Dr. Erika Anne McDonald

Dr. Erika Anne McDonald provides skilled naturopathic care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

General Wellness Prevention

• Weight Management & Metabolic Health: Personalized naturopathic programs for sustainable weight loss or healthy weight gain, focusing on metabolic balance, nutrition, and lifestyle.
• Cardiovascular Health & Cholesterol Management: Preventative strategies and natural therapies to reduce cardiovascular risk factors and promote long-term circulatory wellness.

Stress Anxiety Sleep Support

• Insomnia & Sleep Disturbances: Natural remedies and lifestyle strategies to help you fall asleep more easily, stay asleep, and wake feeling refreshed.
• Anxiety & Mood Support: Natural therapies to help manage symptoms of anxiety, mild to moderate depression, and mood swings, often addressing underlying nutritional or hormonal factors.

This list offers examples of conditions commonly addressed. If your specific concern isn't listed, please contact the clinic. Dr. McDonald can assess your needs.

• Conventional & Specialized Lab Test Analysis: Review and interpretation of standard blood tests, plus recommendations for specialized functional medicine tests (e.g., hormone panels, food sensitivity, digestive analysis) if indicated.
• Women's Health & Hormone Balancing: Natural approaches to balancing hormones and supporting female reproductive health through all stages of life.
• Comprehensive Naturopathic Health Intake: A detailed initial consultation to understand your complete health history, lifestyle factors, diet, stress levels, and specific health concerns.
• Pediatric Naturopathic Care (if specialized): Supporting children's optimal growth and development with age-appropriate naturopathic therapies and nutritional guidance.
• Physical Examinations (Naturopathic): Standard physical assessments (e.g., blood pressure, pulse, relevant organ system checks) alongside naturopathic diagnostic techniques.

Note: This list highlights some key services offered by Dr. McDonald. For a full list or to discuss your specific needs, please contact the clinic.

All services are provided in accordance with the scope of practice for Naturopathic Doctors in ON and the standards set by the College of Naturopaths of Ontario.

At Summit Physiotherapy & Performance, naturopathic care is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health, well-being, and daily activities. Dr. McDonald frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• Patients struggling with struggling with anxiety or feeling down more often than not find compassionate and comprehensive support with Dr. McDonald. The therapeutic focus is on achieving experiencing a complete transformation of their gut health for the better, using a range of naturopathic modalities to facilitate a return to a fulfilling life, including activities such as walking up and down several flights of stairs without issue or breathlessness.
• It's truly rewarding for Dr. McDonald to witness patients resolve dealing with a lot of stress and feeling overwhelmed or burnt out and experience a significant and sustained boost in their overall energy levels and stamina. A holistic naturopathic approach, focusing on your unique constitution, can make a significant difference in your ability to participate in setting up and taking down equipment for hobbies or sports efficiently again.
• The journey to a renewed sense of vitality, well-being, and zest for life when faced with persistent hormonal issues, like difficult periods, PMS, or PCOS symptoms is made more effective with Dr. McDonald's expert naturopathic care, often leading to a fulfilling and vibrant return to pastimes like playing their musical instrument (guitar, piano, violin, etc.) for extended periods with mental clarity.
• Naturopathic care with Dr. McDonald can be a transformative turning point for those affected by frequent headaches or migraines that disrupt my life. The shared goal is achieving feeling less 'puffy' and retaining noticeably less water throughout their body, paving the way for you to enjoy actively participating in family outings and vacations without holding others back due to lack of energy or pain and a more energetic, balanced life.

Your personalized naturopathic treatment plan, developed with Dr. McDonald, will be designed to help you reach your specific functional and wellness objectives using a holistic approach.

Dr. McDonald practices at Summit Physiotherapy & Performance, situated in the Downtown Sudbury, Minnow Lake, Ramsey Lake Area neighborhood of Sudbury. The clinic is conveniently located near Idylwylde Golf & Country Club and is accessible via GOVA Transit (Greater Sudbury Transit). Our clinic is accessible. Street parking and nearby paid lots offer convenient options for visitors.

