What is Functional Medicine?

What is Functional Medicine?
Functional medicine, unlike conventional medicine, takes a more holistic, whole body-based approach to health care that focuses on identifying and addressing the root cause of disease. In this process of searching out the root cause, it is sometimes necessary to investigate several symptoms/causes that may be causing one condition or, multiple conditions that may be causing one symptom/cause.

Functional medicine doctors consider the full picture of your physical, mental, emotional and even spiritual health.  They take into account factors like your diet, fluctuations in hormones, your genetics, the medications you are on as well as other lifestyle components.  Many times we see people with chronic illnesses turning to functional medicine because nothing in conventional medicine seems to be helping.

How do functional medicine doctors differ from conventional doctors?

Your functional medicine doctor will normally spend more time with you than a conventional doctor spends, usually around an hour of uninterrupted time discussing your health concerns. The relationship is usually thought of as a collaborative partnership; considering your input to be valuable in the process of making a plan and then keeping you responsible for your choices as they relate to your condition and treatment.

What can I expect?

In functional medicine, the goal is to come up with a treatment plan to manage multiple factors that may be contributing to chronic conditions.  The plans usually include supplements, several forms of additional types of therapy, such as: massage, IV therapy, energy work, foot detox, etc. and, if needed, prescription medications.

When the plan is in place, the progress of your treatment is tracked and changes are made as they are needed.  Since each treatment plan is tailored to the individual’s needs and specific illnesses, no two plans are the same.

Here at Desert Bloom Healthcare, we are passionate about helping our patients find the root causes of their issues and addressing them, giving them the best chance at living the healthy, functional life they have always dreamed of.  We believe when the root causes of illness are found, and treated, the body can recover from all of the symptoms the imbalances were causing.

Call our office today to schedule an appointment! We can’t wait to support you in your healing journey!