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Functional Medicine

Home/Functional Medicine
Functional Medicine2021-07-01T23:19:46-07:00

What is Functional Medicine?

Functional medicine is different than traditional medicine as instead of looking at and treating health problems as isolated diseases, the whole person is examined to find the cause of the disease and revealing underlying dysfunctions and imbalances.

Identifying and treating the underlying root causes, has a much better chance to successfully resolve a patient’s health challenge. Using scientific principles, advanced diagnostic testing, and treatments other than drugs or surgery, Functional Medicine restores balance in the body’s primary physiological processes.

Although mainstream medicine is needed for acute interventions like a heart attack, surgery, etc another approach is needed in addition for the chronic, debilitating conditions as diabetes, arthritis, etc.

To battle chronic health conditions, Functional Medicine uses two scientifically grounded principles:

  1. Add what’s lacking in the body to nudge its physiology back to a state of optimal functioning.
  2. Remove anything that impedes the body from moving toward this optimal state of physiology.

Functional medicine aims to understand underlying causes and symptoms of a chronic disease or illness. Qualified practitioners may treat the patient once they determine preventative measures, the origins of the illness and steps necessary to begin proper treatment.

Highlights of functional medicine include:

  • Patient-centered care as topmost priority to treat the patient’s health as a whole, not just the disease or condition itself.
  • Interaction of many inclusive factors such as how lifestyle practices, patient medical history and physiology of the body can determine the best way to treat symptoms.
  • Combining both traditional and alternative practices such as Advanced Laboratory tests to identify the root causes of one’s health problem, prescription drugs or supplements, changes in diet/nutritional intake, exercise and stress management techniques.
  • For treatment, Functional Medicine practitioners use a combination of natural agents (supplements, herbs, nutraceuticals and homeopathics), nutritional and lifestyle changes, spiritual/emotional counseling, and pharmaceuticals, if necessary, to stimulate a patient’s physiology back to an ideal state. Educating one about their condition, will give one a feeling of empowerment to take responsibility of their own health, ultimately leading to greater accomplishment in healing.

As an example, conventional doctors would normally prescribe pharmaceuticals like Prilosec, to treat acid reflux or heartburn. When the patient stops taking these medications, heartburn returns.In contrast, a Functional Medicine practitioner might find that a patient’s acid reflux is caused by Helicobacter pylori bacteria. Eradicating the Helicobacter pylori may lead to the end of heartburnsymptoms, permanently. Also, it is important to note that in Functional Medicine, treatment for similar symptoms might vary tremendously for different patients. Factors that can come into play in producing the same symptoms include toxic chemicals, pathogenic bacteria, parasites, chronic viral pathogens, emotional poisons like anger, greed or envy, and structural factors such as tumors or cysts.

When you consult a Functional Medicine practitioner, the first step is always your history and to make sense of a complex story. The next set of clues comes from a comprehensive physical examination. The final set of clues comes from advanced laboratory testing. Innovative, cutting-edge lab tests help the practitioner look deeply into a patient’s physiology to discover how it has been compromised and how physiological balance can be restored. After diagnosis and treatment, a Functional Medicine patient can expect his or her symptoms to diminish in severity, with a new sense of well-being and substantial boost in health and vitality.

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She and her staff go out of their way to try to fit you in for an appointment even if they are very busy

"Dr. Iris has been treating several members of my family for over a year now and we highly recommend her. I have been having chronic neck and back pain for several years and feel so much better after every adjustment. I also appreciate that Dr. Iris will recommend and provide vitamins or natural treatments for other health issues. She and her staff go out of their way to try to fit you in for an appointment even if they are very busy. She is very patient-oriented and is a fun and caring person to be around."

-J.L.

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If you want to get the best chiropractic care available look no further. I must receive impeccable care/service for me to write a review. Dr. Rosenfeld will increase your quality of life and reduce your pain. This is all done in a professional manner and setting. The staff is just as professional as Dr. Rosenfeld which is extremely important to me!  I have been to numerous Chiropractors and very rarely will I return for a second visit. My search took over 6 months to find the right Dr and care. And the office hours should accommodate anyone's schedule. 

