Functional Medicine vs Conventional Medicine? Know the Difference

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If you feel unsatisfied with your current healthcare, it’s understandable to look into alternative options. Conventional medicine is a diagnose-centered approach to healthcare that focuses more on treating the symptoms rather than the root cause of the health issues. In contrast, functional medicine offers a patient-first approach that is often a solution to the shortcomings of conventional medicine. Learn the difference between the two to determine the best method for you and your health.

Symptoms v. Root Cause

When you go to see a doctor that practices conventional medicine, their priority is to make a diagnosis and treat your symptoms. Conventional medicine is focused on treatment and management of disease. Conventional medicine wants to understand what you’re struggling with, not why you’re struggling with it.

Functional medicine, on the other hand, strives for a deeper causal understanding. A functional medicine practitioner will look into other areas where conventional medicine wouldn’t. They might examine your diet, lifestyle, health history, genetics, nutritional and metabolic bloodwork, and more to get a complete understanding of your health so they can determine the root cause of your issue. Symptoms are a byproduct of a larger issue, and functional medicine aims to eliminate the cause so you can live happier and healthier.

Limited Access v. Full Access

A major difference between the two healthcare approaches is the amount of time the patient gets to spend with their healthcare practitioner. In conventional healthcare, most patients may only get to spend 15 minutes talking to their doctor. Routine visits to a functional provider may last two or three times as long as a traditional visit would so they can take a deeper look into your health issues. It involves working alongside your doctor and building a strong relationship so they can guide you through your healthcare journey. A strong doctor-patient relationship is the foundation of good healthcare. Without it, your provider would not be able to have a thorough understanding of your health.

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Achieving your best health starts with a single step. Schedule your free functional medicine consultation today to get started.

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Reactionary v. Preventative

If you work with a conventional healthcare provider, you might only schedule an appointment with them when you are experiencing a health issue. That is because conventional medicine is reactionary. Its primary focus is to provide you with a quick fix when you are ill, not to work with you long-term to improve your overall health.

Functional medicine emphasizes preventative care in the efforts to reach optimal health. A functional medicine provider will work with you to find areas of your health that can be improved so you can enjoy your health for as long as possible. Your clinician will work with you to find and target imbalances before they become an issue to prevent disease or chronic illness in the future.

Medications v. Lifestyle Alterations

Since traditional healthcare is a reactionary approach, there is often an overreliance on medication to manage your symptoms. If you want to be less dependent on medication, functional medicine is a better alternative approach. While medication can be a part of your treatment, it is not the primary focus. Functional medicine practitioners want to identify and treat the root of the problem. To do that, your functional medicine provider will suggest lifestyle changes that not only help alleviate your health issues but will also improve your health overall.

Guiding You Towards Optimal Health

The ultimate goal of functional medicine is to help you move towards optimal health so that you can live a longer and happier life. It’s not about being healthy now, but also about being healthy for the next 20, 30, or even 40 years. The focus on optimal health is not only to prevent disease but to also increase your health span. Your health span is the amount of time you are in good health. When you are 60 or 70 or beyond 80, you want to enjoy your retirement, and functional medicine can help you achieve that.

Prioritize Your Health

Robinson MD is functional medicine practice with a concierge approach. We believe everyone should have access to quality healthcare, and you deserve to work with a provider that prioritizes your health. We want to help you get the most out of your healthcare. Put your health first and find out if functional medicine is right for you by taking our Wellness Questionnaire.

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Functional Medicine vs Conventional Medicine? Know the Difference

Symptoms v. Root Cause

Limited Access v. Full Access

Schedule a Free Consultation

Reactionary v. Preventative

Medications v. Lifestyle Alterations

Guiding You Towards Optimal Health

Prioritize Your Health

Is it a Just Mole or Cancer? Why it’s Good to Be Cautious

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