Dr. Kathy Van Zeyl, ND
35 Beechwood Avenue K1M 1M1 Ottawa, ON, Canada

Still alive, still human, but maybe part zebra? At 5 weeks post-surgery I’m still pretty tired & achey. It’s hard work healing yourself! Here’s where I’m at: Today went for my first outdoor walk WITHOUT the zimmer (woohoo, no more giant-ass brace!), NO crutches, and am re-learning how to walk like a normal human. Looks/feels weird bc I still can’t bend my knee properly. Only 200m and not exactly pain-free, but this was my first time walking Buggs since surgery, so... make that a win! My extension is perfect AND back to my previous level of hyperextension. No more clicky meniscus flapping around in there! Flexion is fiiiiiinally starting to come around! It feels very unnatural and I’m still only hovering around 90 degrees but I’ll take it! Doing bike pendulums and got a cute lil mini bike - much easier to get in that ROM. Some old circulatory issues cropped up after a stressful event. My arms went numb and I’ve been exhausted/light-headed ever since. I’ve had a history of orthostatic hypotension (low BP on standing) that was chalked up to stress/adrenal dysfunction. However, partnered with hypermobility (my Beighton score is 8/9), tendency to destroy ligaments (knee, neck, ankle, elbow), & delayed post-surgery recovery, I’ve been diving down a wee rabbit hole (or zebra hole? mascot for EDS) I see a lot of hypermobile patients in practice. They either get injured or have muscular compensation for the joint laxity. I also see many stress/dysautonomic issues. In some cases there may be a genetic link between the two if it’s bc they’re making poor collagen. So for both myself and patients, I’ll be pursuing further learning in these areas. In other news, I’m happy to be back treating patients! Albeit only virtually at present, it’s wonderful to reconnect and have medical puzzles to solve. I also having the opportunity to assess, educate & empower people to heal . Although challenging, my own learning experiences as of late have also been very helpful. Always something to be grateful for Lastly here’s some of my latest knits for those who asked. I’m no pro, but it’s relaxing and doesn’t require legs! Even more enjoyable with a lovely new knit bowl from a dear friend #aclsurgery #rehab #kneehab #naturopath #knituropath #hypermobility #rippedligamentsneedrippedmuscles #hsd #eds #pots #dysautonomia

Buggs & antibodies = good . Bugs and anty-bodies = bad . ACL reconstruction post-surg rehab has been a full-time job. At the end of week 3 my knee flexion is still nowhere near where it should be . Although my extension is kickass so that’s fab ... . So I added in cupping & graston to break up the scar tissue/adhesions that have prevented my knee from moving freely. Both require oils to lubricate the skin. I’d been using topical castor oil (which helps with circulation) & grapeseed oil (which is little less viscous and lets my cups slide). . Turns out some little buggers found their way into the house and seem to really like both of these oils . Some were also lingering on the ice pack I’ve been using. Which I discovered early one morning when I put said ice pack directly on my knee in the dark without looking at it first (it didn’t go well for me ). . I’ve also had some long-standing - but generally mild/manageable - OCD tendencies since I was a teenager. Living with a mom who hoarded, I designated myself as our unofficial cleaning lady since maybe 10 years old?! I generally like things to be clean, organized, and stay the way I left them. So this has been a challenge... and I’m trying not to obsess while we get this $&?! under control but it’s hard to just shut that off . So on to the good: . Buggs (short for Buggsly) is my fur baby and he is wonderful. Perpetual source of love, hugs, smooches and encouragement. A welcome distraction at all times. Also have to keep him in mind as so many insecticides are also toxic for pets. . My dad has also been an amazing support. And whilst watching my anxious breakdowns about our new friends he’s been there to help on the mission both physically and emotionally. . And on a very lateral note, antibodies are miraculous cells produced by your immune system either in response to an infection or to a vaccine. So let the record show that although I am not into ant-y bodies I really like the other ones!! . So reminders to stay healthy, stay safe & keep washing everything (just not until your brain explodes! ) See more

