We have compiled a list of questions frequently asked by those who are considering integrative medicine or rehab for their injury, illness or condition to help build a basic understanding of the fundamental goals of the field. If you are considering integrative medicine Columbia, MD consider scheduling a consultation with Patapsco Integrative Medicine & Rehab to learn more about our practice.
How do I know if integrative medicine or rehabilitation is appropriate for me?
These types of therapies may be right for you given the following factors:
- You are seeking out more holistic healthcare options Want to take a holistic approach to your health care. Holistic in the medical context is defined as being characterized by the treatment of the “whole person” while accounting for mental and social factors, rather than only the symptoms of a disease.
- Those who have encountered challenges in treating or recovering from more complex medical conditions.
- Those who have reason to avoid prescription medication treatments or you have tried prescriptions but have not experienced the desired result.
What services are provided through integrative medicine and rehabilitation?
Through integrative medicine and rehabilitation you can expect to receive many of the same services that you would from a traditional primary care physician or other specialist. The central difference is the manner in which we customize treatment and therapy plans to include certain lifestyle changes. We may also recommend certain supplements as an alternative before recommending a prescription. Additionally we tend to focus on educating patients about strategies that contribute to a wellness oriented lifestyle. Many patients experience desirable results by making changes to nutrition, sleep schedules, and stress management.
What reasons do people have to choose integrative medicine or rehabilitation?
When a conventional approach to treating your condition fails to deliver the desired outcome, you may seek out other outlets such as integrative medicine or rehab. If your conventional treatment plan neglects to investigate the root causes of your condition, you may benefit from the inherently more investigative approach that integrative medicine is based upon. The integrative approach looks at factors such as lifestyle, diet, stress levels, sleep, and nutrition to identify if these may have been a contributing factor to the illness or condition.
What should I expect from my initial visit?
Expect there to be a thorough evaluation during which you will discuss your health and lifestyle decisions regarding sleep, stress, relationships, exercise, nutrition, spirituality, and life events. By taking these factors that may be overlooked in conventional medical approaches, we can develop a more comprehensive plan that addresses factors that may have contributed to causing your condition or symptoms, instead of just remedying the symptoms with prescription medications.
What will happen during the initial integrative or rehabilitation consultation?
Generally you can expect more one-on-one time with your therapist or doctor than you might experience in more conventional medical settings. Expect it to be more of a conversation about your lifestyle in addition to the condition you are experiencing. Your provider will ask detailed questions about your lifestyle such as sleep, stress, relationships, exercise, nutrition, spirituality, and life events.
What other integrative medicine and rehab are offered?
By leveraging advanced medical technologies we are able to implement therapies with a more targeted and informed approach. Chiropractic care, acupuncture, health coaching, physical therapy, may all be integrated into a treatment plan that is customized to meet your specific needs.