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Functional & Integrative Medicine FAQ

Conditions Treated, FAQ

What is Functional Medicine?

Functional Medicine is focused more on an individual rather than on their illness. It addresses the entirety of a person, including their lifestyle, the health of their gut and brain, and how their diet impacts their overall health – not just the symptoms they’re experiencing at that point in time.

What is Functional Neurology?

Functional neurologists are trained to evaluate the intricate function of the nervous system specific to each individual. They apply clinical applications for rehabilitation based on the individuality of the patient’s nervous system. The human nervous system governs and modulates body function and is the common denominator in nearly all health-related problems and physical impairments. The central nervous system must develop and function at an optimal level for people to enjoy quality of life, long standing health, physical function, and longevity.

What is Functional Nutrition?

Nutrition is broken down into macro and micronutrients. The macronutrients are carbohydrates, protein, and fat. Micronutrients are vitamins and minerals. Our standard diet provides more than enough macronutrients, but is lacking in micronutrients. These micronutrients are vital in our health. If the right foods are not eaten, it can result in deficiencies which will manifest in your lab work and can lead to disease if not corrected.

What is Integrative Medicine?

The goal of integrative medicine is to restore a person to full and optimal health by understanding all the physical, emotional, mental, social, spiritual and environmental factors that influence that person’s overall health and wellbeing. By making the care more suited to each individual, integrative medicine goes beyond just treating symptoms and instead treats an illness in its entirety. By doing so, not only are the individual’s immediate health concerns alleviated, but also the long-term ones.

What Medical Conditions Can Be Treated?

Autoimmune conditions, endocrine disorders, neurological conditions, headaches and migraines, women’s health, heart and lung conditions, digestive disorders, chronic pain, sleep disorders, mental health conditions, infections, PANDAS and PANS, urinary dysfunction, anemia, and many other health conditions can be treated with functional and integrative medicine. For a complete list, please visit our Conditions Treated page.

Chiropractic FAQ

Dallas health and wellness clinic | Innovative Health Group, Chiropractic Adjustments, Chiropractic Care, FAQ
Does chiropractic treatment require a referral from an MD?

No, a patient does not need referral by an MD before visiting a doctor of chiropractic. Chiropractors are primary-care physicians, and are so defined in federal and state regulations. Following a consultation and examination, the doctor of chiropractic will arrive at a diagnosis under chiropractic care, or refer the patient to the appropriate health care provider.

Is chiropractic treatment safe?

Chiropractic is widely recognized as one of the safest drug-free, non-invasive therapies available for the treatment of neuromusculoskeletal complaints. Although chiropractic has an excellent safety record, no health treatment is completely free of potential adverse effects.

The risks associated with chiropractic, however, are very small. Many patients feel immediate relief following chiropractic treatment, but some may experience mild soreness or aching, just as they do after some forms of exercise. Current literature shows that minor discomfort or soreness following spinal manipulation typically fades within 24 hours.

It is important for patients to understand the risks associated with some of the most common treatments for musculoskeletal pain — prescription and over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) — as these treatments may carry risks significantly greater than those of chiropractic manipulation. According to a study from the American Journal of Gastroenterology, approximately one-third of all hospitalizations and deaths related to gastrointestinal bleeding can be attributed to the use of aspirin or NSAID painkillers like ibuprofen.

Is chiropractic treatment appropriate for children?

Yes, children can benefit from chiropractic care. Children are very physically active and experience many types of falls and blows from activities of daily living as well as from participating in sports. Injuries such as these may cause many symptoms including back and neck pain, stiffness, soreness or discomfort. Chiropractic care is always adapted to the individual patient. It is a highly skilled treatment, and in the case of children, very gentle.

What type of education and training do chiropractors have?

Chiropractors are educated as primary contact health care practitioners, with an emphasis on musculoskeletal diagnosis and treatment. Educational requirements for doctors of chiropractic are among the most stringent of any of the health care professions. The typical applicant at a chiropractic college has already acquired nearly four years of pre-medical undergraduate college education, including courses in biology, inorganic and organic chemistry, physics, psychology, and related lab work. Once accepted into an accredited chiropractic college, the requirements become even more demanding — four to five academic years of professional study are the standard. Because of the hands-on nature of chiropractic, and the intricate adjusting techniques, a significant portion of time is spent in clinical training.

In total, the chiropractic curriculum includes a minimum of 4,200 hours of classroom, laboratory, and clinical experience. The course of study is approved by an accrediting agency that is fully recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

How is a chiropractic adjustment performed?

Chiropractic adjustment or manipulation is a manual procedure that utilizes the highly refined skills developed during the intensive years of chiropractic education. The chiropractor typically uses his/her hands to manipulate the joints of the body, particularly the spine, in order to reduce pain, and restore or enhance joint function. Chiropractic manipulation is a highly controlled procedure that rarely causes discomfort. The chiropractor adapts the procedure to meet the specific needs of each patient. Patients often note positive changes in their symptoms immediately following treatment.

Is chiropractic treatment ongoing?

The hands-on nature of the chiropractic treatment is essentially what requires patients to visit the chiropractor a number of times. To be treated by a chiropractor, a patient needs to be in his or her office. In contrast, a course of treatment from medical doctors often involves a pre-established plan that is conducted at home (i.e. taking a course of antibiotics once a day for a couple of weeks). A chiropractor may provide acute, chronic, and/or preventive care thus making a certain number of visits sometimes necessary.

