Pain is rarely caused by a single structure or injury. It is influenced by interactions between the nervous system, connective tissue, biomechanics, inflammation, stress physiology, and the body’s overall capacity to recover and heal. Below, we have listed pain management therapies that may be offered by our naturopathic doctors.
Perineural Injection Therapy (PIT)
Perineural Injection Therapy is a technique used to address irritation of superficial nerves that may contribute to chronic pain and sensitivity.
This therapy uses 5% dextrose in water (D5W. Small amounts are injected just beneath the skin along specific nerve pathways.
Perineural Injection Therapy may help:
- Reduce neurogenic inflammation
- Decrease nerve hypersensitivity
- Support more normal nerve signaling
- Reduce pain associated with nerve irritation or scars
Trigger Point Injections
Trigger point injections are used to address localized areas of muscle tension that may contribute to pain, movement restriction, or referred pain patterns.
These injections may help:
- Reduce muscle tightness
- Improve local circulation
- Support improved movement patterns
Regenerative Injection Therapies
Our naturopathic doctors utilize regenerative injection therapies to support the body’s natural repair processes when tissue integrity or joint stability may be contributing to persistent pain.
Prolotherapy
Prolotherapy involves injecting a solution containing 15–20% dextrose, often combined with procaine, into targeted ligaments, tendons, or joint structures. This is meant to stimulate a localized healing response.
Prolotherapy may help support:
- Tissue repair and remodeling
- Improved ligament or tendon strength
- Joint stability
- Reduction of chronic or recurrent pain
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP)
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy involves the preparation and injection of a concentrated portion of a patient’s own blood which contains platelets and growth factors involved in tissue repair.
When PRP is offered, we use the CERVOS KeyPRP system, a medical-grade PRP preparation system designed to support consistency, precision, and platelet integrity.
PRP may be considered for:
- Tendon or ligament injuries
- Degenerative joint conditions
- Persistent soft tissue injuries
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) technique utilized by many naturopathic doctors. Acupuncture involves the insertion of thin, sterile needles into specific body points to manage pain, energy flow and many other factors in supporting the body’s ability to heal.
Acupuncture may be used for:
- Musculoskeletal pain
- Myofascial tension
- Headaches and migraines
- Chronic pain with nervous system involvement
Our naturopathic doctors have received training to preform acupuncture but are not registered acupuncturists. This means, any benefits coverage you may have would come from your naturopathic benefits not acupuncture.
Scar Treatment & Neural Therapy (Procaine)
Scars can contribute to pain, altered sensation, and restrict movement by affecting local tissues and nervous system signaling, even when they appear well healed.
Neural therapy is a technique that uses small amounts of procaine, a short-acting local anesthetic, injected into or around scar tissue. The goal is to help normalize nerve signaling and improve tissue mobility.
Scar-focused neural therapy may help:
- Reduce pain or sensitivity associated with scars
- Improve altered sensation
- Address movement restriction related to scar tissue
- Support resolution of persistent pain patterns
Ultrasound-Guided Injections
When necessary, our naturopathic doctors are able to preform injection therapies using ultrasound guidance to improve accuracy and safety. Ultrasound allows real-time visualization of anatomical structures and supports precise needle placement.
Ultrasound guidance is used selectively based on anatomy, clinical indication, and practitioner judgment.
Nutrition, Lifestyle, Stress & Hormonal Considerations
Pain can be influenced by so many factors such as nutrition, sleep quality, stress, metabolic health, and hormonal balance. These factors can affect inflammation, tissue healing, and nervous system sensitivity.
As part of naturopathic care, we may consider:
- Nutrition and diet
- Lifestyle and stress factors
- Sleep quality and recovery capacity
- Physical and psychological stressors
- Hormonal influences, including menstrual, postpartum, perimenopausal, and menopausal changes
- These factors are addressed in a supportive, individualized manner alongside other therapeutic recommendations.
Integrative Pain Medicine – Frequently Asked Questions
A comprehensive initial assessment allows us to understand your symptoms, history, and goals. From there, we discuss appropriate options and develop a personalized plan together.
Coverage varies by plan. Most benefits plans do include some naturopathic coverage, but we always recommend confirming details with your insurance provider beforehand. We do not offer direct billing for injectable therapies, only the time spent.
All treatments are offered within the scope of naturopathic medicine in British Columbia and are recommended only when clinically appropriate. Safety, informed consent, and individualized care are always prioritized.
Number of treatments can be difficult to predict and varies from case to case. Treatment is dependent on the condition, how long symptoms have been present, and individual response. Some people notice improvement quickly, while others benefit from a series of treatments. Progress is reassessed regularly.
Inflammation, tissue healing, and pain sensitivity are strongly influenced by nutrition, sleep, stress load, and hormonal changes. Addressing these factors can support recovery, healing and is an important part of integrative pain care.
Most people tolerate injections well. Sensation varies depending on the area treated and the type of injection. Comfort measures are used, and expectations are discussed before treatment.
We commonly support people with:
- Chronic neck, back, or joint pain
- Myofascial or muscle-based pain
- Nerve-related pain or sensitivity
- Post-surgical or scar-related pain
- Headaches and tension-related pain
- Persistent pain after injury
Not all therapies are appropriate for every condition.
As a BC-licensed naturopathic doctor, pain care is based on clinical assessment and diagnosis and may include injectable therapies, acupuncture, regenerative medicine, and lifestyle-based support. Treatment plans are individualized and evidence informed.