Thank you Dr. Rosenfeld. I'm so excited to have found you!"

-R.C.

I have had issues with headaches and back pain for many years.

"I have had issues with headaches and back pain for many years.  In addition, I have had problems with general pain issues.  I had been treated by two other chiropractors, a physical therapist and a medical doctor.  I would get a bit better but then improvement stopped.  I had heard of Dr. Rosenfeld so I decided to make an appointment.  I have to honestly say that I have been feeling much better in a consistent manner.  The headaches are now rare and my body just feels better!"

- CW

Overall my results have improved tremendously with spinal decompression therapy

"I have had been having spinal decompression therapy for the last month. I have had excellent results. I was having sciatica and neuropathy; after the first treatment the neuropathy was so much less!   Dr Iris and the office staff are very professional, efficient and caring. Overall my results have improved tremendously with spinal decompression therapy. I would recommend Dr Rosenfeld to all patients with back problems, she listens and will work with you to improve your life."

-A.S.

Dr. Rosenfeld is a very loving and generous doctor.

"Dr. Rosenfeld is a very loving and generous doctor.  I highly recommend her. She is always studying and learning new ways to help her clients.  Dr. Rosenfeld has a very long list of techniques that she can offer to help.  Dr. Rosenfeld is high energy and fun and an inspiration.  I am grateful that my 19 yo son is her patient since I want him to meet motivated professionals."

-C.A.

After seeing Dr. Rosenfeld, I have no pain in my neck and great mobility.

"I first came to the office in 07/07. I came to the office because of pain in my neck and shoulders that I have had on and off for years. I also had very limited mobility. In the past I have been treated by other chiropractors with only temporary relief. We changed insurance plans and after much research I called Dr. Rosenfeld. After seeing Dr. Rosenfeld, I have no pain in my neck and great mobility. There is still some aching in the shoulder, but the mobility is much improved."

- Sharon

A course of treatment for both of us eliminated our pain

"I was referred to Dr. Iris in 1996 from a psychologist who was seeing my son. As a computer user of thirty years I was in bad shape and had chronic pain. My son had constant back pain because his school backpack often weighed more than forty pounds. We both needed help… fast. Dr. Iris made time for us right away and even after the first visit we experienced some relief. A course of treatment for both of us eliminated our pain and Dr. Iris taught us stretching exercises that we use daily. We continue to visit Dr. Iris for maintenance regularly.


With Dr. Rosenfeld I felt comfortable that she would take care of me.

"I had a neck injury seven years ago and have continued to have periods of bad times.  I recently had a knee replacement which threw my back and neck out to the point I could not walk.  I lost my job, can't work and can't work out.  I just felt down.  I had a bad experience with a chiropractor a long time ago.  With Dr. Rosenfeld I felt comfortable that she would take care of me.  Within a couple of visits I could walk and the pain was not so terrible and now we are working on the neck to try and relax it.  I also use the natural products as well as the exercises given to me by Dr. Rosenfeld to try to get the best results.  When I feel better life is better and everyone and everything is better.  I tell people to try chiropractor care because if they try it they will be surprised."

- KM

Her patients come first there is no question about that.

"I have known Dr. Iris for over 15 years & in all that time she has never wavered from being not only a professional in her field, but treating you like a friend. She has always taken good care of me & made time to see me when I've needed her care. She is always on a quest to learn more & educate her patients so they can lead  healthy lives. Her patients come first there is no question about that."


I have actually been pain free more days than not and have been sleeping better.

"I had Sciatica and lower back problems with immense pain.  I could not sit, stand or lay down without absolute pain.  It had been ongoing for the past ten years and I think an old fall down the stairs started it.  Basically I would only go to a doctor at the urgent care when it was severe enough.  They gave me muscle relaxers and Vicodin.  They helped but not for the long term.  I was referred to Dr. Rosenfeld by Hilary Arnatt.  The results have been amazing!  I have actually been pain free more days than not and have been sleeping better.  Thank you!"

- DS
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