4 Ways to be Proactive to Optimize Your Fertility

Posted on: September 12th, 2024 by TouchStone Health

Whether you are currently TTC (trying to conceive) and have yet to achieve a healthy pregnancy, or are planning to TTC within the next year, these 4 items are key!

You absolutely *DO NOT* need to wait an entire year before having some basic testing done to see if your fertility is being impacted by things such as: suboptimal metabolic health, thyroid function, hormone dysfunction, or nutritional status factors.

Here are 4 things you can do *NOW*:

1 – SCREENING BLOOD WORK

2 – CYCLE/HORMONE/HEALTH ASSESSMENT

3 – DIET & LIFESTYLE MODIFICATIONS

4 – INDIVIDUALIZED SUPPLEMENTS

In some cases, there is a true reproductive pathology (ie low ovarian reserve, low sperm count, severe endometriosis) that may require intervention from a fertility clinic.

However, in MANY CASES, the previously mentioned systems are dysfunctional, and it is a matter of determining which systems need targeted support (via diet, lifestyle, supplements, etc).

If you’re currently/soon to be TTC, I would be honoured to support you in your journey! BOOK AN APPOINTMENT

5 ways osteopathy can help with low back pain:

Posted on: September 7th, 2024 by TouchStone Health

By Leann Mai (M. OMSc) Manual Osteopathic Practitioner

1. Redistribute the tension from the shoulders or legs due to exercise or stress

2. Realign anterior gravitational loading coming from ankles, hips, shoulders or head that is putting stress on the lower back to keep you upright

3. Reset the tension through the abdominal muscles that might be compressing the abdomen

4. Coordinate the spring-like design through the spine to make sure the curves are supporting each other from head to pelvis allowing open communication through the nervous system

5. Remove torsional patterns that have become fixed, from the top of the rib cage through to the bottom of the rib cage , pulling through the lower back and pelvis on uneven tensions

Massage Therapy In the Postpartum Period

Posted on: August 8th, 2024 by TouchStone Health

By Maggie Seegmiller, RMT

Massage therapy can be particularly beneficial during the postpartum period, offering both physical and emotional support to new parents. After childbirth, the body undergoes significant changes, including muscle tension and fatigue, as the body adjusts to the post pregnancy state. Massage therapy can help alleviate physical discomforts that are common during this time, such as back pain, sore muscles, and headaches. By increasing blood circulation and reducing muscle tension, massage can aid in healing and recovery, helping the body regain its strength and balance.

Postpartum massage can also assist with the physical strain and weariness associated with infant feeding. Many new parents experience tension in the neck, shoulders, and upper back due to the repetitive nature of nursing, pumping, or bottle-feeding. Massage therapy can address these areas, relieving discomfort and improving posture, which is essential for maintaining a comfortable and sustainable feeding routine.

In addition to the physical benefits, massage therapy can play a helpful role in supporting emotional well-being during the postpartum period. The hormonal fluctuations and sleep deprivation that occur after childbirth can lead to mood swings, anxiety, and even postpartum depression. Regular massage can help reduce stress levels by promoting relaxation and releasing endorphins, the body’s natural “feel-good” hormones. This can be particularly important for new parents who may feel overwhelmed by the demands of caring for a newborn. By providing a sense of calm and well-being, massage therapy can enhance one’s ability to cope with the intense emotional challenges that can be a part of early parenthood.

By supporting both the physical and emotional aspects of postpartum recovery, massage therapy offers a holistic approach to helping new parents navigate this transformative period with greater ease.

5 Ways Osteopathy Helps with Plantar Fasciitis

Posted on: August 1st, 2024 by TouchStone Health

by Leann Mai, M. OMSc

1 RE-ALIGN the gravitational loading through the feet, and reducing stress points through the leg and feet. When your body leans forward (in flexion) your feet spread to keep you upright from falling forward, when your body tends to lean backward (in extension) your arches elevate to help anchor your feet through your toes to the ground to keep you upright from falling backward.

2 REDUCES TENSION through the muscles holding the leg and feet. This allows easier coordinated movement of the ankle joints often relieving low back strain too.

3 IMPROVES COORDINATION through all the joints in the feet/toes to the brain through the nervous system. It improves coordination through the receptor feedback and reflex responses (like stepping on a sharp rock- Ouch!)

4 IMPROVES DRAINAGE and supply to the foot as the fascial tissues through the ankle and arch support a mechanical pumping motion, pushing the blood and lymphatic supply back up through the leg.

5 PAIN REDUCTION, a byproduct of all the systems working together to coordinate motion through fascia, muscle, ligaments, nerves and fluid flow into the body through the gait cycle.

PRECONCEPTION HEALTH BEGINS 3-6 MONTHS BEFORE TRYING TO CONCEIVE

Posted on: July 27th, 2024 by TouchStone Health

by Melanie Reidl, Naturopathic Doctor

Preconception health is *so* much more than just taking a prenatal vitamin (and even that should be looked at carefully!)

At minimum, preconception health begins 3 months before trying to conceive (TTC). Egg & sperm development takes approximately 90 days, so it is a critical window of time.

As a Naturopathic Doctor, these are the things I review with my patients who are planning/starting to TTC (this applies to both partners):

️ Nutrition, Exercise, Sleep, Stress Review
️ Menstrual Cycle Assessment
️ General Health Assessment (ie gut health, metabolic health)
️ Basic Preconception Bloodwork (ie iron, thyroid, fasting insulin & glucose for insulin resistance, vitamin D3, progesterone)
️ Fertility Awareness Method / Cycle Tracking education

There is so much to review & discuss before you TTC to optimize your hormones & reproductive health and therefore your chances of conceiving & maintaining a healthy pregnancy. I hope to be a part of your fertility & pregnancy journey.

Book an appointment with Dr. Melanie Reidl, ND