Functional Medicine determines how and why illness occurs. It aims to restore health by addressing the root cause of disease for the patient.
The Functional Medicine model is an individualized, patient-centered, science-based approach that empowers patients and practitioners to work together to address the underlying causes of disease and promote optimal wellness. It requires a detailed understanding of each patient’s genetic, biochemical, and lifestyle factors and leverages that data to direct personalized treatment plans that lead to improved patient outcomes.
By addressing the root cause, rather than symptoms, practitioners become oriented to identifying the complexity of the disease. They may find one condition has many different causes and, likewise, one cause may result in many different conditions. As a result, Functional Medicine targets the specific manifestations of disease in each individual.
What type of doctor practices Functional Medicine?
Many different types of physicians learn and practice the basic theories of functional medicine. This includes: medical doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, dentists, naturopaths, chiropractors, acupuncturists, and many more.
What types of conditions can Functional Medicine help with?
It is important to understand from the start that functional medicine is NOT the practice of diagnosing and treating disease. However, many medical conditions have been shown to improve once the underlying causes have been found and addressed.
Dr. Alenov has worked with many people who have been previously diagnosed with these types of conditions and symptoms:
Hormonal Issues
Pre and Post-menopausal Issues
Chronic Immune Deficiency
Chronic Lyme
Acute Lyme
Auto Immune Conditions
Digestive and gut related problems (IBS, pain, dysfunction)
Food Sensitivities
Sleep Disorders
Anxiety and Stress Disorders
Cognitive Disorders
Metabolic Dysfunctions
Blood Sugar Irregularities
Fertility Issues
Inflammatory Joint and Skeletal Pain
Chronic Headaches
Migraines
Thyroid Disorders
PMS
Fibromyalgia
Diabetes
Asthma
Arthritis
Adrenal Disorders
Chronic Fatigue
Alzheimer’s and Dementia
Other Chronic Conditions
How does a Functional Medicine practitioner find the underlying cause of my condition?
Some of the best tools for the practice of functional medicine are clinical experience and good listening skills. Dr. Alenov takes pride in the great amount of time and care he puts into each patient’s health program.
An extensive medical history questionnaire as well as one-on-one consultation allows Dr. Alenov to assess contributing factors from your:
1. Lifestyle: including diet, activity levels, work life, hobbies and stressors
2. Genetics: including your family’s history of physical and mental conditions
3. Environment: including your exposure to toxins, allergens, physical and mental stress
Once a solid history has been obtained, the final step is selecting the correct functional medicine lab tests to collect objective data. Functional medicine utilizes many available labs that are not typically used in traditional medicine.
Click here for examples of labs, tests, and the incredibly helpful information they can give you:
Schedule an appointment today:
If you are ready to create positive change in your life and make a commitment to your health and well being, schedule your initial consultation with Dr. Alenov to discuss how functional medicine can help you. We offer complete functional health services via online video conference calls and consultations, or in office exams and consultations at our Hudson Wisconsin location.
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Office visits are always proffered when ever possible over telehealth consultations.
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