Cascade Coast Natural Health

 

Pain Management & Nervous System Healing

Pain is rarely just a physical experience. Whether it begins with an injury, surgery, chronic illness, or emotional trauma, pain often affects every aspect of a person's life—body, mind, emotions, relationships, and sense of purpose.

Dr. Gaby Carter believes that effective pain management begins by understanding the whole person, not just the painful body part.

With more than three decades of experience in healthcare, including over 21 years working in surgery and anesthesia before becoming a naturopathic physician, Dr. Carter brings a unique perspective to the treatment of acute and chronic pain. She understands both conventional medical approaches—including medication management, surgical interventions, and rehabilitation—as well as evidence-informed integrative therapies that support long-term healing.

Her own recovery from Stage IV colorectal cancer, chemotherapy, multiple major surgeries, and the physical and emotional challenges of survivorship has further deepened her appreciation for the complexity of pain and the resilience of the human nervous system.

Dr. Carter recognizes that pain extends far beyond physical symptoms. It can influence a person's physical health, emotional well-being, mental resilience, relationships, and sense of meaning or spirituality. Because every person's experience is unique, treatment is individualized and designed to address the many factors that contribute to pain and healing.

Drawing upon her extensive experience in surgery, anesthesia, primary care, and integrative medicine, Dr. Carter offers a comprehensive approach that may include Brainspotting, regenerative medicine, prolotherapy, platelet-rich plasma (PRP), trigger point injections, movement and rehabilitation strategies, nutritional and botanical medicine, lifestyle interventions, and collaboration with other healthcare professionals when appropriate. She remains committed to ongoing education and continually refines her knowledge to provide patients with the most current, evidence-informed care available.

The goal is not simply to reduce pain—it is to improve function, restore resilience, and help each person return to the activities, relationships, and life that matter most.