Doctors can offer different approaches to medicine based on their type–learn what makes functional medicine doctors special.
Shopping around for a new doctor can come with quite a few surprises. From finding a doctor close to you to finding one that is in your network, you might wonder just how many questions come with choosing the right doctor. Well, one additional consideration needs to be made—what kind of doctor do you want to see? Both regular doctors and functional medicine doctors can help you with your standard health needs, but their approaches can be quite different. We are going to explain the real difference between these two types of doctors.
Functional vs. Regular Doctors: What You Need to Know
With a little research, you might find yourself deciding between a regular doctor and a functional doctor, but unless you are familiar with what makes them different, you might not know how to decide which one to see. We are going to break down the differences regarding what you will receive with these doctors.
What is a Regular Doctor?
A regular doctor is the same classic doctor that most people have been seeing for years. These doctors are trained in standard medical practices, as well as some specialized focuses depending on the doctor. You can visit a regular doctor for your annual check-up, a problem that has come up, or any other number of reasons. In many cases, they are your starting point before you see a specialist if you need one.
What is a Functional Medicine Doctor?
A functional medicine doctor offers many of the same services as a regular doctor, but they do it with a very different focus. Traditional medicine follows a path that focuses on finding a problem and treating it, often with medication to suppress any symptoms. Functional medicine, on the other hand, focuses on evaluating the entire system that is your body in order to find the root cause of a problem and treat it there.
What Makes Them Different?
Generally, the biggest difference between these types of doctors is the way they approach medicine. Regular doctors treat and manage symptoms in most cases, whereas functional medicine doctors seek to find the source of the problem and stop it there.
The Takeaway
We all have different medical needs, and any doctor should be able to support you on your path to caring for your health. Regular doctors can provide excellent care, just like functional medicine doctors.
If you want to work with a doctor that works with you to understand your body and the ways that its systems work together, you might prefer the approach taken by a functional medicine doctor. When it comes to functional medicine, Colorado does a great job. If you are curious about functional medicine and want to learn more, you can schedule an appointment with us today!
