Integrative Medicine

What is Integrative Medicine?

Integrative medicine is an evidence-based modality to treat the entire person. It combines well researched conventional medicine with the most researched complementary therapies. It focuses on the mind, the body and the soul, integrating all three aspects when addressing healthcare needs of a person. When evaluating the underlying causes of symptoms or illness, integrative medicine focuses on your mind, body and spirit using an evidence-based approach. The goal of this approach is not simply “placing a bandage” on your symptoms, but addressing the various reasons behind your symptoms, and how lifestyle, environment, belief system and mentality can also affect your well-being and healing for pain management St Louis MO. Having knowledge of the whole person helps to identify underlying and contributing factors to a person’s health.

Integrative medicine believes in the interconnectedness of your physical, mental, emotional and spiritual needs. These needs rely on each other and affect your general well-being. Since there are many different aspects to this care, integrative medicine uses a combination of therapies and lifestyle changes.
Some of the key concepts of holistic medication include:

  • The body has an innate capacity to heal itself.
  • Health is more than just the absence of disease.
  • Health and well-being are influenced through a range of factors, inclusive of lifestyle, environment, emotions, and spirituality.
  • Treatment has to be personalized and tailored to the individual’s special needs.

 

Integrative medicine is a unique approach to managing your healthcare and for pain management St Louis MO. There is a unique relationship between you and your healthcare provider, such that you are equal partners invested in the improvement of your overall health. Combining conventional medicine (such as medication and psychotherapy) with complementary therapies (such as massage and acupuncture), integrative medicine works to combine all aspects of healing for the best outcome possible.

 

Who can benefit from integrative medicine?

Essentially everyone can benefit from integrative medicine. Its unique approach can be particularly beneficial for those who suffer from chronic pain conditions, as those conditions are often multifactorial and require “out of the box” treatment modalities. Some of the conditions which are treated using integrative medicine include:

  • Autoimmune disorders, such as Rheumatoid arthritis, Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, and Celiac disease
  • Acute and chronic pain syndromes
  • Breathing disorders, such as COPD, Asthma, and Long Covid syndrome
  • Headaches and migraines
  • Cancer and cancer therapy side effects (chemotherapy and radiation therapy)
  • Chronic fatigue syndrome
  • Chronic hypertension or high blood pressure
  • Digestive disorders, such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome and Crohn’s disease
  • Menopausal symptoms
  • Mental and emotional health issues
  • Obesity
  • Post-surgical recovery
  • Sleep issues
  • Type 2 diabetes mellitus

 

A 2018 study by Dusek, Griffin, et al in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine compared pain scores for hospital patients before and after implementation of integrative medicine. The study found that hospital patients who received integrative medical care are more likely to experience significantly less pain during their stay. It also reduced hospital costs by an average of 4%. Integrative medicine is a very effective method for pain management St Louis MO.

What are different techniques used in integrative medicine?

Chiropractic care

This consists of soft tissue adjustments
Also uses mobilizations and manipulations for spine and joints help immensely with pain relief
It can be used for acute or chronic pain management St Louis MO, as well as certain neurologic and musculoskeletal conditions

 

Culinary medicine

This is an evidence-based approach to a well balanced diet based on the science of food, nutrition and medicine
Using specialized diets, a culinary medical plan can improve overall health outcomes, particularly beneficial for type 2 diabetes mellitus, chronic hypertension and obesity

 

Dry Needling

This is also known as Intramuscular stimulation.
It uses needles on trigger points for pain relief
Dry Needling helps alleviate muscle tightness and spasms, leading to quicker recovery times

 

Laser Therapy

This therapy uses specific wavelengths of light in the form of a laser to target certain areas of the human body
It is a newer FDA approved therapy
It helps to decrease inflammation and stimulate healing

 

Massage therapy

This technique uses soft tissue mobilization to ease muscle aches and tightness
Additionally, different techniques are used to help with disorders such as chest congestion, soft tissue swelling (such as lymphedema), and digestive disorders such as constipation

 

Yoga and Tai Chi

Uses specific stretching and posturing movements to help relieve muscle tightness, sprains and strains
These techniques reduce inflammation and decrease stress and pain
It also helps with improved body alignment

 

What are the risks of integrative medicine?

Since integrative medical therapies are based on evidence-based practices, the risk is similar to conventional medical care. For pain management St Louis MO, many people use conventional medical care and integrative medicine at the same time. Thus, it is important to ensure each care provider is aware of all the treatments provided by the other. This will decrease the risk of drug-supplement interactions or treatment contraindications.

Ultimately, whether a person uses just conventional medicine or just integrative medicine or a combination of both, the success of any therapy plan depends upon a person’s adherence to the entirety of the treatment plan. Thus if a person believes in their own uniquely tailored treatment plan, the more likely he or she will notice an improvement in their symptoms or condition.

 

Why should you pursue integrative medicine?

Integrative medicine is becoming more popular in pain management St Louis MO, as we become more aware of the interconnectedness between all aspects of our inner body and external forces. It works to improve health from different angles and focuses on all the different root causes of an underlying sickness, rather than just the symptoms. Each individual is able to tap into their body’s own response mechanisms, and understand their body’s signals better, to be able to improve their overall health. These treatments are individualized to meet one’s individual needs. Thus, it can be very beneficial for many people.

Additionally, it can be seamlessly added into a more conventional medical plan, as a way to augment that plan. It encourages the patient to be a partner and play an active role in their own healthcare and outcomes. This approach can give hope to patients with complex and difficult-to-treat conditions. It is also important to note that while integrative medical techniques can be beneficial, it should not be used as a replacement for traditional medical care when necessary.