What exactly is a functional medicine doctor?
According to The Institute for Functional Medicine, “Functional medicine is a systems biology–based approach that focuses on identifying and addressing the root cause of disease. In other words, functional medicine is more intent on looking at multiple root causes of symptoms rather than focusing on a singular . Ultimately, it’s a personal choice regarding which medical approach to take. Each approach has its merits and is unique in detecting and healing disease. Some people will align more with integrative medicine, while others may prefer functional medicine.
Can a functional doctor help with arthritis?
Opting for a holistic approach to arthritis treatment can yield significant benefits. By examining the entire body, functional medicine aims to uncover underlying factors contributing to inflammation and pain. This may include nutritional deficiencies, chronic stress, or environmental exposures. The two lifestyle factors that slow the progression of arthritis are interconnected: physical fitness and weight loss. I routinely encourage my patients to engage in regular low-impact exercises to help maintain flexibility while strengthening the muscles around the affected joint.