The concept of “functional medicine” is similar to more traditional or holistic approaches, as opposed to the conventional and modernized standards practiced in the present. However, it still has a lot to offer practitioners and patients.
If you’re curious about implementing functional medicine concepts into the primary care setting, we’ve got you covered. Below, learn more about functional healthcare, who it helps and how to add it to your practice.
What Is Functional Medicine?
Functional medicine aims to identify the root cause of symptoms and address them with a “systems-based” approach. Conventional medicine is often thought to center on symptom management. Functional health, on the other hand, considers all the factors that contribute to a patient’s ailments.
Typically, functional medicine doctors consider how medical history, genetics, stress and lifestyle factors may influence a person’s health.
With that said, it’s sometimes seen as an “alternative” approach, which can be controversial. However, many licensed doctors incorporate functional health into their practice.
In addition, recent research has shown that functional medicine may improve patient outcomes and quality of life. These findings, along with word of mouth, may increase patients’ interest in this type of healthcare.
What Health Conditions May Benefit From Functional Medicine?
Practitioners in functional medicine often focus on long-term and chronic conditions. Some of the most common include:
- Celiac disease
- Allergies
- Thyroid disorders
- Irritable bowel disease
- Asthma
- Chronic pain
- Diabetes
- Heart disease
- Arthritis
- Alzheimer’s disease
Additionally, physicians may use this approach as part of preventative care plans.
Functional Health vs. Integrative Medicine
Sometimes, functional and integrative medicine are used interchangeably. However, there are slight differences between the two. For example, the functional approach relies on many conventional tests or treatments, such as:
- Allergy screenings
- Genetic tests
- Medication
- Blood tests
- Surgical treatments
However, traditional “integrative” practitioners may avoid “invasive” procedures and “non-natural” treatments.
These distinctions are crucial, as the implications of each can affect how both patients and colleagues perceive your work.
Examples of Functional Medicine
Doctors with functional health skills use custom treatment plans that include lifestyle changes. Additionally, these doctors can order tests, recommend procedures and prescribe medications as needed.
As more doctors look to integrate the tenets of functional health into their practice, it’s prudent to look at some examples:
- Meal plans: Functional nutrition is one of the most popular techniques employed by doctors. A personalized diet plan may address digestion concerns, nutrient deficiencies, inflammation or malabsorption.
- Diagnostic screenings: Doctors may request DEXA scans, blood tests and cardiovascular or genetic screenings to find the root cause of symptoms.
- Lifestyle optimization: Lifestyle modification can help patients manage chronic conditions. For example, a doctor may develop an exercise plan, recommend specific supplements or address sleep concerns.
- Stress management: Another aspect of this approach involves addressing a patient’s emotional well-being. In these cases, doctors may suggest strategies such as stress-reduction exercises and mindfulness practices.
When combined with conventional medicine, these practices allow you to provide person-centered care.
If you’re interested in functional health, relevant continuing medical education (CME) can help you learn how to use it safely. Whether you’re looking for in-person or online events, CME makes it easy to stay up to date on the latest approaches to medicine.