She wanted to feel better. She hurt all over, had no energy, had super itchy, dry, red skin, wasn't sleeping and just didn't feel good or like herself. Together, without any medication, we reversed all of that. Completely. Then she made a mistake, that lead to another bad choice and the little voice in her head said, "you screwed up!! so just give up!" But she knew better, because I taught her what she needed to know and how to care for herself! At our next appt, I boosted her spirits, we knocked down the barriers, we made being healthier even easier so she can get back on track and continue to be successful without any symptoms. Does your Doctor do that with you? Bet not.
Restorative medicine doctors, also known as functional medicine practitioners, approach healthcare from a holistic perspective, focusing on addressing the root causes of illness rather than simply managing symptoms. Here are some key ways in which restorative medicine doctors differ from other doctors:
1. Holistic Approach
- Whole-Person Perspective: Restorative medicine doctors view the body as an interconnected system, considering factors such as genetics, environment, lifestyle, and nutrition when assessing health and disease.
- Addressing Root Causes: Instead of just treating symptoms, restorative medicine doctors aim to identify and address the underlying causes of illness, which may involve imbalances in hormones, gut health, immune function, or other systems.
2. Individualized Care
- Personalized Treatment Plans: Restorative medicine doctors take a personalized approach to healthcare, tailoring treatment plans to each patient's unique needs, preferences, and health goals.
- Comprehensive Assessments: They conduct thorough evaluations, including detailed medical history reviews, comprehensive laboratory testing, and functional assessments to identify imbalances and develop targeted interventions.
3. Emphasis on Prevention
- Preventive Medicine: Restorative medicine doctors prioritize preventive strategies to optimize health and well-being, focusing on lifestyle modifications, nutrition, stress management, and other factors to prevent disease before it develops.
- Patient Education: They empower patients with knowledge and tools to take an active role in their health, emphasizing the importance of proactive self-care practices and preventive screenings.
5. Time and Attention
- Patient-Centered Care: Restorative medicine doctors typically spend more time with patients during consultations, allowing for in-depth discussions, thorough assessments, and personalized treatment planning.
- Lifestyle Counseling: They provide guidance and support for making sustainable lifestyle changes, such as dietary modifications, stress reduction techniques, exercise programs, and sleep optimization strategies.
6. Functional Medicine Principles
- Functional Medicine Framework: Restorative medicine doctors often practice within the framework of functional medicine, which emphasizes a systems biology approach, personalized medicine, and therapeutic partnerships between patient and practitioner.
- Evidence-Based Practice: While rooted in scientific principles, functional medicine also incorporates emerging research in areas such as genomics, microbiome science, and systems biology to inform diagnosis and treatment decisions.
Conclusion
Restorative medicine doctors offer a patient-centered, holistic approach to healthcare, focusing on personalized, preventive, and integrative strategies to promote optimal health and address the root causes of illness. By emphasizing individualized care, comprehensive assessments, and lifestyle interventions, they empower patients to achieve sustainable wellness and vitality.