Dear 2020: I forgive you Even though you were a festering turd of a year, I forgive you. Even though a part my body physically gave way and broke, I got to see the rest of its parts come together and heal. ... Even though I couldn’t run for 3.5 months (and am still sidelined for at least another few months!), I appreciated the runs I got after that so much more. Even though my sweet (but kinda crazy!) little old man doggo has had some health struggles, I’ve been able to spend more time at home with him than ever. And he’s been the best little rehab buddy a gal could ask for Even though my practice was forced through changes, technology (whom I had previously seen as the enemy!) came to the rescue. Thanks to this I’ve still been able to do what I love... educating and empowering my patients on how to take charge of their health. Even though I went through some major heartbreak, I also had some amazing people in my life who have helped me to heal. They continue to remind me of my strengths, my resilient heart and how lucky I am to have such a wise and strong support network Even despite the pandemic, lockdown, and the light shone more brightly on systemic racism and discrimination... so many people still came together for each other. Pre-existing communities strengthened. And new communities formed and bonded together Even though this whole situation is nowhere close to being over... every challenge has brought growth. The immediacy of it all has made some big decisions more clear. Some things I took for granted I never will again. So thank you, you giant flaming dumpster of a year for bringing so many positives into my life that although I didn’t ask for the means that brought them... I’m still grateful for them all!

Recovery companions . . Berries & greens shake! Still have lotsa bruising so the dark berries (blueberries, raspberries) have lots of vitamin c & bioflavonoids for collagen & blood vessel support. Spinach has lots of vitamin c, magnesium & potassium - also all great for circulation .... . My puppy pal Buggsly - best rehab buddy imaginable! Always by my side, super snuggly, great source of comic relief and healing endorphins . . Buggs and I are still reading Jay Shetty! Savouring this one, lotsa good wisdom in there. Today’s lesson all about the Ego and how to manage it. . . Actionable advice: Be like salt. Salt is so humble that when something goes wrong, it takes the blame, and when everything goes right, it doesn’t take credit. . . Onward ho with my attempts at being my best salty recovering self! #aclrecovery #rehablessons #circulationsupport #recoverybuddy #dogsofinstagram #thinklikeamonk #humblelikesalt

PAIN . As an ND with a special focus on sports medicine, I’ve been helping other people treat THEIR pain for over a decade. After many years of being careful, this has been a whole new opportunity to treat it first-hand on myself . For the record this was not a running injury. Also for the record most runners with proper gait actually have amazing knees (sorry, any excuses for not running actually don’t have science backing them!). My injury was from a soccer ... incident on turf. A sticky surface with no give. Muscle imbalances that showed at that very moment and broke my runner’s heart . And although I’ve always been very careful with my own body, I give it proper hydration and nourishment, take my supplements, do my journaling & meditations, don’t push too hard if I’m run down, but relish those amazing endorphin-rich runs when I’m feeling good.... it still happened . After pushing through the first rough 48 hours post-surgery, last night was my first major pain setback. I’d come off the meds , tried to ditch the crutches, ate some cake (I rarely eat sugar but yum! It’s Christmas right?) and missing my former independence (and not wanting to feel useless!) stood at the counter doing dishes for 20 mins. . Regardless of which factor weighed in most, last night was a restless sleep filled with pain and discomfort and the inability to change positions while sleeping with a full leg brace didn’t help. Didn’t wanna go back to the meds I was getting sweats and headaches from so I begrudgingly took an extra Tylenol, had a wee pity party, went back for more meditation and downloaded the @curablehealth app. So the self-care journey continues! Lots of good pain science education in this thing. Lots of good mental retraining activities. Something else to focus on. Everybody who’s struggling will benefit from having a plan of action. Pity party over. Mission recovery continuing. And I can finally see an ankle bone down there!! #aclsurgery #pain #painmanagement #doctorhealthyself #naturopath #sportsmedicine #recoveryjourney #nomorepityparty #shrinkingcankle #theresmymalleolus