What should I expect during my first Naturopathic appointment?

Your initial Naturopathic appointment is typically quite comprehensive, often lasting 60 to 90 minutes. Your Naturopathic Doctor will conduct an in-depth discussion about your current health concerns, medical history (including family history), diet, lifestyle, stress levels, sleep patterns, and environmental exposures. A relevant physical examination may also be performed. The goal is to gather a thorough understanding of your overall health to identify potential root causes of your issues. Based on this, your Naturopathic Doctor will discuss initial impressions and collaboratively develop a personalized treatment plan, which may include dietary and lifestyle recommendations, supplement or herbal suggestions, and possibly requisitions for further lab testing.

What are some of the specialized therapies Naturopathic Doctors (Naturopathic Doctors) might offer if they have extra training?

Some Naturopathic Doctors pursue additional certifications for specialized therapies. These can include Intravenous (IV) nutrient therapy to deliver high doses of vitamins and minerals directly, prolotherapy for chronic joint and ligament pain by stimulating natural healing, or advanced acupuncture techniques. Availability varies, so patients interested in these therapies should inquire directly with their practitioner.

What kind of lab testing might a Naturopathic Doctor recommend?

A Naturopathic Doctor may utilize both conventional and specialized lab tests. Conventional tests (like those your MD might order) can include standard blood panels (CBC, cholesterol, blood sugar, iron, etc.), urinalysis, and thyroid hormone testing. Specialized or functional tests might include comprehensive hormone panels (saliva, urine, or blood), food sensitivity testing (e.g., IgG), comprehensive digestive stool analysis, organic acid testing, or heavy metal testing. The specific tests recommended will depend on your individual health concerns and history, and are used to gain deeper insights into your body's functioning and guide treatment.

Does Summit Physiotherapy & Performance offer direct billing to private insurance companies for Naturopathic services?

Yes, Summit Physiotherapy & Performance offers direct billing for Naturopathic services to many major private insurance companies. Patients are advised to bring their insurance cards and confirm their coverage details, including annual maximums, per-visit limits, and referral requirements if applicable. It is recommended to verify these details directly with your insurance provider, as coverage varies. Patients are responsible for any portion not covered by insurance.

Is Naturopathic Medicine covered by the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) in ON?

No, naturopathic services provided by a Naturopathic Doctor (ND) in a private clinic are generally not covered by the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP). Patients typically pay out-of-pocket for these services. It is advisable to check your private or extended health insurance plans, as many offer varying levels of coverage for licensed Naturopathic Doctors.

Do I need a doctor's referral to see a Naturopathic Doctor in ON?

Patients in Ontario can typically see a Naturopathic Doctor directly without a referral from a physician. However, some private or extended health insurance plans require a referral for reimbursement purposes. Patients are encouraged to verify their insurance requirements before booking their first appointment.

What is the difference between a Naturopathic Doctor (ND or Naturopathic Doctor) and a Medical Doctor (MD)?

Medical Doctors (MDs) generally use conventional medicine, including prescription drugs and surgery, to treat specific diseases and symptoms. Naturopathic Doctors (NDs) take a holistic approach, aiming to identify and treat the underlying cause of health issues using natural therapies such as diet, herbs, homeopathy, and lifestyle changes. Naturopathic Doctors emphasize disease prevention and patient education. Their philosophies differ, but they can complement each other within a comprehensive healthcare plan.

Summit Physiotherapy & Performance
118-1984 Regent St
Sudbury, ON, P3E 5S1

Phone: (705) 988-0945

Dr. Erika Anne McDonald is regulated by the Naturopathy Act, 2007 in ON and is a member of the College of Naturopaths of Ontario.

Registration Number: 3617

Registration can typically be verified with the College of Naturopaths of Ontario.

Naturopathic medicine aims to support overall health and well-being. It is recommended to maintain a relationship with your medical doctor for conventional medical care, diagnosis of serious conditions, and emergencies. Naturopathic care can often complement conventional treatments.