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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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-M.C.

My back is a lot better

"I have suffered back strain on and off since December 2006.  Picking up something or my weight caused it and I could not go to work so it was pretty severe.  I saw another chiropractor on and off and got some good results but it didn't last.  I found Dr. Rosenfeld on the internet and through my husband's insurance.  My back is a lot better and now we are working on neck pain and stress in my upper shoulders from work and day to day activities.  Massage has helped as well."

- CS

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"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.

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.

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

I am being treated by Dr. Rosenfeld for pain relief.

"I am a law enforcement officer.  I had middle back pain like a pinch under the left shoulder blade area.  This limited me from working out and running.  I was very conscious at work with regard to my profession.  I had heard from a friend that chiropractors thoroughly studied the spine, concentrated on one discipline as opposed to western medicine.  I am being treated by Dr. Rosenfeld for pain relief.  Because of the long hours of sitting in a radio car or long hours standing and the approximately fifty pounds of gear I wear on a daily basis, I don't have the small aches and pains I used to have. I have talked to several of my co-workers who complain of back pain and told them to consult a chiropractor.  I have also told them about some of the other services Dr. Rosenfeld provides."

- HM

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

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

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
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