Things I am grateful for: My health My friends A perfect fall day ... Being healthy and able to run on said perfect fall day with such wonderful people! We never know when a Saturday run may be our last. Although we’re currently permitted to engage in outdoor socially spaced physical activities (in groups of up to 25), we are still taking special precautions to keep our group small and known, stay safe and keep it that way. Strict rules are always enforced with this crew to respect each other and our fellow pedestrians. But we will keep following rules and be mindful of how lucky we are every time we can . So for now... we still run ... we love and support each other (from a safe distance)... we appreciate the fresh air in our lungs , and the exercise and camaraderie that keeps our bodies and minds healthy #ottawarunners #runcrewlove #grateful #staysafe #stayhealthy

You’re the only one that knows the right path for you . . Everyone seems to be going through big changes right now (trees included!!! ). It isn’t always clear what the right path to take is, but I think we know when it’s time to find a new one or forge our own. .... . Stay strong my friends and all the best while you create your own paths! #runningepiphanies #findyourpath #forgeyourown #wereinthistogether #yourenotalone

Somerset Spacious Saturday Runners! . . Slightly cool weather with even cooler people .... . Swung by #prismatica on Sparks to check our hair in the pretty colourful mirrors . . . Love this crew so much, will carefully and safely savour every run that we can still do! @somersetrunners credit: @26.2orbust #ottawarunners #crewloveistruelove #runningnaturopath #aclschmaycl

Day 1 at the new clinic with Sante Health Beechwood!! Easiest commute by a landslide!!! #newbeginnings #ottawanaturopath #beechwoodfuntimes

Lovely Saturday run with my @somersetrunners crew Followed by a pickup of my race kit / swag bag for the SDM women’s run... whoa momma, that’s a haul! Although most of it is stuff I don’t use (this gal has sensitive skin and chemical sensitivities)... if anybody needs something pretty sure I’ve got ya covered! #sunnysaturday... #runcrew #sdmrunforwomen #mentalhealth #runningnaturopath #swagfordays See more

Run commuting is gonna look a lot different starting next week!!! . . With my new Beechwood clinic only 350m away from my home, I’ll have to get used to doing loops around Rockcliffe in the morn instead of my usual 4K commute to Somerset & Elgin! .... . Today used it to also run errands and pick up a package from @orestaorganics, recommended by my brilliant, beautiful and effervescent colleague Dr. Colby Marjerrson from @beechwood.naturopathy . Pumped to get some moisture into this skin after I clean up all the sweaty goodness!! #runcommute #kinda #runningerrands #neighbourhoodnaturopath #beechwood #seasonalskincarechanges #fallrunningisthebest

Saturday’s in motion!!! . . Love starting my weekend with some movement and wonderful humans .... . This week switched it up, saw the @somersetrunners off and went for a walking tour with one of my old besties and an all-around amazing human, the lovely Miss LiAnn #willneverlethergo #scarfweather #somersetsaturdays #runottawa #walkottawa

I LOVE FOOOOOOD!!! . . Food is nourishment. Food is fuel. It’s also a source of building blocks for creating a strong, healthy, happy and optimally-functioning body and brain . Food also tastes amazing BUT it can be a major source of anxiety, conflict, guilt and confusion for a lot of people .... . Just took in a whole whack of great info from Dr. Alexandra Triendl’s lecture on eating disorders at the @brb_ce_group Mental Health Conference... and after realizing that I hadn’t yet eaten solid food ( ), made myself a nice big plate of deliciousness. So much to digest, both literally and figuratively! . . Disordered eating patterns are always about more than just food. We need to be mindful and compassionate about our thoughts toward what’s on our plates as well as the problems we could be creating when we obsess over the details. There’s no one-size-fits-all formula when it comes to nutrition, and a lot of confusing information to weed through. I pride myself on being a very realistic naturopath and would rather be a real person than just one more healthcare professional contributing to food fears and anxiety. So if you’re struggling and need help, reach out and we can figure it out together! . . So today on Dr. Kathy’s plate in between lectures, nourishment came with a side of delicious bacon and some toasted bread with butter and I tell ya... I savoured every single bite on that plate! Still got my veggies, my protein, lots of colour and good fats for a happier, healthier brain . . . Key take-homes from this one: always practice self-compassion and be aware of what’s going on upstairs ( !!). Nourishment is about so much more than food, and we can all use some more self-love! See more

Also secret confession, I have a deep love for anatomical artwork... made myself a pretty little nerve doodle to keep over my desk... go dendrites go!!

