Dr. Martina Louise Frostad

Dr. Martina Louise Frostad provides comprehensive family medical care for a wide variety of health concerns affecting patients of all ages, including but not limited to:

Joint Muscle Pain

• Mechanical Low Back & Neck Pain (Acute, Subacute, Chronic - Uncomplicated): Assessment and management of non-specific (mechanical) low back pain and neck pain, which accounts for the majority of spinal pain presentations. This includes taking a thorough history, performing a focused physical examination to rule out 'red flag' conditions (e.g., fracture, infection, malignancy, cauda equina syndrome), providing reassurance about the generally favorable prognosis of acute pain, and advising on pain relief (acetaminophen, NSAIDs, short-term muscle relaxants if severe spasm), maintaining activity as tolerated (avoiding prolonged bed rest), heat/cold application, and self-care strategies. For subacute or chronic pain, emphasis on active therapies (exercise, physiotherapy referral), addressing psychosocial factors (yellow flags), and promoting functional restoration.
• Repetitive Strain Injuries (RSI), Tendinopathies & Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders (WRMSDs) - Initial Assessment & Conservative Management: Providing advice on activity modification (relative rest, avoiding aggravating activities), ergonomic adjustments (workstation setup, tool use), simple analgesia (NSAIDs - oral/topical, acetaminophen), ice/heat application, and appropriate referral to physiotherapy or occupational therapy for specific exercises (stretching, strengthening), manual therapy, splinting, and further rehabilitation or prevention strategies.
• Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR) - Diagnosis, Management & Monitoring (Often with Rheumatology Co-Management): Recognizing the characteristic clinical presentation of Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR) in older adults (typically age >50 years) – symmetrical morning stiffness and aching in the shoulders, neck, and pelvic girdle – often associated with significantly elevated inflammatory markers (ESR, CRP). Initiating treatment with low-dose corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone 12.5-25 mg daily) which usually results in a rapid and dramatic improvement in symptoms, thus supporting the diagnosis. Vigilantly screening for and differentiating from Giant Cell Arteritis (GCA/Temporal Arteritis), which can co-exist with PMR (or occur independently) and requires urgent higher-dose steroid therapy and specialist (rheumatology/ophthalmology) referral to prevent irreversible vision loss.

Musculoskeletal Sports Injuries

• Common Joint Pain (Knee, Shoulder, Hip, Ankle, Wrist - Osteoarthritis, Bursitis, Tendinopathy): Managing joint discomfort and dysfunction through a multimodal primary care approach, focusing on pain relief, improvement of function, prevention of chronic disability, and patient education on self-management strategies.
• Peripheral Nerve Entrapment Syndromes (e.g., Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Ulnar Neuropathy - Initial Conservative Management): Initial assessment, diagnosis, and conservative management of common peripheral nerve entrapment syndromes like carpal tunnel syndrome (median nerve at wrist), cubital tunnel syndrome (ulnar nerve at elbow), or meralgia paresthetica (lateral femoral cutaneous nerve). This may include activity modification advice, ergonomic recommendations, splinting (e.g., wrist splints for carpal tunnel), NSAIDs for inflammation, and referral for physiotherapy (nerve gliding exercises, manual therapy) or specialist (neurology, physiatry, hand surgery) evaluation and treatment (e.g., nerve conduction studies, injections, surgical decompression) if symptoms are severe, progressive, or persistent despite conservative measures.
• Sports-Related Injuries & Overuse Syndromes (Sprains, Strains, Tendinopathies, Stress Reactions): Managing common injuries sustained during sports, exercise, or repetitive physical activity, with an emphasis on accurate diagnosis, restoring function, preventing re-injury, and promoting long-term musculoskeletal health.

Common Chronic Conditions

• Dyslipidemia (High Cholesterol, High Triglycerides): Working collaboratively with you to achieve optimal cholesterol and triglyceride levels to significantly reduce your risk of atherosclerosis, heart attack, stroke, and pancreatitis.
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) - Primary Care Management: A supportive approach to IBS, working with patients to identify triggers and develop effective coping mechanisms.
• Asthma (All Ages) & Allergic Rhinitis: Working collaboratively with you (or your child) to achieve optimal asthma control, minimize symptoms (wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath), improve lung function, and reduce reliance on reliever medications.

Common Acute Conditions

• Common Acute Skin Conditions (Rashes, Infections, Bites, Minor Burns): Managing various acute dermatological conditions with appropriate topical or oral medications (antibiotics, antifungals, corticosteroids, antihistamines) to alleviate itching, redness, pain, swelling, and discomfort.
• Acute Musculoskeletal Injuries (Sprains, Strains, Minor Back/Neck Pain): First-line care for everyday musculoskeletal injuries, supporting recovery, reducing pain and inflammation, restoring function, and providing referrals for imaging or physiotherapy if conservative measures are insufficient or red flags are present.
• Lower Respiratory Tract Infections (Acute Bronchitis, Community-Acquired Pneumonia): Care for acute lung infections, focusing on appropriate antimicrobial therapy when indicated, supportive measures (rest, hydration, symptom relief), and guidance for a full recovery, with escalation to hospital care if severe.
• Upper Respiratory Tract Infections (URTIs - Colds, Flu, Sinusitis, Pharyngitis): Diagnosis and management of common viral and bacterial infections affecting the nose, throat, sinuses, and larynx (e.g., common cold, influenza, acute sinusitis, strep throat, laryngitis), helping to relieve symptoms like cough, congestion, fever, and sore throat.

This list offers some examples of common conditions managed in family practice. A diagnosis is always based on an individual assessment by Dr. Frostad. If your specific health concern isn't listed, please contact the clinic to discuss your needs.

