Client Spotlight on Complementary Medicine Success: Monica, Boston MA
Welcome to the Client Spotlight Series. Twice a month we describe the experiences that people like you, have had with complementary medicine practice. This time, we met Monica, from Boston, MA. Read on to learn more about her experience and how complementary medicine and holistic healthcare complimented her care and supported conventional medicine treatments.
Monica’s Story
Monica moved to the United States from Colombia to attend college. Upon her arrival in the US, she sought out a homeopathic physician. She was surprised, though, by the relative lack of access to alternative medicine providers at the time. Access to doctors who specialize in homeopathic medicine is quite common in Colombia.
She grew up in an environment that greatly supported alternative medicine strategies, and she has always included them in her health management. We talked about her very active fitness routines, mainly including running and other similar sports, and her multiple hip surgeries over the past few years.
Complementary Medicine Strategies for Joint-Muscle Pain
Monica experienced generalized joint and muscle pain during her first year of college. Painkillers were prescribed by her primary care provider, a conventional medicine doctor. She was unable to tolerate them. After extensive research, she sought the help of a naturopath in Brookline, MA, who was able to help her with dietary changes and homeopathic medications. Monica was already a vegetarian, but unable to process dairy products at the time. Her diet was “upgraded” to improve her health. She started to avoid processed foods and include mainly organic foods and ingredients. The lifestyle change worked well and Monica recovered very well and quickly from her generalized joint-muscle pain.
As a serious marathon runner, Monica experienced debilitating knee pain that occurred during a high impact aerobic class. She tried a variety of therapies to manage it. Monica tried acupuncture, which she found to be effective. It reduced her pain and improved her ability to sleep while in pain.
In terms of nutritional practice, Monica was vegan for well over 12 years, eating a complexly plant-based diet. However, after being diagnosed as gluten intolerant, she added fish and eggs to her diet. She credits “clean eating” and lifestyle therapies, to her successful recovery from major orthopedic reconstructive surgeries. Her lifestyle treatments have also included physical and exercise therapy.
She stated that having a team of physicians who listen and are willing to incorporate alternative treatments into the plan of care have been integral in her quest to becoming healthy and whole again. Happily, her orthopedic surgeons and primary care providers have been such a resource in her care.
Finding a Quality Provider As A Complementary Medicine Client
Monica has sought treatment from a variety of alternative and western medicine providers over the years. She has great perspective on finding a reputable provider whose goals and communication skills match her own as a client. In general, her conventional medicine doctors have been extremely supportive of her use of alternative medicine. In fact, while recovering from knee pain, her orthopedic surgeon recommended dietary supplements and vitamins to complement her conventional treatment.
There have been a few instances in which Monica has interacted with providers who are not willing to support alternative treatments. If the providers are reluctant or have doubts, she has provided additional information and resources to those who are willing to explore or learn an alternative approach. Monica recommends that every prospective client in complementary medicine and in conventional medicine do plenty of research to find a good provider. Ensuring that the provider’s licensure is current, that they have great references, and that they have expertise in your area of greatest need are also important factors.
A New Adventure: Yoga Instructor & Wellness Coach
Monica became a Certified Yoga Instructor within the last year and is currently working on an Orthopedic Exercise Specialist certification. She has practiced yoga and other forms of low impact exercise for several years as a way to supplement her very active lifestyle.
One of her physical therapists recommended yoga and pilates to help manage her knee pain. In Monica’s experience, yoga and pilates can help reduce joint and muscle pain by building strong quads and by stretching the hamstrings, problems quite common among long distance runners. She also finds that low-impact exercise like yoga can be an effective tool to manage some types of pain. She told me, “Yoga and exercise can be complementary to some medical treatments.” Her comment reminded me that so much of health and healthcare often takes place outside of exam room!
Monica is trained in Pranavayu Yoga. It is a style of yoga that focuses on logical sequencing, proper alignment, and guided meditation. Her most popular class is a combination of Pranavayu, Power & Hip-Hop Yoga. She adds her own twist to her classes by creating very imaginative transitions, incorporating high-energy moves, and playing a rocking playlist to keep her classes challenging, fun, and motivating. Her classes are open to all levels. She provides modifications for everyone in order to ensure safe and proper alignment regardless of limitations, injuries or level of fitness. She also has private clients, most of whom seek her out. They also benefit from Monica’s experiences recovering from orthopedic surgery.
A Final Word
Monica teaches dynamic yoga classes in residential and office spaces in her neighborhood, the Seaport District of Boston. She also hosts special events with several boutiques in Boston and she has combined her passion for yoga and fashion into a wellness brand that helps her clients feel and look their very best.
Meeting with Monica about her experiences in complementary and alternative medicine was enlightening! I look forward to seeking her out for a yoga class here in Boston.
About the Author
Jenna Troup spearheads EthosWell’s wellness research and works in both traditional and alternative medicine. She has a Masters in Public Health from the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health and is a devoted spin class attendee and yoga practitioner. Contact her on Twitter: @JennaCTroup and @EthosWell.
