FAQs
Answers to the most commonly-asked questions
If you can't find the answer to your question below, don't hesitate to contact me.
What do you call what you do?
‘Functional medicine’ is a modern approach to assess, treat, and prevent complex chronic health conditions through science-based methods.
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It is a new healthcare model that evolved through the efforts of clinicians from clinical nutrition, molecular biology, biochemistry, physiology, conventional medicine, and a wide array of scientific disciplines.
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Explanations about what it is often centre on how it differs from traditional medicine, so the name often causes more confusion than clarity. My preferred alternative description is ’metabolic health’.
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All the same, I have decided to try to go it alone and call my version of this type of healthcare ‘The Optimise Programme’ - striving for the best possible function of all human biochemical processes.
This approach evaluates the body as a whole with special attention to the relationship of one body system to another and the nutrient imbalances and toxic overload that may arise from dysfunction.
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Most modern-day illnesses arise from stresses caused by our lifestyle.
They are almost always preceded by a lengthy period of declining function in one or more of the body's systems. Interactions between our unique environments, lifestyles, and genetic predispositions cause those dysfunctions. This means that a recommendation that may work for one is unlikely to work for another because we are all exposed to these unique factors.
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This model, therefore, aims to complement rather than replace the acute-care healthcare model by addressing the foundational principle of ‘wellbeing’ - or ‘Optimal Human Function’.
I address poor health and disease by identifying the dysfunctions contributing to the disease state. And importantly, the process doesn’t stop there, as we aim to optimise the whole system, improving the presenting symptoms and the function of the whole human being, physically, chemically, and psycho-emotionally.
Can you help me with my health condition?
If you suffer from a chronic medical condition, if you are frequently ill, tired or in chronic pain or if you seek to optimise your health, I may be able to help.
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If you want a natural approach or wonder which supplements are right for you, I can help.
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We can look for food sensitivities, hidden infections, environmental toxins, mould exposures, nutritional deficiencies and metabolic imbalances. Furthermore, new genetic testing can uncover underlying genetic risks that can be modified through diet, lifestyle, supplements or medications.
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I enjoy evaluating and treating complex and chronic conditions. I also focus on preventing the typical diseases of the modern Western world, such as heart disease, diabetes, cognitive impairment, hormonal imbalances and digestive disorders.
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Please get in touch with me if you want to discuss whether I can help with your particular health condition.
Are you a medical doctor?
I am not, but I am a primary care practitioner and fully insured to provide this type of service.
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My main qualification is as a chiropractor, and over the past 30-plus years I have done extensive post-graduate training in preventive, nutritional and ‘functional medicine’.
I aim to work closely with you as a consultant to help you address the root causes of chronic health problems. As part of this process, I will confer with your primary care doctor and specialist physicians if and when required.
Do you prescribe medicines?
As I am not a medical practitioner, I will not prescribe medications.
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Any current medications will be considered carefully when addressing your overall health. I will ensure that any recommended interventions will not interact negatively with those.
What about laboratory testing?
Biochemical testing can be very useful to assess nutritional status, oxidative stress, vitamin levels, mitochondrial function, and food sensitivities.
Among these, we may use blood testing, genetic testing, hormone evaluations, bone health, gastrointestinal health, adrenal function and many others depending on your individual needs.
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Some testing can be performed at home with test kits to collect urine, saliva or stool. Others may require a blood draw from a local phlebotomist.
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During your consultation, I will review any previous test results and, if necessary, recommend other tests to help determine your best path towards better health and wellbeing.
Private testing is associated with further costs to you but your financial situation is always taken into account.
Do I need to see you at your office?
No.
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If it is inconvenient or impractical for you to travel to me, I am happy to use video conferencing.
Over recent years, I have realised the power of online health coaching, and we can use various tools to help us diagnose and improve your health status remotely.
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I have access to laboratories in most parts of the world, so even this part of my practice should not be hindered by distance or time zones.
Do you advise on diet, etc?
The safest and most powerful ‘medicine’ available today is food, as it has the potential to stimulate the body in many more ways than just providing energy. I have found that changes to a client's diet are often central to achieving their goals.
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It is always a high priority of mine to educate on this powerful tool for health and to help you manage the recommended diet or lifestyle changes.
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Through my work as a chiropractor and especially with athletes of all calibres, I know that exercise will often be an essential part of improving your lifestyle and performance in all areas of life.
Do you sell nutritional supplements?
Yes.
I will often recommend nutritional supplements to patients in conjunction with lifestyle and dietary modification.
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I rely on recent scientific studies to guide therapeutic decisions regarding nutritional supplementation and use only products that undergo rigorous quality testing.
The products I use are almost invariably of a higher quality than those sold over the counter, and they are free of fillers, allergens and additives.
I can often make discount arrangements with suppliers available to you, thereby minimising the cost of this element of your care.
Why did you choose to practice this way?
I have always been interested in nutrition and healthy eating, and my own health problems have given me ample opportunities to experience some amazing health benefits from improved nutrition and lifestyle.
I enjoy studying this field, and through it, I continue to learn ways to give my patients - and myself - better results and healing.
Who would be a good candidate for you?
The functional medicine approach is highly collaborative. That means that many of the treatments and lifestyle changes rely on you not only following my recommendations but also that you monitor progress and actively feedback at each stage of your care plan.
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Instant cures and miracles take a little longer... and you will only find them with a consistent and conscientious effort from both of us.
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The most important factor is therefore most likely aspects of you and your situation that you already know. If you have reached the stage where this website is inspiring you - or - if your lack of progress from previous efforts has left you frustrated; we are most likely a good fit.
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You have likely already found that your health and happiness are not to be found in pills or indeed from standard supplements or changes to your diet.
Those can certainly assist your body, but the biggest changes will almost always come from working with short- and long-term goals and with someone who is a cheerleader for your progress through them.
Are there downsides to this approach?
Certainly.
Because I take an interest in ‘rebuilding’ the foundations for better health, progress can be more time-intensive than if we were looking to merely settle your current set of symptoms.
Because education and understanding are central to my approach, you will have to take a much more active role in your care than you may have done in the past.
Can I combine this approach with treatments?
Yes.
Many people find they can integrate what we do together with conventional treatments such as medication or surgery to maximise their overall health and wellbeing.
However, always speak to your other healthcare providers and to me about what you are doing elsewhere to make sure we can coordinate our efforts.
How much does it cost?
The cost varies depending on the complexity of your condition. See elsewhere for the most used options for working with me.
However, many insurance providers cover some of the cost of functional medicine visits and certain treatments. Check with your provider to see what is covered under your plan.
Disclaimer: The materials available on this website are for informational purposes only and are not meant to provide health advice. You should contact your physician to obtain advice for any particular issue or problem. You should not act or refrain from acting based on any content on this site without seeking medical, legal or other professional advice. Although I seek to update this site regularly, the information presented here may not reflect the most current medical developments. No action should be taken in reliance on the information contained on this website, and I disclaim all liability with respect to actions taken or not taken based on any or all of the contents of this site to the fullest extent permitted by law.