MENTAL HEALTH WEEKEND!! . . It’s been a rough couple of months, but my Saturday morning @somersetrunners crew always lifts my spirits .... . Spending the rest of my weekend in a Mental Health conference learning more about one of my favourite bodily fascinations... brains!!! . . Currently listening to my old prof Dr. Prousky talking about all the changes that happen in the brain during prolonged stress. This includes atrophy (aka breakdown/shrinking) of your hippocampus (the memory centre), pre-frontal cortex (your analysis and reasoning centre) and hyperactivation of the amygdala (emotional reaction centre). So prolonged and poorly managed stress does indeed lead to smaller more anxious brains!!! . . Although I missed the first lecture this morn, figured I was doing some good for my brain and mental health by seeing my people and getting the body moving. Always makes my brain feel happier #ottawarunning #mentalhealth #runningnaturopath #runhappy #feedmybrain

Solo Run Sunday . . It’s been a long time since I’ve seen this number on my watch. It’s also been almost 8 months since my ACL tear, which made it seem like I wouldn’t be able to run at all in 2020 until I got that sucker fixed and rehabbed. .... . Enter: COVID. With all of the mental/emotional struggles it brought, the one good thing was it gave me more time to work on rehab and getting my knee strong pre-surgery. I’m still waiting on that surgery but in the mean time... I can run. During one of the best seasons to do it in. And it’s finally starting to feel good again . . And although 10km may not seem like a long run to many, and old Kathy used to run twice this distance every Sunday pretty easily... I’ve come to appreciate that it’s not about the distance or the speed. It’s about forward progress and the beautiful mental space these sorts of runs can bring us to. Movement is therapy, progress and peacefulness. Be grateful for every step . . So today I’m happy to see this number again, but moreso to feel some of the old feels from my Sunday long run day #aclrehab #noligamentnoproblem #meniscusschmeniscus #justkiddingimcautiousAF #runningnaturopath #sundaylongrunday #runottawa #runhappy

BREAKING NEWS: I’m taking a new path... and all roads lead to beautiful BEECHWOOD! . . Starting October 1st I will be moving my practice and seeing patients out of a freshly renovated space at Sante Health Beechwood at 35 Beechwood Ave (upstairs from @sconewitch & @booksonbeechwood ) with the lovely @drsarahnd and her growing crew of amazing professionals! .... . It’s been a long hard decision to leave Somerset Health. I’ve been grieving the idea for quite some time because of how much I love this team... but many changes and challenges have come up in the last 8 months and all of this just felt right. New beginnings await, and if you’ve ever worked with me before you’ll already know you’re part of my team #forlife!! . . To my current patients @somersethwc, working with you guys gives me so much joy so never fear, I’ve got your back! Whether you’re coming with me or need to find a new ND, I’m here to help you . To anyone who’s still looking for an ND, send me a message and let’s see if we’re a good fit! Again, if it’s not me, I will happily find you someone . . Virtual and in-office appointments will still be available. Email me at [email protected] or book online here: https://drkathy.janeapp.com/#staff_member/1 . . Can’t wait to welcome you guys into the new space! #naturopathsonthemove #runningnaturopath #justrunningtoanewspace #naturopathicdoctor #beechwood #ottawanaturopath #newbeginnings

It’s always a good start to the weekend with the Somerset rainers!!! #somersetrunners #rainrun #ottawarunners ... #rockingtheweekend #scootonover #rainorshine @ Strathcona Park See more