• Foreign Body Removal (Superficial - e.g., Splinters, Fish Hooks): Assisting with the extraction of minor foreign objects to prevent infection, reduce pain, and promote healing.
• Assessment of Acute Abdominal Pain, Nausea, Vomiting & Diarrhea: Diagnosing and treating common causes of acute digestive upset, and offering supportive care to prevent complications.
• Diagnosis & Management of Common Acute Childhood Illnesses: Providing prompt, effective, and child-friendly care for common infections and acute conditions to ensure quick recovery and prevent complications.
• Cardiovascular Disease Management (Stable CAD, Heart Failure, Atrial Fibrillation): Ongoing management of stable cardiovascular conditions like coronary artery disease (CAD), congestive heart failure (CHF), and atrial fibrillation (AFib), often in collaboration with cardiologists, focusing on medication optimization (e.g., anticoagulants for AFib), risk factor reduction, symptom monitoring, and patient education.
• Skin Lesion Assessment, Biopsy & Minor Excisions (Benign Lesions): Differentiating between benign and suspicious skin lesions, with prompt biopsy or referral to dermatology if skin cancer is suspected.

Note: This list highlights some of the key services offered by Dr. Frostad. For a comprehensive understanding of all services, or to discuss your specific health needs, please schedule a consultation.

All services are provided in accordance with the scope of practice for Family Doctors in AB and the ethical and professional standards set by The College of Physicians & Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA).

At Lacidem Medical Clinic, family medicine is centered on a collaborative partnership to help individuals like you achieve significant improvements in your health, manage ongoing conditions effectively, and enhance your overall well-being. Dr. Frostad frequently works with patients towards goals such as:

• A frequent goal for patients seeing Dr. Frostad about concerns about memory changes, increasing forgetfulness, or concentration difficulties in themself/themselves or an elderly relative is to achieve experiencing notably fewer sick days from work or school for themselves or their children, leading to improved productivity and less disruption to daily life, due to better prevention strategies and more effective management of common illnesses under Dr. Frostad's care. This success paves the way for them to re-engage with making consistently informed, conscious, and positive decisions about their daily diet, overall nutrition, optimal hydration, and mindful eating habits for sustained energy and peak physical health.
• Through Dr. Frostad's guidance, patients with concerns about thinning hair or hair loss that seems more than normal often find they can achieve benefiting from Dr. Frostad's proactive and systematic approach to mental health screening and discussion during routine visits, leading to earlier identification and support for emerging psychological distress and once again pursue adeptly managing daily life stressors, unexpected personal challenges, and demanding professional pressures in a healthy, resilient, constructive, and adaptive way, maintaining emotional equilibrium.

Your personalized healthcare plan, developed in discussion with Dr. Frostad, will be thoughtfully designed to help you reach your specific functional, preventative, and wellness objectives. She believes in empowering patients with the knowledge and support needed to take an active role in their health journey.

Dr. Frostad practices at Lacidem Medical Clinic, situated in the South Lethbridge West (University area) neighborhood of Lethbridge. The clinic is conveniently located near Connects North/South and is accessible via Lethbridge Transit. Street parking and nearby public or paid lots typically offer convenient options for visitors.

I have multiple health problems. How does Dr. Frostad handle complex care?

If you have several health issues, Dr. Frostad is well-equipped to be your central point of care. She's role includes understanding how your different conditions and their treatments might impact each other, helping you to navigate the healthcare system, and ensuring that all aspects of your health are considered in your overall treatment plan. Dr. Frostad will work with you and other specialists to manage your health comprehensively.

What exactly is a family doctor (Family Doctor) and what is their role?

A family doctor (Alberta) is a physician who has completed post-graduate training in family medicine. She is skilled in providing continuous and comprehensive medical care, health maintenance, and preventive services to patients of all ages. This includes diagnosing and treating a vast array of illnesses, managing complex long-term health conditions, offering health education and counseling on lifestyle choices, and acting as your advocate and guide within the broader healthcare system.

Do I need a referral to see a family doctor (Family Doctor) in AB?

Generally, you do not need a referral to see a family doctor in Alberta if the doctor is accepting new patients. However, finding a family doctor who is accepting new patients can be challenging. You may find it helpful to check the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta website or contact Health Link Alberta for assistance. A referral from a family doctor is usually required to see most medical specialists.

Is seeing a family doctor (Family Doctor) covered by Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) in AB?

Medically necessary visits to a family doctor are typically covered by the Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) for eligible residents with a valid health card. However, some services, such as cosmetic procedures or travel medicine consultations, may not be covered and may have an associated fee. Please confirm with Lacidem Medical Clinic if you have questions about specific services or potential fees.

How can I find a family doctor (Family Doctor) in AB who is accepting new patients?

Finding a family doctor in Alberta who is accepting new patients can take time and effort. You can check the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta website for a "Find a Doctor" tool, contact Health Link Alberta, ask friends and family for recommendations, or contact local community health centres. Be persistent, as it may take time to find a suitable physician.

Lacidem Medical Clinic
4401 University Dr W, PE 100
Lethbridge, AB, T1K 3M4

Phone: (403) 329-2072 | Website: http://www.chinookprimarycarenetwork.ab.ca/clinics/clinic.php?view=15

Dr. Martina Louise Frostad is regulated by the Health Professions Act (Alberta) in AB and is a registered member in good standing with The College of Physicians & Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA).

Registration Number: 14014

Verify registration with The College of Physicians & Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA): https://search.cpsa.ca/PhysicianProfile?e=306f5a97-7d09-41d2-a79e-449f87b23122&i=489

Family doctors like Dr. Frostad are skilled in managing a wide range of health issues. For urgent or life-threatening emergencies, please call 911 or visit the nearest emergency department. It is always recommended to maintain open communication with your family doctor about all aspects of your health, including any treatments received from other practitioners.