About
Dr. Shannon Sydney Ruse is a dedicated Naturopathic Doctor, ND. Practicing at Nova Health Integrative Medicine in Burlington, ON, Dr. Ruse is committed to providing high-quality, patient-centered naturopathic care, adhering to the standards set by the College of Naturopaths of Ontario.
Dr. Ruse's role involves providing comprehensive naturopathic care for a broad spectrum of health concerns in individuals of various ages. This includes preventative health strategies, management of chronic conditions, and acute illness support through a holistic and individualized approach, utilizing core naturopathic therapies like clinical nutrition, botanical medicine, and lifestyle counseling. She serves patients of all ages, from infants to seniors, emphasizing wellness and prevention at every stage of life.
Dr. Ruse completed her ND with a focus on evidence-informed practices and has gained clinical experience that deepens her commitment to ongoing professional development. She has developed advanced skills in areas such as General Naturopathic Practice, with a special interest in supporting overall health, hormonal balance, and chronic disease management. Her practice philosophy emphasizes preventative medicine (Preventare) and sustainable lifestyle changes for long-term wellness, all delivered through a patient-centered approach that treats the whole person and addresses the root cause of illness (Tolle Causam). Dr. Ruse offers consultations in English.
Dr. Shannon Sydney Ruse provides skilled naturopathic care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:
Pain Musculoskeletal
- Sports Injuries (Naturopathic Recovery & Performance): Supporting peak athletic performance and injury resilience through a holistic naturopathic approach.
- Chronic Joint Pain & Osteoarthritis Support: Utilizing anti-inflammatory diets, targeted supplements, botanical medicines, and therapies like acupuncture or prolotherapy to manage joint pain.
- Ligament & Tendon Injuries (e.g., Tendinopathy, Sprains - Naturopathic Support): Supporting the healing of soft tissue injuries through nutritional strategies, targeted supplementation, and regenerative therapies like prolotherapy or acupuncture.
Hormone Endocrine
- Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) & Menstrual Irregularities: Natural solutions for managing challenging periods and achieving better hormonal health.
- Andropause & Men's Hormonal Health: Addressing symptoms associated with declining testosterone in men (andropause), such as fatigue, low libido, and changes in mood or muscle mass.
- Fertility Optimization & Preconception Care: Naturopathic support for individuals and couples looking to enhance fertility naturally, addressing factors like hormonal balance, nutrient status, and overall health.
- Menopausal Symptom Management: Supporting hormonal balance and overall well-being during perimenopause and menopause with natural therapies.
This list offers examples of conditions commonly addressed. If your specific concern isn't listed, please contact the clinic. Dr. Ruse can assess your needs.
- Conventional & Specialized Lab Test Analysis: Analysis of laboratory findings to identify nutritional deficiencies, hormonal imbalances, metabolic dysfunctions, or other underlying issues.
- Detoxification Support: Supporting your body's ability to cleanse and heal through safe and effective naturopathic detoxification strategies.
- Comprehensive Naturopathic Health Intake: A detailed initial consultation to understand your complete health history, lifestyle factors, diet, stress levels, and specific health concerns.
- Physical Examinations (Naturopathic): Standard physical assessments (e.g., blood pressure, pulse, relevant organ system checks) alongside naturopathic diagnostic techniques.
- Lifestyle Counseling & Health Promotion: Holistic coaching on mind-body practices, stress reduction, and environmental factors to improve resilience and overall health.
Note: This list highlights some key services offered by Dr. Ruse. 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 Nova Health Integrative Medicine, naturopathic care is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health, well-being, and daily activities. Dr. Ruse frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:
- Struggling with the frustration of needing help to create a healthier diet and lifestyle plan? Dr. Ruse develops individualized naturopathic protocols aimed at achieving a dramatic reduction in the frequency and intensity of painful muscle spasms that used to plague them, key to helping you get back to doing attending and enjoying their children's or grandchildren's sporting events with enthusiasm with confidence and significantly improved health.
- For those whose not being able to fall asleep or stay asleep through the night has made adhering to a new, healthier dietary plan with ease and enjoyment feel out of reach, Dr. Ruse's naturopathic approach offers a path toward feeling genuinely optimistic and excited about their future health and well-being. Evidence-informed natural therapies can be instrumental in helping you return to adhering to a new, healthier dietary plan with ease and enjoyment with greater comfort and energy.
