Functional Medicine is an evidence-based, systems approach to healthcare. It aims to put the patient first, promoting health as a positive vitality, not just as an absence of disease.
Functional medicine’s role within the modern healthcare system aims to not just identify symptoms and provide solutions, but instead to take a much broader view of your health to identify the root cause (or causes) of a disease. In order to identify the very root of disease and discomfort that affects millions of people, functional medicine practitioners take a look at an entire lifetime of health.
We all know that lifestyle is a big indicator of overall health, and that certain lifestyle choices make us predisposed to certain health problems, but there is far more to the relationship between lifestyle and health than many people assume. What you eat, where you live, the kind of work you do, how much time you spend commuting, how much you move every day, the health of your mother during pregnancy, genetic factors, the amount of time you spend outdoors, the air quality where you live and more all go into our analysis of your health condition. Functional medicine takes all of this into account and uses this lifetime of information to understand where your health problems may stem from, and, most importantly, how to tackle them. This results in a close understanding of your own body and helps put you in-tune with your specific health needs, to improve your quality of life and improve overall wellness.
In functional medicine, the first priority is the root cause of your health condition. We leave the management of severe symptoms to more traditional avenues, but will work with you to identify the root cause of longstanding conditions that traditional medical institutions struggle to help manage. More than just treating illness, we look into how and why illness occurs and give you the tools and guidance that you need to help address these root causes, paving the way to better overall health, wellness and vitality. Chronic diseases, autoimmune disorders, mental health issues, symptoms of menopause and more can all be managed with the help of functional medicine techniques.
While for thousands of years, medicine has had to focus on treating acute diseases, in today’s world, a huge amount of medical resource goes towards managing chronic and ongoing conditions. We see patients who have been to their doctor with a variety of complex, interlinking and sometimes debilitating symptoms, only to see all their tests come back clear. This can be an incredibly frustrating situation to be in, and is one of the many situations in which functional medicine can be of great help.
In these cases, and many others, functional medicine can be an incredible relief to those suffering from chronic health issues. Over the course of our lifetimes, we have been exposed to ever-changing ideas about how to best take care of our bodies which, while well-intentioned, leave many of us conflicted on how to live our healthiest possible lives. Throughout your functional medicine journey, every step will be informed by you, your health, your lifestyle and your body. Functional medicine is a completely patient-centred discipline, which means that all the advice and guidance you get is bespoke and personalised to you, and the things that are important to you.
For individuals who have struggled to find answers and relief from traditional medical institutions (which, rightly and by necessity, are far more symptom-oriented in their approach), functional medicine can be a breath of fresh air when it comes to their health and well being.
Chronic disease in on the increase. Our Hospitals are overwhelmed with diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, cancer, mental illness and autoimmune disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis, thyroid disorders etc.
Women are often frustrated by the symptoms of menopause, endometriosis, PCOS and fibroids. Other often unexplained illness such as fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS/ME) leave individuals in despair.
Functional Medicine offers a new approach to understand and support your health by seeking our core imbalances in key pathological systems such as immune, cardiovascular or gut health. By searching for the root of an issue, rather than treating symptoms on a surface level, we can help you change the way you approach your health, and set you on the path to vitality, strength and positivity.
You will undertake a thorough investigation to include a comprehensive health history. This is an in-depth discussion with Sarah Smith, our principal clinician, who will work with you to understand not just your current health, but create a full picture of your lifelong health journey, including physical, emotional, genetic and environmental factors. This, combined with your health goals, and any lab testing that may be appropriate, will form the basis of your treatment plan. Each case is unique and advanced protocols vary from patient to patient.
An initial assessment usually takes around 90 minutes and a follow up, including a review of any lab test results, takes around 60 minutes.
We’ll go through your treatment plan with you, including our expert recommendations, advice on how to implement these changes in your day-to-day and the rationale behind your recommendations. Transparency of care is an incredibly important part of our mission, and of functional medicine as a whole, so if you have any questions about your personal plan or the functional medicine approach, we really do encourage you to ask. Finally, we’ll book in a follow-up appointment with you to monitor your progress and adapt your plan if necessary.
An initial assessment usually takes around 90 minutes and afollow-up, including a review of any lab test results, takes around 60 minutes.
Sarah offers a complimentary, no obligation 15 minute consultation or chat. This is to investigate whether you would benefit from Functional Medicine. We believe in transparency, so any further costs will be discussed, this may include any investigative testing and supplementation.
At Widney House Clinic, we are passionate about helping our clients feel their best through holistic, proven methods. Your experience is of paramount importance when you visit us, and the Widney House team are always on hand to make sure you’re getting the very best out of your time at our clinic.
The principles behind functional medicine inform everything we do at Widney House Clinic. Our Solihull, Birmingham clinic is entirely patient-centred, meaning that you and your health and wellbeing are always our primary focus. Through functional medicine practices, we give our clients help, guidance, advice and support on their journey to finding a lifestyle and health regime that works for them. Our approach is adaptable and flexible to what you need, and we take pride in being able to customise our offering to each individual who comes through our doors.
Sarah Smith is our Clinic Principal here at Widney House Clinic and carries out all of our functional medicine consultations and plans. She has been practicing functional medicine for the past five years and has also completed the full Advanced Practice Module Pathway with the Institute for Functional Medicine (IFM), based in the US. The IFM is the world’s leading body advocating for safe and effective practice and promotion of functional medicine. Sarah also has an extensive background in osteopathy and nutritional therapy, and has a particular interest in chronic conditions, immune health and women’s health.
To find out more about functional medicine, any of the other services we offer at Widney House Clinic or to book your initial consultation, simply contact our friendly team.
