House of Delegates, Position Paper Definition of Naturopathic Medicine:
Naturopathic medicine is a distinct primary health care profession, emphasizing prevention, treatment, and optimal health through the use of therapeutic methods and substances that encourage individuals’ inherent self-healing process. The practice of naturopathic medicine includes modern and traditional, scientific, and empirical methods.
The following principles are the foundation of naturopathic medical practice:
Naturopathic Practice
Naturopathic practice includes the following diagnostic and therapeutic modalities: clinical and laboratory diagnostic testing, nutritional medicine, botanical medicine, naturopathic physical medicine (including naturopathic manipulative therapy), public health measures, hygiene, counseling, minor surgery, homeopathy, acupuncture, prescription medication, intravenous and injection therapy, and naturopathic obstetrics (natural childbirth).
The Therapeutic Order of a Naturopathic Physician
Testing we offer, but not limited to:
Prolotherapy is a Regenerative Injection Technique (RIT) that helps to stimulate repair of damaged or weakened joints, ligaments, and tendons. This non-surgical treatment leads to long-lasting joint strength, increase in joint function, and elimination of pain.
Although prolotherapy is a medical injection technique that has been around for a long time, it is very naturopathic in that it stimulates the body’s own cells to replace and repair degenerated tissue. All medicines administered by Dr. Larson have been FDA-approved for decades.
Prolotherapy is very technique-sensitive requiring the practitioner to display exceptional manual dexterity and a skilled ability to locate anatomical landmarks. With almost two decades of hands-on experience in chiropractic training and clinical practice, Dr. Larson has developed the unique ability of technically evaluating the musculoskeletal system. This skillset affords him the ability to perform these regenerative injections with the highest level of safety and effectiveness.
PRP stands for Platelet Rich Plasma and is an extract of your own blood that is concentrated with growth factors. It offers an enhanced degree of regeneration.
What to Expect:
Prolotherapy and PRP work in an accumulation of each other. Each session builds upon the one before. Patient’s typically need 4-6 sessions spaced about 2-3 weeks apart from each other. It is important to stay on schedule with this therapy or else you may lose the benefit. The experience is different for everyone, but typically they may start to notice improvements after the third session.
Microneedling treatment induces the skin’s self-repair mechanism by creating “micro-injuries” in the skin. These micro-injuries trigger collagen synthesis without posing a risk for scarring. The result of the procedure is smoother, firmer and younger-looking skin. The procedure is performed in a safe manner with the use of the FDA approved device SkinPen using a single-use sterile needle head. The procedure is normally completed within 45-70 minutes, depending on the size of area(s) treated.
What to Expect:
Topical anesthetic is applied to the desired areas of treatment about 15-30 minutes prior to the microneedling procedure, with or without the presence of PRP.
The doctor will determine the appropriate amount of treatments for the best results. Often 3-6 treatments are recommended for the maximum results.
After the treatment, your skin may be red and flushed, similar in appearance to a moderate sunburn. There may be redness, tingling, peeling, and slight bruising. This may last for 24 hours to up to 5 days. Keep in mind that this is part of the skin’s normal healing process.
For weeks to months post-treatment, your face will continue to regenerate, rebuild, and form new collagen making your skin healthier and more youthful.
Single vs. Multiple Treatments:
Single Treatment: Reduction in appearance of fine lines, large pore size, uneven skin tone, and minor blemishes.
Multi-Treatment Series (3-6 treatments at 4-6 week intervals): Reduction in appearance of moderate to deep wrinkles, atrophic acne scars, striae/stretch marks, traumatic scars, and non-keloid hypertrophic scars.
General health is greatly dependent upon proper hormone balance. Your hormones are the biochemical messengers for all of your cells and organ systems, and they operate like a big orchestral symphony requiring all the glands that produce hormones to stay in balance and harmonize. But as you probably realize, this complex symphony can get severely out of tune leading to a whole array of health issues.