- Rediscover your ability to walking their children to school or the park with sustained energy without the burden of acid reflux or heartburn that's really bothersome. Dr. Ruse focuses on evidence-based naturopathic treatment plans that lead to their skin having cleared up remarkably, and feeling so much more confident, integrating various therapeutic modalities for optimal and lasting results.
- Many individuals seek guidance from Dr. Ruse, their Naturopathic Doctor, when widespread muscle aches and pains, possibly fibromyalgia disrupts their well-being. Through a personalized naturopathic plan, they often achieve feeling more balanced mentally and emotionally, empowering them to embrace activities like playing actively and roughhousing with their young kids or grandkids with joy and energy with renewed vitality.
Your personalized naturopathic treatment plan, developed with Dr. Ruse, will be designed to help you reach your specific functional and wellness objectives using a holistic approach.
Dr. Ruse's practice at Nova Health Integrative Medicine is conveniently situated in the Downtown Burlington, Central neighborhood of Burlington. The clinic is near the Downtown Burlington Shops and easily accessible via Burlington Transit. Our clinic is accessible. Free patient parking is typically available on-site or nearby.
- What is Naturopathic Medicine and how can it help me?
- Naturopathic Medicine, practiced by a qualified Naturopathic Doctor, focuses on holistic, patient-centered care. It emphasizes prevention, treatment, and optimal health through the use of natural therapies that support and stimulate the body’s ability to heal itself. Your Naturopathic Doctor (or Naturopathe) will work with you to understand your unique health picture and develop a personalized plan to address your concerns, improve your vitality, and help you achieve your wellness goals.
- How long do Naturopathic appointments typically last?
- Initial Naturopathic consultations are generally longer to allow for a thorough health intake and assessment, typically lasting between 60 to 90 minutes. Follow-up appointments are usually shorter, often ranging from 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the complexity of your case and the therapies being discussed or administered.
- Is Naturopathic Medicine covered by the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) in ON?
- Naturopathic services provided by a licensed Naturopathic Doctor in a private clinic are generally not covered by the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP). Patients usually pay out-of-pocket for these services. However, many private and extended health insurance plans offer coverage for consultations with registered/licensed Naturopathic Doctors. Patients are advised to check their individual insurance policies for specific coverage details, as levels of coverage can vary significantly.
- Do I need a doctor's referral to see a Naturopathic Doctor in ON?
- In Ontario, patients can typically see a Naturopathic Doctor (ND) directly without a physician's referral, as direct access is permitted. However, some private or extended health insurance plans may require a referral for reimbursement purposes. It is recommended to verify the requirements of your specific insurance plan before booking your appointment.
- What types of conditions do Naturopathic Doctors at Nova Health Integrative Medicine address?
- Our Naturopathic Doctors address a wide range of health concerns, with a focus on identifying and treating the root cause. This includes, but is not limited to, issues like digestive health, hormonal imbalances, allergies, stress, fatigue, skin conditions, and musculoskeletal issues. Treatments often involve clinical nutrition, botanical medicine, detoxification strategies, lifestyle counseling, and patient education to support your health goals.
- What is the difference between a Naturopathic Doctor (ND) and a Medical Doctor (MD)?
- Both Naturopathic Doctors and Medical Doctors are healthcare providers, but their approaches and scopes differ. MDs typically diagnose and treat diseases using conventional methods such as pharmaceuticals and surgery. Naturopathic Doctors focus on prevention, natural therapies, and addressing the root cause of illness, often supporting the body's self-healing abilities. They may use treatments like clinical nutrition, botanical medicine, lifestyle counseling, and homeopathy. Both can work collaboratively to provide comprehensive care, with regulation and scope varying by province.
- Are Naturopathic treatments safe?
- When provided by a qualified and licensed Naturopathic Doctor, treatments are generally very safe. They prioritize therapies with low risk of side effects and practitioners are trained to recognize situations where a treatment may not be suitable. Open communication with your Naturopathic Doctor about your health and other treatments ensures safety and effective care.
Nova Health Integrative Medicine
2238 Caroline Street,
Burlington, ON, L7R 1M6
Phone: (905) 616-8212
Dr. Shannon Sydney Ruse is regulated by the Naturopathy Act, 2007 in ON and is a member of the College of Naturopaths of Ontario.
Registration Number: 4295
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.
