Functional medicine refers to a model of individualized, patient-centered, science-based medicine that focuses on (1) promoting wellness and practicing preventative care and (2) addressing the underlying causes of disease. Functional doctors combine multiple disciplines to get a comprehensive understanding of what’s happening in the body while also providing well-rounded methods of treatment.

A functional medicine doctor considers every aspect of your health, including physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual components. They utilize specialized training and techniques that span many disciplines to find the root causes of simple and complex illnesses.
 
A functional doctor considers many factors before making a diagnosis, factoring in components such as genetics, history, lifestyle, diet, hormonal changes, prescription and over-the-counter medications, and past and current medical issues. They may also ask about your timeline with current symptoms, sleep patterns, exercise habits, nutrition, stressors, personal relationships, and emotional well-being.
 
This type of practitioner is frequently seen by those experiencing chronic illnesses who haven’t experienced success with conventional medical techniques. They usually spend more time with patients than conventional doctors, which allows them to come up with a comprehensive treatment plan to manage all the different factors that may be contributing to a condition. Treatment may include physical and psychological therapies, prescription medications, and/or supplements.

There are many benefits to seeing a functional medicine doctor, including:
 
● Thorough patient-centered care and treatment
● Physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual wellness checks
● Combining traditional and alternative approaches
● A multi-disciplinary approach to treatment
● More intensefocus on chronic and/or complex conditions 
● Inclusive of alternative medicine and treatments
 
Functional medicine is the preferred method of treatment for many as it utilizes both traditional and alternative forms of medical treatment. It is often described as being a more comprehensive form of medicine as it considers all facets of health, including physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual wellness.

Whether you have a complex condition that traditional medicine hasn’t been successful in treating or are looking to understand the root cause of your health issue, a functional doctor can help provide the insight that you’re looking for. 
 
Consider booking in with a functional medicine practitioner if:
 
● You have a chronic or complex medical illness
● You want to understand the underlying cause(s) of your condition
● Traditional medicine has proven unsuccessful in treating your ailment
● You want longer and/or more thorough appointments
● You want care that factors in your physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health
● You’re open to alternative treatment methods
● You want a more personalized experience and/or treatment plan

Functional medicine doctors solve a wide spectrum of complex and multifaceted health issues. This includes medical conditions such as:
 
● Adrenal disorders
● Alzheimer’s disease
● Arthritis
● Asthma
● Autoimmune diseases.
● Cancer prevention
● Cardiovascular disease
● Celiac disease
● Dementia
● Diabetes
● Digestive disorders
● Eating disorders
● Environmental or food allergies
● Fibromyalgia
● Inflammatory diseases
● Menopause
● Metabolic syndrome
● Mood disorders (such as depression and anxiety)
● PMS
● Polycystic ovary syndrome
● Prediabetes and insulin resistance
● Thyroid disorders
 
Functional medicine also focuses on preventative care, safeguarding your health by offering screenings, encouraging balanced living, and offering therapies or supplements to bolster mental and physical health.

In most cases, your primary physician or trusted urgent care facility will be able to provide you with a referral to a functional medicine doctor in your area. If you live in Cary, NC, or the surrounding areas, InShape Medical offers top-tier functional medicine that focuses on illness prevention and addressing all the underlying components that lead to disease.
 
Contact our team of experienced medical practitioners today for more information about our functional medicine services or book online to schedule an appointment. Wherever you’re at in your healthcare journey, we’re happy to provide the support you need to take charge of your medical journey. We are conveniently located at 107 Edinburgh S. Drive, Suite 215 Cary, NC 27511. We serve patients from Cary NC, Raleigh NC, Durham NC, Chapel Hill NC, Apex NC, Pittsboro NC, and Garner NC.