Accordant Natural Health

Okay, so here is the deal: I have a LOT of pain in my back, neck and right arm. I’ve tried dealing with it in a variety ways (chiropractor, massage, Advil, heating pad, etc.), but nothing has seemed to work for the long term. And now I’m at the point where the pain is regular enough that I can no longer ignore it. I was thinking about going to see my doctor about it, but honestly, I’ve been less than thrilled (read that: frustrated!) with my experiences both at the clinic and my many doctors (don’t even get me started on that topic!). Frankly, I’d like to see WAY more doctors and naturopaths here on Unilocal as it would probably improve everyone’s quality of care. But that is a story for another day!
At any rate, I was complaining to my best friend Valerie about the aforementioned pain and she just gave me the look like, really? Hello?! That is what I DO! So that is how all of this began… My best friend, turned naturopath, is helping me get to the bottom of all of this pain. I know it probably sounds stupid, but it never even *occurred* to me that this is exactly the type of thing you can see a naturopath for. What can I say, I’m a n00b.
Valerie has been treating me for upwards of a month. We’ve been meeting on a fairly regular basis (~2 times per week). The goal is to have these meetings spaced out more in time, once we get this pain better managed. During our sessions, Valerie has been using a few different methods for identifying pain points and then helping release them. It has been really incredible — she will locate a really intense pain area, apply a certain amount of pressure (combined with moving my arm around) and then the pain fades and disappears. Amazing! Of course the pain does eventually come back, hello 15+ years of repetitive tasks, but this is where the exercises she’s been teaching have helped. I just need to be better about doing them! She has been showing me (read that: prescribing) specific exercises intended to help re-​train my muscles, which really helps (when I do them! gah!). Also, OINTMENT. There I said it! I’m a believer. I’ve never used the stuff before, let alone homeopathic, but it is really helping!
Her practice is located in a really cool old historical building on SW 21^st. It is a shared space, so there are a handful of other health and wellness professionals in the building, which also adds to the relaxed and calming environment. A nice change of pace from the typical, overly sterile clinics. (clearly atmosphere is a hot button for me — so being able to feel more at home is a serious plus!)
Obviously, I am a little biased here (Valerie is my best friend, after all). BUT, I think that makes me very qualified to leave this review (she’s been in my life for 25+ years). Valerie has always been a bit of a caretaker by nature, but she compliments this very well with her incredible understanding of math and science. There are very few people in the world who are both social and analytical — truly. Valerie encompasses both sensibilities, gracefully and naturally.
This probably goes without saying, but I *highly* recommend getting in touch with Valerie. Even if you are just curious about her practice and if it makes sense for you to see her. Valerie is incredibly talented and passionate about what she does — and about making you feel better.