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Functional Medicine

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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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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

I would give 10 stars if I could.

"I would give 10 stars if I could.  Dr. Rosenfeld is the consummate professional!

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.

Dr. Iris is a wonderful and caring doctor.

"Dr. Iris is a wonderful and caring doctor. I have been fortunate enough to be her patient since 2012, when my large toddler was causing havoc on my back. She was easily able to get me out of pain and back to functioning order and has been doing so ever since.

She has an amazing intuition when it comes to the body. She is able to find the little spots that are out of alignment, even if I'm not able to locate them myself, and put them back where they belong.

She is completely committed to her patient's well being and will do everything in her power to make you well, body and mind!"

-M.J.

My neck is feeling so much better

"I had neck pain that I had suffered from since a car accident in June of 2005.  I suffered with this pain everyday - sometimes mildly and sometimes more severely.  Also, my adrenal glands were shot and I was feeling a lot of stress.  I had been seeing another chiropractor for about a year with little results.  My pain never really went away despite facet blocks, trigger point injections and physical therapy.  My mother told me about Dr. Rosenfeld and I made an appointment.  My neck is feeling so much better.  My flare-ups are few and when they do occur Dr. Rosenfeld resolves them quickly.  The DSF supplement has helped me tremendously.  I no longer feel frazzled or out of sorts.  Thank you!!!"

- JH

Dr. Rosenfeld is a great teaching Doctor.

"I was in a car accident and had a back and neck injury.  In addition, I had pain in my hip and tingling in my cheeks.  A long time ago (before my accident) I had visited a physical therapist that hooked me up to electrical stimulation and put heat on me for weeks.  Over time I got better.  I found Dr. Rosenfeld through my PPO Blue Cross list of providers.  The first couple of weeks were learning new habits and each time and each visit I have learned more of what I can do to maintain the relief that Dr. Rosenfeld has brought me.  I am able to work without pain for days at a time and I know I can return to Dr. Rosenfeld's office and get support for continuing recovery.  I am still working on permanent neck pain relief but my lower back, hip and cheek tingling are gone!  Wonderful.  Dr. Rosenfeld helps me and motivates me to keep coming in! Her office staff is completely supportive and knowledgeable too.  Dr. Rosenfeld is a great teaching Doctor."

- DP

Dr. Rosenfeld has given me lasting relief from pain

"In 1982 I was catapulted from a motorcycle causing whiplash, neck and low back injuries.  Many years of an untreated condition and compression created much pain, discomfort and subluxation.  After seeing another chiropractor for 15 years it was time for a change.  During those 15 years I had many visits and physical therapy that gave me temporary pain relief and muscle toning and strenuously.  Temporary relief.  I was referred to Dr. Rosenfeld by Barbara Anderson who is a Rolfing therapist.  Dr. Rosenfeld has given me lasting relief from pain and the ability to maintain a longer adjustment much and I have much gratitude and appreciation!"

- NP

I was really impressed with the advanced equipment and techniques

"In April of 2008 I was struck by another car while driving and felt my neck snap and muscles in my upper body pull and tear. When I woke up the next day I had a migraine and was so stiff I could not walk. Dr. Iris saw me immediately and began working on me. I was really impressed with the advanced equipment and techniques she uses on accident victims. She eliminated my headache in the first visit and got me walking without pain quickly. I would never see or recommend another chiropractor as long as Dr. Iris is still practicing. She is such a wonderful person and talented professional."

- B. Davis

Since seeing Dr. Rosenfeld, I have had progressive improvement

"I first came into the office in January 2008. I had a chronic issue with burning tightness in the right hip, extending to the middle back. It began about 10 years ago. I believe it was progressively getting worse but started with having a more sedentary job. It was not debilitating, but was annoying most of the time. I had been to my family doctor, an orthopedist, and another chiropractor. With the other chiropractor I had moderate results. The MDs had little to offer and no idea how to help. I found this office via a web search on the internet. Since seeing Dr. Rosenfeld, I have had progressive improvement, but the supplemental therapies have been both helpful and entertaining."

- Mike

I love coming into this office.

"I had tremendous pain in my lower back and neck.  I could barely walk or even function normally before I came to see Dr. Rosenfeld.  I had this condition on and off for years, but never to this degree that caused me to finally seek professional help.  I was given Vicodin, Soma and Naproxin by a regular family physician.  The medication only temporarily took away my pain.  I never had any other treatment other than a physician who prescribed me these medications.  One of my husband's friends spoke very highly of Dr. Rosenfeld so I called her.  I have gotten great results!!! I am finally recovering from my back/neck injury.  Dr. Rosenfeld and her entire staff have been extremely caring and helpful.  I love coming into this office."

- MG

I have my life back!

"I have suffered with sciatica issues my entire life and worsened when I was pregnant.  The severity was intense.  I saw a general practitioner but had poor results.  I found Dr. Rosenfeld through my insurance company and looked her up on the internet.  I have had excellent results… I have my life back!  Thank you from the bottom of my heart and back!"

- DH
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