
Functional medicine
When you visit a Functional Medicine practitioner at the Penny George ® Institute for Health and Healing, you can expect to spend more time than you would with a traditional medical provider. This is because the Functional Medicine approach begins with a detailed personal and family history, a thorough discussion about your symptoms and their timeline, as well as reflections on your experience and treatment plans developed with other providers.
You and your practitioner will work together to determine the root cause of your illness or health concern and develop a personalized plan to restore your health.
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What is functional medicine?
The Functional Medicine model provides a philosophy and framework for practicing patient-centered, integrative medicine. An important part of Functional Medicine is the development of a trusted partnership between the patient and practitioner and involves a personalized treatment plan that is based on a detailed understanding of each individual's genetic, biochemical and lifestyle factors. By investigating the root cause — instead of symptoms — you and your practitioner may find that one condition has multiple causes and that one cause may trigger multiple conditions. The Functional Medicine approach is most effective for chronic disease and symptoms of "chronic unwell."
What to expect during your functional medicine consultation
Your first consultation will be about an hour long.
- You will be asked to complete a detailed written history and survey of your current state of health.
- You and your practitioner will discuss your personal and family health history, medications, supplements, diet, lifestyle choices, health concerns, symptoms and health goals.
- Testing options will be discussed and ordered
You will then work with your provider to:
- create a care plan to address the underlying causes of any health problems
- gain knowledge and tools to improve your own well-being
- learn about options that may complement or replace medications or invasive treatments like surgery
- get referrals to other holistic experts for functional nutrition, acupuncture, massage therapy, integrative psychology, health coaching, Resilience Training, biofeedback, traditional Chinese medicine or other services
You will have follow-up visits with your Functional Medicine practitioner as needed.
Functional medicine can treat
- autoimmune conditions (rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, ulcerative colitis, etc.)
- irritable bowel syndrome
- fatigue
- type II diabetes
- depression
- anxiety
- sleep problems
- weight concerns
- metabolic syndrome
- headaches/migraines
- hormone imbalance (PMS, PCOS, menopause)
- recurrent infections (UTI, vaginitis, sinus infections)
More about functional medicine
Functional Medicine consultations are not intended to replace appointments or relationships with primary care or specialty doctors. We will partner with you and your current care providers.
Source: Penny George Institute for Health and Healing
Reviewed by: Penny George Institute for Health and Healing
First published: 1/3/2020
Last reviewed: 1/3/2020