Our philosophy

The health care paradigm in the United States is undergoing a dramatic shift. The old view of many trained physicians was in black and white; you are perfectly healthy or diseased. A newer model of functional medicine is emerging that recognizes and addresses the many shades of grey that most of us live in. This model is based on neurological and biochemical individuality. Truly personalized health care provides therapy specific for your brain and nutritional recommendations specific for your metabolism. The treatment that works for you may not work for others. A detailed examination and necessary lab evaluations allow us to design a customized health program. Here's what you can expect in our clinic.

1. Assessment of biochemical individuality: There is no exercise, adjustment or physical therapy that can compensate for poor nutrition or biochemical dysfunction. Your body requires adequate intake of vitamins, minerals, essential fats and other nutrients. Your body also requires a healthy coordination of chemical signals such as cortisol, thyroid hormone and others.

Evaluation may include: a. Complete health history b. Identify signs & symptoms of gastrointestinal and chemical dysfunction c. Laboratory testing of biochemical markers in blood, urine or saliva

2. Assessment of neurological individuality: Even two factory made automobiles will function a little differently after one year of use. They will make different noises, run at different fuel efficiencies and display different patterns of wear. If identical cars display differences after one year, isn't your nervous system going to function differently from the next person?

Your genes, lifestyle, environment, nutrition and stress level all influence the way your body works. Your nervous system evaluation may include: a. Observation of eye movement patterns b. Muscle strength/weakness c. Flexibility patterns d. Timing and coordination e. Movement patterns f. Reflexes g. Sensory testing h. Balance

3. Individualized treatment plan: You will receive a customized treatment plan. To illustrate, let's look at a few examples.

Case 1: 45 year old male with chronic neck pain This patient cannot be "cured" with an adjustment if he also has hypertension, dysglycemia, underactive thyroid, inadequate hormone production & severe nutritional deficiencies. There is mounting evidence that nutrient deficiencies such as vitamin D can result in chronic pain. A chiropractic adjustment may bring temporary relief but no long term effects. This patient's program begins with lifestyle changes and appropriate supplement intake based on objective laboratory testing. In this case, we must restore biochemical homeostasis before engaging in physical/neurological interventions

Case 2: 32 year old runner with low back pain. This patient has a healthy lifestyle; whole foods, plenty of sleep, time for leisure and exercise. His primary treatment may involve biomechanical assessment, recommendation of custom orthotics and appropriate strengthening and flexibility exercises. Brain based timing and coordination exercises will help activation of core muscles to stabilize the low back.

Case 3: 42 year old female with chronic fatigue. A patient with chronic fatigue may not respond to the simple instruction, "Sleep more." An investigation into food intolerances, hormone balance and vitamin/mineral/essential fatty acid status may reveal the cause for fatigue. For example, if cortisol levels are elevated, then she is not likely to get good rest until biochemical homeostasis is restored.

Physical activity has been shown to measurably increase energy levels. While the advice to "exercise more" is well grounded in scientific literature, this advice must be seen in the larger picture of an individual's health. Exercise may exacerbate problems if nutritional status is unaddressed.