extended to women in the community who do not have a conventional medical doctor, and/or who need these tests, and results reviewed with them, expediently.

Urinalysis

Through in-clinic urinary sample, we can check for signs of Urinary Tract Infection, blood sugar balancing issues and other health issues.

Rapid Strep Test

Due to the known issues surrounding the overuse of antibiotics, over the years, we have had many people look to us for solutions in addressing sore throats naturally. The Rapid Strep Test will now be available to help more definitively identify and treat this concern through naturopathic medicine.

We have two types of testing available. There are subtle differences with each test. To best know which test is right for you, we advise that patients consult with our Naturopathic Doctor to choose the one that is most indicated.

Carroll Food Intolerance Test
The Carroll Food Intolerance Test was developed over 80 years ago and has been used by Naturopathic Doctors who have been specially trained to discover how a certain food can weaken health. If a particular food is found to be "intolerant" by a person, this food will work against them in the healing process. Toxic compounds are created in the digestive tract when an intolerant food is eaten, which can lead to an obstruction of the healing process, in addition to physical symptoms and/or distress. A small sample of blood is necessary for the test. People of all ages can have this test done in-clinic. This is a painless technique, as blood samples are taken from the soft part of the ear lobe using a finger lancet. This technique also makes the suitable for young children.

Blood Allergy Testing
Antibody testing can be done to discover groupings of foods that your body may have mild or delayed hypersensitivity to. This test can be helpful for those who are not ready to adopt a hypoallergenic diet as part of a healthy lifestyle. Blood samples for this test can also be done in-clinic.

There is a great deal of new information prevalent in the media about salivary hormone testing. This is a very useful test to understand the balance of specific hormones. A salivary sample can yield more accurate information about hormonal imbalances in those who are considered by conventional medicine to be "generally healthy" and do not have pathological issues with their glandular function. Most commonly, salivary hormone tests can be used by those are experiencing fatigue, insomnia, poor healing time, difficulties with weight loss, progressive weight gain, menstrual irregularities and low libedo.