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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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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."

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I've never quite felt that before any health practitioner that I can remember

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I no longer feel frazzled or out of sorts.

"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

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

Previously I have seen a GI and an Allergist, with no help.

"I first came into the office on April 2007. I had food and environmental allergies. The allergies were moderate and caused mental fog, fatigue, stomach cramps and IBS. Previously I have seen a GI and an allergist, with no help. Because of the treatments I received here, I am 85% recovered. Most of the foods which caused troubles do not currently cause any symptoms."

- Mandar

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 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

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.


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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