If you’ve spent any time running the loops around Dow’s Lake or pounding the pavement through the Glebe on a crisp October morning, you know that running is more than just a hobby—it’s a relationship with your body. And like any relationship, it has its ups and downs.
I’m Renu Pillay, the pharmacist at Whole Health Compounding Pharmacy Glebe, but many of you likely know me better as a fellow runner. I’ve logged countless kilometers across Ottawa’s beautiful paths, and I’ve experienced firsthand the sheer grit it takes to push through a long run—and the frustration when an injury keeps you on the sidelines.
The Runner’s Dilemma: Treating the Pain, Not Just the Person
There is a specific kind of frustration that comes with a “one-size-fits-all” approach to pain. As a pharmacist, I’ve seen many athletes struggle with oral anti-inflammatories that upset their stomachs or leave them feeling sluggish.
As a runner, I knew there had to be a better way to treat that stubborn IT band syndrome or that nagging Achilles tendonitis. That’s why I am so passionate about Compounded Pain Creams.
Why Topical is the “Finish Line” for Pain Relief
When we compound a pain medication in our lab, we aren’t just filling a prescription; we are engineering a solution.
- Targeted Action: Instead of a pill traveling through your entire system, our creams deliver medication (like Ketoprofen, Lidocaine, or Gabapentin) directly to the site of the inflammation.
- Fewer Side Effects: You get the relief you need without the “runner’s stomach” often caused by oral NSAIDs.
- Custom Blends: We can combine a muscle relaxant, an anti-inflammatory, and a nerve-pain blocker into one single, easy-to-apply cream tailored to your specific injury.
Whether you’re training for the Ottawa Race Weekend or just enjoying a sunset jog, your body deserves a treatment as specialized as your training plan.
More Than Just Meds: Minor Ailment Consultations
I also know that being active means you don’t have time to spend four hours in a walk-in clinic for a minor issue. Whether it’s a sudden skin rash from a trail run, an annoying UTI, or a cold sore that pops up right before race day, we’ve got you covered.
As part of the expanded scope of pharmacy in Ontario, I can now provide Minor Ailment Consultations right here in the Glebe.
- Quick & Easy: No need to wait for a doctor’s appointment.
- Prescription Power: If you need a prescription for one of the 19+ covered conditions, I can write it for you on the spot.
- Local Care: It’s healthcare that moves at your pace.
Join Me on the Path to Better Health
At Whole Health, we believe your pharmacist should be a partner in your wellness. I bring my clinical expertise and my perspective as an athlete to every consultation, ensuring you get back to doing what you love as quickly and safely as possible.
Next time you’re running past 857a Bank Street, stop in and say hi. I’d love to hear about your latest route—or help you find a solution for that “runner’s knee” that’s been holding you back.
Runner’s Health FAQ
How do compounded creams help with running injuries?
Compounded medications are customized to your specific needs based on a prescription. For injuries like runner’s knee or IT band syndrome, these creams deliver active ingredients directly to the site of pain. This localized approach can be more effective for certain injuries while reducing the risk of systemic side effects like “runner’s stomach.”
What makes compounding different from over-the-counter (OTC) meds?
Unlike standard oral medications, compounded topicals bypass the digestive system. This allows for a targeted application that reduces the likelihood of gastrointestinal upset, making it a preferred option for athletes with sensitive stomachs.
Can a pharmacist treat my sprain or strain directly?
Yes. Under Ontario’s minor ailment prescribing guidelines, our pharmacists can assess and prescribe treatment for musculoskeletal sprains and strains. If you’ve rolled an ankle or pulled a muscle, we can provide a clinical assessment and a prescription if appropriate, without you needing to visit a clinic first.
What other minor ailments can you treat in the Glebe?
We provide assessments and prescriptions for 19 minor conditions, including:
Skin rashes (dermatitis), UTIs, Cold sores, Allergic rhinitis.
How do I get started?
Visit Whole Health Compounding Pharmacy in the Glebe or call us to speak with our pharmacy team. We can provide a minor ailment consultation or work with your physician to coordinate a customized compounded solution to get you back on the trails.