Why is there a popping sound when a joint is adjusted?

Adjustment of a joint may result in release of a gas bubble between the joints that makes a popping sound – it’s exactly the same as when you “crack” your knuckles. The noise is caused by the change of pressure within the joint that results in gas bubbles being released. There is no pain involved.

– adapted from the American Chiropractic Association

Are chiropractors allowed to practice in hospitals or use medical outpatient facilities?

Chiropractors are being recognized to admit and treat patients in hospitals and to use outpatient clinical facilities (such as labs, x-rays, etc.) for their non-hospitalized patients. Hospital privileges were first granted in 1983.

Do insurance plans cover chiropractic?

The majority of all insured American workers have coverage for chiropractic services in their health care plans. For example, the federal government’s Office of Personnel Management offers chiropractic coverage for federal employees in both the Mail Handlers and BCBS benefit plans. In addition, there is a chiropractic benefit in Federal Workers’ Compensation, and chiropractic care is available to members of the armed forces at more than 40 military bases and is available at nearly 30 veterans’ medical facilities.

Thermography FAQ

Dallas health and wellness clinic | Innovative Health Group , thermal scan, FAQ

How Does Camera Thermography Work?

Just as a fingerprint is unique, each person has a unique thermal signature. Thermography measures differences in infrared heat emission and physiology, thus allowing the doctor to differentiate normal tissue, benign abnormalities (cysts or fibrous tissue), and potentially cancerous tissue. Because cancerous tissue requires a greater degree of metabolic activity and vascular circulation, it will emit an increased regional thermal temperature. Innovative Health & Wellness Group is committed to the highest quality of care, therefore we use ultra-sensitive medical cameras which can sense these temperature variations and detect cancers over time. This extreme sensitivity will allow camera thermography to detect the earliest signs of cancer and/or a pre-cancerous state.

Is Thermography Safe?

Yes, thermography does not emit any radiation, does not require harmful compression of tissue, or any injections or dyes, and is completely pain-free.

How are Thermography Reports Read?

Our films are read by William Amalu, DC. Dr. Amalu is the past president of the IACT and has been performing camera thermography for over 20 years. Dr. Amalu has been published in numerous journals, magazines, textbooks, and appeared on TV interviews to become one of the leading experts in camera thermography.

-Learn More about Dr. Amalu

What Does a Camera Thermography Report Tell Me?

Your images are taken using a sensitive medical infrared imaging camera and sent to a computer for analysis. The images are stored for comparison of future images so that they can be monitored over time. All reports will provide a clear diagnosis graded on a scale from TH-1 (Normal) to TH-5 (Abnormal). Your diagnosis will help your doctor determine when you need to repeat your thermogram and what additional testing or natural therapies to recommend.

If I Get an Abnormal Thermal Imaging Results, What Do I Do?

Thermography gives early risk information. An abnormal result from a thermogram often increases time so that natural interventions such as supplementation, detoxification, neurological optimization, and lifestyle changes can influence the outcome. Because thermal imaging doesn’t require radiation, the condition can be closely monitored safely until conventional interventions need to be applied. It is important to recognize that early detection is the key to a good outcome. We will make recommendations or referrals as necessary. Thermography signals, CT-scan locates, ultrasound characterizes, and biopsy confirms and establishes diagnosis.

What Else Can Thermography Help Find?

Nervous System Disorders / Metabolic Disorders-thyroid dysfunction, diabetes, autoimmune conditions / Repetitive Strain Injuries / Headaches, Neck and Back Problems / TMJ Conditions / Pain Syndromes such as Fibromyalgia, myositis / Arthritis / Vascular Disorders (Raynaud’s disease, etc.) / Soft Tissue Injuries / Peripheral Neuropathy / Dental amalgam toxicity and dental infections / Osteoarthritis / Breast implant rupture / Physiological patterns detectable by thermograms can asses for any condition which there is an alteration of blood flow or circulation.

Does Breast Thermography Replace Mammography?

No. The two screening modalities are a great complement to each other. Therefore, mammograms should not replace camera thermography either. Since research shows that 1 in 8 women will develop breast cancer, prevention and early detection are vital! Breast thermography is the most accurate and earliest adjunctive technology to detect breast cancer. Thermography is to be used in addition to mammography as part of a woman’s regular breast health care.

Is Breast Thermography FDA Approved?

Yes, breast thermography was FDA approved for use as an adjunctive breast cancer screening procedure in 1982.

Is Breast Thermography Costly?

No. Breast thermography typically costs less than a preventative mammogram. Women’s Natural Health Center will perform the DII, schedule you for a follow-up consultation to review your findings, and suggest any follow-up tests that are indicated. We will not only take and explain your images, but we will also give you steps and programs to alleviate any findings and help optimize your health!

Nobody in my family has been diagnosed with breast cancer. Why do I need another test?

The majority of women diagnosed today with breast cancer are the first members of their family to contract this devastating disease. It has been found that an abnormal breast thermogram is 10 times more significant than first order family history to determine risk potential.

Functional & Integrative Medicine Questions

Chiropractic Questions

Thermography Questions

Please review our frequently asked questions on Functional & Integrative Medicine, Chiropractic Care and Thermography below. If you have any questions that are not addressed in these sections, please call our office at (214) 972-0302 and we will be happy to answer them for you.

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