You may need to get your hormones tested if you suffer from any of the following:
• Fatigue
• Chronic pain
• Osteoporosis
• Immune problems
• Sleeping problems
• Skin problems
• Blood sugar imbalances
• Allergies
• Autoimmunity
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Libido/sexual response issues
• Fluid retention
• Gas/bloating
• Constipation/diarrhea
Female specific:
• Impaired libido
• Menstrual irregularities
• Hot flashes
• Headaches/migraines
• Vaginal dryness
• Breast tenderness
• Infertility
• Painful/heavy periods
• Painful intercourse
• Polycystic ovarian syndrome
Male specific:
Middle-aged and experiencing any of these conditions:
• Impaired libido
• Erectile dysfunction
• Baldness and/or extremity hair thinning
• Fat accumulation around the waist
• Urinary problems such as pain, frequency or urgency— or interrupted stream
• Changes in sleeping habits
• Lack of enthusiasm for life
• Increase in bad cholesterol—decrease in good cholesterol
• Osteoporosis
Young and experiencing any of these conditions:
• Impaired libido
• Erectile dysfunction
• Early baldness
• Inability to lose weight
We are all biochemical individuals so any hormonal therapy needs to be preceded by laboratory testing to help determine the best course of action to get the endocrine symphony back in harmony.
Optimal weight loss requires the assessment of multiple factors like hormone balance, digestive function, neurotransmitters, metabolism, lifestyle, genetics, and mental-emotional aspects like stress.
By paying attention to your unique needs and circumstances, we will be better able to prescribe a treatment protocol that will provide sustained weight loss that will last. Like many other complex health conditions, by comprehensively evaluating you as an individual – and not as an average statistic – we will achieve optimal long-term results.
IV therapy is a very effective way of administering nutrients, such as vitamins, minerals, and amino acids directly into the bloodstream. Since IV therapy bypasses the gastrointestinal tract, it ensures maximal absorption and allows the IV therapy protocol to be targetedto your particular needs.
IV therapy can benefit a variety of conditions, including:
• Fatigue
• Nutrient deficiency
• Improve athletic performance
• Migraines/headaches
• Pain/inflammation
• Anxiety
• Immune support (colds, flu, autoimmunity)
• Asthma
• Macular degeneration
• Cardiac arrhythmias
• Heavy metal/chemical toxicity
• Digestive disorders
• Chronic infections
• Drug/alcohol detoxification
IV nutrient therapy is unique to integrative and naturopathic medicine because we have been trained on the therapeutic uses of these types of nutrients instead of having to solely rely on pharmaceutical intervention for the treatment of the conditions above plus many more.
Push IV therapy is a powerful treatment that infuses various antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and amino acids into the bloodstream where they can be taken up immediately by the body and used. Here at The Adapt Lab the infusion process can take from 10-20 minutes. People generally see very quick positive effects from IV therapy with increased energy, decreased stress.
We off a variety of different formulas designed by our doctors that strengthen immunity, boost metabolism, decrease stress, or detox:
Vitamin shots are intramuscular injections of vitamins, minerals, and/or herbs. It is a quick and easy way to boost your body’s power of regeneration and rejuvenation. Like IV’s they bypass the gut and are 100% absorbed through the bloodstream, therefore making them extremely beneficial for people with impaired intestinal absorption (ex: leaky gut).
We offer a variety of different injection formulas that improve energy, metabolism, stress, and mood. You can customize your own shot or choose from our menu of shots formulated by our doctors:
When it comes to achieving your health goals, working alongside a certified nutritionist can make a significant difference. The expertise and guidance of a nutritionist can provide you with personalized strategies and support to optimize your well-being. By collaborating with a certified nutritionist, you can benefit from their in-depth knowledge of nutrition and their ability to design a tailored plan that aligns with your specific needs and goals. Whether you're aiming to lose weight, improve your energy levels, manage a chronic condition, or enhance your overall nutritional intake, a certified nutritionist can serve as a valuable ally on your journey to better health.
One of the primary advantages of partnering with a certified nutritionist is the opportunity to receive individualized advice and recommendations. They will assess your current dietary habits, take into account your medical history, lifestyle, and preferences, and then develop a customized nutrition plan just for you. This personalized approach ensures that you receive guidance that is specifically tailored to address your unique circumstances. A certified nutritionist can help you navigate through the maze of conflicting information about nutrition, debunk common myths, and provide evidence-based recommendations that are supported by scientific research. With their expert guidance, you can make informed decisions about your diet and make sustainable changes that will support your health goals in the long term.
Moreover, by working side by side with a certified nutritionist, you can gain valuable insights and knowledge about your nutritional needs. They can educate you about the role of different nutrients in your body, the impact of certain foods on your health, and the importance of maintaining a balanced diet. This knowledge empowers you to make better choices and develop a healthier relationship with food. A nutritionist can also offer practical tips, such as meal planning, portion control, and mindful eating techniques, to help you adopt healthier habits and sustain positive changes. With their ongoing support and accountability, you can stay motivated and stay on track to reach your health goals.
