What is Functional Medicine?

Functional medicine, also known as “functional diagnostic medicine” is a systems biology-based approach that focuses on identifying and addressing the root cause of a patient’s health concern rather than only addressing isolated symptoms.

It is based on the evidence that lifestyle habits are major contributors to chronic disease, and is highly patient-specific investigative medicine that takes a holistic perspective in understanding genetic, biochemical, environmental, social, and lifestyle factors that are responsible for the current functional state of the body.

Functional medicine is often utilized to address chronic disease and health concerns, but it is also utilized by well patients for prevention – to support lifelong health, wellbeing, and to promote healthy longevity.

Functional medicine and conventional medicine (also called allopathic or Western medicine) are both modern medical approaches used by clinicians to address health concerns, and each has specific benefits.

Functional medicine at AIMA does not and should not replace your primary care physician, and AIMA does not provide primary care services. As specialists, however, we do receive referrals from primary care providers.

The difference between using the lens of conventional medicine such as that of your primary care physician to address your concern(s) and using the lens of functional medicine is in the details. Functional medicine is a highly detail oriented, investigative, and patient specific modern approach designed to identify and address the root cause functional imbalances that are underlying your concern – in addition to relieving your symptoms.

Functional medicine is personalized medicine.

Functional medicine is beyond evidence-based medicine. Your care plan is designed and individualized to your specific needs, and your needs may differ from what a randomized controlled trial might reveal is suitable for most.

Specialized functional diagnostic laboratory testing is part of the investigation into the underlying cause of a disorder and is equally valuable in optimizing and maintaining a state of wellness because it is used to detect trends toward imbalance. Functional lab ranges are less broad than conventional ranges and can be used to assess risk for disease before disease develops. It may include testing in the following categories:

Common Functional Diagnostic Laboratory Tests 

We look forward to working with you and helping you achieve healthy longevity!

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