What is a naprapath?

Answer 1

Naprapathic Medicine Treats Connective Tissue Disorders through:

• Manual Medicine

  gentle, hands-on manipulation

• Nutritional Counseling

  dietary changes, supplements

• Therapeutic Modalities

  ultrasound, electro-stimulation, low-level laser therapy

Naprapathic Medicine is a system of healthcare that employs Manual Medicine, Nutritional Counseling and Therapeutic Modalities, specializing in the treatment of pain caused by Connective Tissue Disorders.

Connective tissue supports the spinal column and all joints and articulations of the body.* Connective Tissue Disorders are characterized by abnormal rigid and/or contracted (strained) ligaments, tendons and muscles. These disorders interfere with nerve conduction and the circulation of blood and lymph. This can result in pain and inflammation to the affected area of the body. Causes of connective tissue disorders can include traumatic injury (car accidents, sports injuries, falls, etc.), RMS (repetitive motion syndrome, such as work-related computer or machine use), heavy lifting and improper posture.

Doctors of Naprapathic Medicine are connective tissue specialists and use a three-fold strategy in the treatment of connective tissue disorders.

Naprapathic Manual Medicine. Hands-on (gentle) connective tissue manipulation (CTM) to the spine, joints and articulations of the body.

Nutritional Counseling. Recommendations for dietary changes, food supplementation (as through the use of herbs, vitamins and minerals) to assist the body in achieving optimal health.

Therapeutic Modalities. The use of the effective properties of physical measures of heat, cold, light, water, radiant energy, electricity, sound, air and assistive devices for the purpose of preventing, correcting or alleviating a physical disability. Modalities include ultrasound, electro-stimulation and low-level laser therapy (LLLT, also known as "cold laser therapy").

Some of the common connective tissue disorders that been successfully treated by Naprapathic Medicine include:

• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
• Headaches
• Knee strains
• Lower Back pain
• Neck pain
• Pain in the extremities
• Sciatica
• Shoulder Pain
• Tennis elbow

*There are four broad categories of connective tissue found in the body - Aerolar, Adipose, Dense and Reticular. Naprapathic Medicine primarily focuses on Dense (or Fibrous) Connective Tissue, which forms ligaments and tendons.