Partnering with a certified nutritionist offers numerous advantages on your path to achieving optimal health. From receiving individualized advice and recommendations to gaining valuable knowledge about nutrition, working alongside a nutritionist can empower you to make informed choices and develop healthier habits. By tailoring their guidance to your specific needs and goals, a certified nutritionist can provide the expertise and support necessary to help you achieve and maintain a balanced, nourishing diet. With their assistance, you can embark on a transformative journey towards improved well-being and a healthier lifestyle.
In the allopathic pharmacosurgical model of medicine, the goal of musculoskeletal (MSK) or orthopedic treatment is to address the patient’s injury or disorder by alleviating pain with:
1) Rest and “watchful waiting”.
2) Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS), cyclooxygenase-2-inhibitors (COX- inhibitors), opioid analgesic, and muscle relaxants, and surgery.
3) Unfortunately, there is no evidence that these commonly prescribed drugs have any long-term benefit for chronic pain in conditions like arthritis. In fact, long-term use of these analgesic drugs is known to block normal cartilage formation which can lead to further joint deterioration and can eventually lead to irreversible damage to the kidneys, liver, or gastrointestinal tract. Allopathic medical schools have a very poor track record of education for MSK conditions.
But don’t just take my word for it, here is what the American Association of Orthopaedic Surgeons has to say about the state of education of primary care physicians regarding musculoskeletal conditions:
– American Association of Orthopedic Surgeons
The integrative orthopedic approach to musculoskeletal disorders emphasizes alleviation of pain with natural, non-invasive, low-cost, and low-risk treatments while simultaneously addressing the overall health of the individual. Clinical research has clearly indicated that musculoskeletal disorders can manifest from multiple sources like hormone imbalances, gastrointestinal problems, vitamin and nutrient deficiencies, and food sensitivities, just to name a few. So MSK disorders need to be given the attention they deserve by focusing on the wellbeing of the entire body.
Chiropractic care offers a range of benefits that can positively impact an individual’s overall well-being. Firstly, chiropractic adjustments are known to provide effective pain relief. Chiropractors focus on the musculoskeletal system, particularly the spine, and use manual manipulation techniques to correct misalignments and improve joint function. This can alleviate pain associated with various conditions such as back pain, neck pain, headaches, and even certain types of migraines. By targeting the root cause of the pain, chiropractic care aims to provide long-term relief without relying heavily on medications or invasive procedures.
Chiropractic care promotes natural healing and improves the body’s ability to function optimally. The nervous system plays a crucial role in controlling and coordinating the body’s functions, and the spine serves as its protective housing. Misalignments in the spine, known as subluxations, can disrupt nerve communication, leading to a range of health issues. Chiropractic adjustments help restore proper alignment, reducing nerve interference and enhancing the body’s innate ability to heal itself. By addressing the underlying cause of dysfunction, chiropractic care can improve overall health and well-being, boost the immune system, and promote better organ function.
Chiropractic care emphasizes a holistic approach to health, focusing on the whole person rather than just treating symptoms. Chiropractors take into account various lifestyle factors such as diet, exercise, stress management, and ergonomics to develop personalized treatment plans. They provide guidance on maintaining a healthy lifestyle, incorporating exercises to improve posture, flexibility, and strength. This comprehensive approach empowers individuals to take an active role in their own well-being and make positive changes that can have long-lasting effects. Moreover, chiropractors often collaborate with other healthcare professionals to ensure coordinated and integrated care, maximizing the benefits for patients.
Chiropractic care offers several benefits, including effective pain relief, natural healing, improved body function, and a holistic approach to health. By addressing the underlying cause of pain and dysfunction, chiropractic adjustments can provide long-term relief without relying on medications or invasive procedures. Moreover, chiropractors emphasize the importance of overall well-being, considering lifestyle factors and promoting active patient participation. With its non-invasive nature and focus on promoting the body’s natural healing abilities, chiropractic care can be a valuable addition to an individual’s healthcare routine.
Sports Injuries
Whether you’re a competitive athlete, a weekend warrior, or something in between, injuries are imminent. Of course some injuries are worse than others and your body is designed to handle a great deal of minor injuries and imbalances. However, when an injury causes pain that is beyond ‘good pain’ (you know what I’m talking about), than you may want to get it assessed so it does not keep getting worse, and so you can get back to your activity as soon as possible.
I use a unique combination of chiropractic, naturopathic medicine, and Prolotherapy to treat the injury at multiple levels. Prolotherapy is a non-cortisone regenerative injection technique at the exact site of injury that induces proliferation of growth and repair factors. Using this comprehensive approach, we help you reach peak physical performance.