Functional Medicine
Functional Medicine originated in the USA and has been practiced there for over 20 years. It is only in the last few years that there has been training held in the UK. Functional Medicine is a structured approach to managing health problems which is individualised, person centred and science based.
Functional Medicine is still looking for the root cause of illness but approaches the management in a slightly different way. Through a patient questionnaire and history taking the clinician identifies predisposing factors, triggers to the onset of symptoms and other factors which are relevant in persisting ill health. This includes a detailed look at lifestyle factors, such as sleep, exercise/movement, nutrition, stress and relationships. Emphasis is on the way the body functions rather than naming a disease. We want to know how you got there rather than what you have got. One diagnosis may have several causes and one cause may contribute to many different diagnoses.
Once the practitioner understands where the functional impairments lie relevant testing and treatments can be formulated into a Functional Medicine Prescription for the patient to tak away. This may include detailed diet plans with recipes, advice regarding improvement of lifestyle factors, recommended supplements or medications.
The Functional Medicine Consultation can be in person, via video call or telephone. Prior to your appointment a comprehensive patient questionnaire will be e-mailed to you via a link with our software called Living Matrix. It is important to complete this in as much detail as you can to enable me to familiarise myself with parts of your history in preparation for your initial appointment. Initial appointments are usually 90 minutes long and involve a detailed look at your history through use of the timeline and matrix tools which guide me as to which areas of function to focus on first. We will discuss testing options and costs and a report will be formulated including your Functional Medicine Prescription. This includes advice about improving aspects of lifestyle, nutritional plans, supplement plans and medication where relevant.
At Dr Indra SFMP we have developed a team approach to our patient's care. Our assessment package involves an initial appointment with the doctor (during which we discuss appropriate functional testing), an hour each with the nutritional therapist and health coach. Once your test results are back we discuss each case in our weekly clinical meeting and put together a Functional Medicine Care Plan to be discussed with the doctor at your final appointment. You have an option at the end of the assessment to have a period of intensive support with 2 weekly contact with a member of your team, or less frequent support with 2 appointments over a 3 month period.
Please note that Dr Indra FMGP at Iveridge Health Club does not treat any acute medical conditions or organise screening for cancer. If you are unwell with an acute medical condition or think you might have cancer then you should consult with your GP or call 111.