If you have decided to consult with a Functional Medicine doctor, what are you expecting to get out of the appointment? After all, this specialist can help you achieve your health goals. During the consultation, you’ll be given an overview of your current health status and goals. This includes reviewing your labs and establishing a plan of action to help you achieve your optimal level of health.
Checking in With Yourself and Your Health Goals
One of the best ways to maximize your health is to get regular checkups with a functional medicine provider. These physicians are experts at finding unrelated symptoms and helping you navigate a path toward better health. In addition to making you feel good, they are adept at helping you to identify the right dietary supplements to take to achieve your best possible level of wellness.
Taking the time to assess your health properly will prevent minor ailments from turning into major issues later in life. An excellent way to begin is to consider what you value most. This includes your physical health, career, and financial stability. While it is true that you will have to make some sacrifices, your practitioner will be able to point you in the right direction.
The functional medicine model of health is a highly personalized program. Each person’s unique biochemistry is evaluated. Using this information, your provider can identify symptoms that can be avoided and offer a plan for getting you back on track. Unlike a typical doctor’s visit, your physician may even be able to suggest what you should be taking. For example, if you are on the fence about whether or not to undergo surgery, your Functional Medicine provider might recommend some alternatives. Your physician can also suggest how to manage your chronic illnesses.
Reviewing Labs
Functional Medicine may be a distant second to conventional Medicine but has its challenges. Unlike traditional Medicine, which looks at the health of a single organ or system, functional Medicine looks at the entire patient’s health. This means that a comprehensive visit will take about an hour and a half, depending on the practitioner’s schedule. Some practitioners offer follow-up appointments in person, while others can be found remotely. Regardless of your practice’s preference, making time for your patient is essential. The benefits of using a functional medicine practitioner are countless. For example, they can help you find the cure for your disease and can help reduce your chances of developing a chronic condition. They can also save you money in the long run by cutting down on unnecessary treatments and by reducing hospitalizations.
Establishing a Plan of Action
Various factors can affect an individual’s health. Functional Medicine seeks to restore balance and well-being through a personalized approach. It helps patients reverse their health issues and restore their bodies natural healing processes.
A Functional Medicine consultation includes a thorough exam and discussion of the patient’s symptoms. The practitioner will also consider the patient’s lifestyle and environment. They use standard laboratory testing to explore the causes of illness and formulate a treatment plan. This includes dietary and nutrition changes, herbal therapies, and detoxification programs.
Functional Medicine practitioners can also integrate other forms of therapy, such as massage and bodywork, osteopathy, and psychotherapy. In addition, they may recommend prescription drugs or supplements. Several licensed healthcare professionals are now certified in Functional Medicine.
Functional Medicine visits are usually longer than conventional office visits. A standard consultation lasts about an hour, and follow-up visits are typically scheduled about two or three weeks after the first visit.
Treating the Root Causes of a Patient’s Health Problems
If you’re looking for an effective treatment for chronic disease, consider a Functional Medicine consult. These consultations are designed to identify the underlying causes of common health challenges. This allows the doctor to devise a more holistic plan for reversing the problem.
A Functional Medicine Consultation involves a comprehensive physical examination. The practitioner will ask about your diet, lifestyle, and stress levels. They will also look at your hormone and neurotransmitter balance. You may also be referred to a nutritionist or health coach.
Functional Medicine combines traditional Western medical practices with alternative therapies. These include therapeutic diets, exercise plans, stress management techniques, and detoxification programs.
In addition to providing a personalized treatment plan, a Functional Medicine doctor may also prescribe medications or alternative treatments. They will also track your health regimen progress to ensure it works for you.
Integrative Medicine Doctors Have a Mission and Goal to Help Their Patient Achieve Their Highest Level of Health
Integrative medicine practitioners work with patients to restore health by combining conventional and complementary therapies. This approach emphasizes the patient’s physical, emotional, and mental well-being and relationships with healthcare providers.
Integrative medicine doctors are typically well-rounded professionals who can help patients make lifestyle changes to achieve optimal health. Some integrative therapies include chiropractic, massage, acupuncture, and energy healing. These therapies are non-invasive and safe.
Many integrative medicine providers use the same strategies as conventional medical practitioners but may also combine traditional and complementary approaches to treat various ailments. The goal is to prevent illness and promote the best health possible.
Practitioners of this style of health care are open-minded and compassionate. They are willing to learn from their patients and want to provide quality integrative care.
An integrative medicine doctor specializes in neurological disorders, stress reduction, and preventive care. Other areas of expertise may include relaxation techniques, cognitive behavioral techniques, and low back pain. Doctors often work with a patient’s primary care physician and other health care providers to ensure that everyone works together to achieve a comprehensive care plan.
