Functional medicine is a patient centered, science based approach that focuses on identifying and addressing the root causes of disease to prevent and treat illness. We look into the “why’s” rather than addressing issues from a symptom standpoint.

A central belief of functional medicine is that our biography becomes our biology. Acknowledging the unique context of every persons life is fundamental in creating a relevant clinical approach and treatment plan.

Appointments are longer and more frequent, it includes targeted lab assessment to look further into the causes of imbalance, and there is a focus on diet, movement, and lifestyle as they are the foundations of good health. When appropriate, supplements and vitamins are recommended to treat and prevent illness.

This model of medicine is used for chronic diseases as well as specific health concerns and conditions. Often times one underlying imbalance can produce many manifestations of illness. For example, a person with high levels of inflammation may experience several conditions that are caused or worsened by inflammation such as migraines, rashes, fatigue, and joint pain. Functional medicine takes a comprehensive account of each persons health and looks for connections between body systems.