While the 20th-century medical model has undoubtedly excelled in acute and urgent situations, it has shown significant shortcomings in addressing and preventing the chronic diseases that plague our society today.
Chronic conditions now contribute to nearly 90% of all healthcare costs in the United States.
Recognizing this, the Functional Medicine Model emerges as a groundbreaking approach to treating chronic diseases, integrating human physiology with personalized, patient-centered, science-based care that delves into the root causes of complex illnesses, often stemming from lifestyle choices, environmental exposures, and genetics.
The acute care model is not appropriate for clinical problem-solving required for persistent health issues.
Our healthcare system is currently grappling with a crisis, primarily stemming from an outdated model of care that falls short in confronting the fundamental causes of disease.
Moving Beyond Diagnosis:
The accepted traditional model concludes with a diagnosis, often limited to “name and blame.” In functional medicine, the diagnosis is merely the starting point. Recognizing that dysfunction precedes pathology, our approach involves reverse-engineering the disease process from the point of diagnosis and using it as a wheelhouse for investigation.
Digging Deeper:
While the old model prescribes a “pill for the ill,” Functional Medicine goes a step further, asking “Why?” The diagnosis becomes a crucial part of the investigative process, guiding us towards identifying and addressing the root cause.
Empowering Independence:
The traditional model often relies on dependency-based solutions, primarily through medication and surgery. In contrast, the Functional Medicine Model empowers patients to actively participate in their care, fostering sustainable healing. It is a shift from symptom reduction to addressing the core issues.
Addressing chronic conditions is a nuanced task, requiring a comprehensive approach to target the true root cause. Quick fixes are not the solution; instead, dedicated time and consistency are needed. The prevailing standard of care for chronic conditions often focuses on symptom suppression. However, this approach is flawed, as the underlying causes can persist and manifest in other organ systems. Medications aimed at symptom relief may inadvertently lead to further complications due to side effects or deficiencies.
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