Integrative medicine is a holistic approach to healthcare that focuses on treating all aspects of a patient’s health. Whereas traditional medicine primarily focuses on physical health, integrative medicine is also concerned with mental and emotional health. Dr. Lisa Rankin and Dr. Melissa Singer, the experienced physicians at Coastal Integrative Medicine in Stuart, FL, offer integrative medical care.
Traditional Medicine vs Integrative Medicine
Most people use traditional medicine when visiting a doctor or medical facility. Traditional medicine focuses largely on treating physical symptoms to ease pain and discomfort. Conventional treatment methods include diagnostic testing (e.g., X-rays), prescription medications, radiation therapy, and surgery.
While integrative medicine includes many of the same conventional diagnostic tools and treatments used within traditional medicine, it goes beyond those and utilizes various alternative treatment methods. A leading goal of integrative medicine is to pinpoint the root cause of a person’s symptoms and treat those rather than just providing symptom relief.
Some alternative treatment methods used in integrative medicine include acupuncture, yoga, massage therapy, tai chi, hypnotherapy, counseling, aromatherapy, and nutritional therapies, which include herbs and supplements. Integrative medicine promotes better health and wellness in all areas, including the body and mind.
Conditions Treated with Integrative Medicine
Integrative medicine can be used to treat a wide range of health issues. At our medical office in Stuart, FL, integrative medical care services can be used in the treatment of various conditions, illnesses, and diseases, including:
- Acute and chronic pain
- Headaches and migraines
- Side effects of medical treatments
- Anxiety and depression
- Menopause symptoms
- Hormone imbalances
- Digestive problems
- Sleep issues
- Weight
- Stress
Benefits of Integrative Medical Care
The benefits of integrative medical care are numerous. One of the main benefits is that doctors seek to discover the root cause of symptoms. When treatment only focuses on alleviating symptoms, those symptoms can return again later on. On the other hand, treating the root cause should prevent symptoms from returning.
Another benefit of integrative medicine is that treatment is completely personalized and tailored to the specific needs of the individual. Doctors consider a variety of factors, including biological, psychological, social, and environmental, to best treat people.
An additional benefit of integrative medical care is that it utilizes a diverse array of treatment methods from conventional ones to alternative options. Not all patients necessarily respond well to traditional treatments, such as prescription medications. Incorporating alternative methods ensures patients have access to treatments that might be better suited to their needs. Finally, another benefit is that many alternative methods utilized in integrative medicine are less invasive than conventional treatments.
Integrative medicine is the answer if you are looking for healthcare that improves health and wellness in all areas. Schedule an appointment with Dr. Rankin or Dr. Singer to learn about integrative medical care by calling Coastal Integrative Medicine at (877) 565-6293.