What is Functional Medicine?
Functional medicine is a unique approach to healthcare that delves deep into understanding why we experience certain health issues rather than just treating the symptoms. It's like looking at the root causes of a problem rather than just putting a band-aid on it. Imagine your body as a complex machine with many interconnected parts. When something goes wrong, functional medicine practitioners work to identify what's causing the malfunction by examining various factors like diet, lifestyle, genetics, and environment.
Unlike conventional medicine, which often focuses solely on treating symptoms with medication, functional medicine aims to address the underlying imbalances or dysfunctions in the body. For instance, instead of just giving you a pill for a headache, a functional medicine approach might explore potential triggers like stress, poor sleep, or nutritional deficiencies.
Functional medicine doctors take a holistic approach, considering the unique circumstances of each individual. They work with patients to develop personalized treatment plans that often involve lifestyle modifications such as dietary changes, exercise routines, stress management techniques, and sometimes supplements or alternative therapies.
By addressing the root causes of health issues and empowering patients to take an active role in their well-being, functional medicine strives to promote long-term health and vitality. It's all about understanding the intricate connections within our bodies and using that knowledge to optimize health and prevent illness.
Functional Medicine Can Help Support
Functional medicine can be beneficial for addressing a wide range of health issues. While it's important to note that the effectiveness of functional medicine varies from person to person, here are ten common ailments that functional medicine may help treat or manage:
- Digestive disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and acid reflux.
- Hormonal imbalances, including thyroid disorders, adrenal fatigue, and menstrual irregularities.
- Chronic pain conditions like fibromyalgia, arthritis, and migraines.
- Autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and multiple sclerosis.
- Mental health concerns like anxiety, depression, and ADHD.
- Metabolic disorders like diabetes, obesity, and metabolic syndrome.
- Cardiovascular conditions including hypertension, high cholesterol, and heart disease risk factors.
- Allergies and sensitivities to foods, environmental factors, or chemicals.
- Chronic fatigue syndrome and other energy-related issues.
- Skin disorders such as eczema, psoriasis, and acne.
It's important to remember that functional medicine approaches each person's health concerns individually, aiming to identify and address the underlying causes rather than just treating symptoms. Therefore, the effectiveness of functional medicine in treating these ailments can vary depending on each person's unique circumstances and response to treatment. Consulting with a qualified functional medicine practitioner can provide personalized guidance and support in addressing specific health concerns.
Areas of Expertise:
CARDIOMETABOLIC
GUT HEALTH/DIGESTIVE ISSUES
THYROID
ADRENALS & STRESS
WEIGHT LOSS ISSUES
HORMONES
OUR APPROACH
1. Advanced Assessment
2. Alleviating Symptoms
3. Pinpointing The Cause
4. Optimization And Evolving Care
5. Sustaining Health
Helix Performace & Wellness Vitality Program
5-Month Program
- Intake visit
- Review of findings visit
- (8) 30-minute follow-up visits with Dr. Hansen
- Thorough medical history and lifestyle assessment
- 2 Advanced Labs ($1000 value)
- Individualized Diet/Supplement Protocol
- Coaching App and tracker
- 15% off supplements through Designs for Health
- 15% off additional labs
- HIPPA compliant texting during office hours
Vitality Essential Program
This streamlined program offers key resources to help you make informed decisions about your health.
- Intake visit
- Review of findings visit
- Thorough medical history and lifestyle assessment
- 2 Advanced Labs ($1000 value)
- 15% off additional labs