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Functional Medicine

Functional medicine is a personalized, systems-based approach that looks for underlying contributors to illness—such as nutrition, metabolism, hormones, immune function, gut health, stress, sleep, and environment—rather than focusing only on symptoms. The goal is to build a tailored plan that supports the body’s normal physiology and long-term health.
Conventional care is often organized around diagnosing and treating specific diseases. Functional medicine adds a “why is this happening?” layer, connecting patterns across body systems and using detailed history, advanced labs when appropriate, and lifestyle-first interventions. Many patients value the longer visits, individualized plans, and emphasis on prevention and resilience.
Functional medicine is frequently used to support people with complex or long-standing concerns such as fatigue, digestive problems, metabolic issues, inflammatory conditions, hormonal changes, and mood or cognitive symptoms. Care plans commonly center on optimizing core drivers of health (nutrition, movement, sleep, stress regulation, and targeted supplementation) to improve function across multiple areas at once.
A visit typically includes an in-depth review of health history, lifestyle, symptoms, medications/supplements, and goals. Providers often order labs to evaluate key systems (for example metabolic markers, nutrients, thyroid, sex hormones, inflammation, or gut-related testing) and then design a phased plan with clear priorities, follow-ups, and measurable targets.
Because functional medicine focuses on correcting underlying contributors, many patients notice early changes within weeks (such as improved energy, digestion, or sleep), while deeper improvements in chronic conditions often build over a few months. Timelines depend on the condition, how long it has been present, and how consistently the plan is followed.

Bioidentical Hormone Therapy (BHRT)

BHRT uses hormones that are structurally the same as those made naturally in the body, most often to address symptoms related to perimenopause, menopause, or age-related testosterone decline. The intent is to restore hormones to a healthier physiologic range and improve quality of life. [2]
For appropriately selected patients, hormone therapy can be one of the most effective treatments for hot flashes and night sweats, improves sleep disruption related to menopause, and helps prevent bone loss. Many women also notice benefits in mood stability, vaginal comfort, and overall well-being when therapy is individualized and monitored.
When low testosterone is confirmed by symptoms plus lab testing, testosterone replacement can support libido, energy, lean muscle maintenance, bone density, and mood. Treatment is customized to goals and health history, with regular monitoring to keep levels in a healthy range.
Bioidentical hormones can be delivered in several ways, including creams or gels applied to the skin, oral capsules, patches, or injections/pellets. Your provider recommends a delivery method based on your symptoms, lifestyle, lab results, and preferences.
Clinicians combine symptom review, medical history, physical exam, and bloodwork. Therapy is personalized to the lowest effective dose and reassessed over time. This individualized approach helps maximize benefit while keeping safety at the forefront.

Peptide Therapy

Peptides are short amino-acid “messenger” molecules that influence normal biological functions such as tissue repair, immune signaling, metabolism, and hormone communication. Peptide therapy uses specific peptides to support targeted physiologic goals.
Depending on the peptide selected and the clinical goal, peptide therapy is commonly used to support recovery from injuries, healthy body composition, sleep quality, vitality, and overall regenerative capacity. Many patients seek it as part of a broader functional or longevity plan.
Most peptides are given as small subcutaneous injections on a schedule tailored to the specific compound and goal. Providers typically monitor symptoms and relevant labs over a treatment cycle, then adjust dosing for best results.
Programs usually begin with a medical evaluation and goal-setting, followed by a time-limited cycle (often several weeks to a few months). Patients may use peptides alongside nutrition, movement, or recovery plans so that results are supported by lifestyle foundations.

Regenerative Medicine

Regenerative medicine focuses on helping the body repair or restore damaged tissues using biologic tools that stimulate healing and recovery—especially for musculoskeletal and degenerative concerns.
Common clinical regenerative options include platelet-rich plasma (PRP), orthobiologic injections, and cell-based or cell-signal approaches (such as stem-cell-derived products or exosomes where appropriate). The unifying aim is to reduce inflammation, improve function, and support tissue repair.
Regenerative therapies are most often used in areas like joint degeneration, tendon or ligament injuries, and soft-tissue recovery. They may be considered when someone wants a less invasive option to support healing and maintain mobility.

Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy

PRP therapy concentrates platelets and growth factors from your own blood and injects them into an area that needs healing. Because platelets naturally coordinate repair, PRP is designed to amplify the body’s normal recovery response.
PRP is widely used to support healing in tendons, ligaments, joints, and soft tissues. In knee osteoarthritis and certain chronic tendon problems, studies show many patients experience meaningful pain reduction and functional improvement over time, especially when paired with rehab and lifestyle support.
Because PRP works by stimulating a biologic healing process, improvements are typically gradual. Many people notice changes over several weeks, with benefits continuing to build for a few months. Treatment plans may involve a series of injections depending on the condition.
Yes. PRP is also used in dermatology and aesthetics to support hair follicle activity in androgen-related hair thinning and to promote healthier skin texture or healing after certain procedures.

Stem Cell Therapy

In regenerative settings, stem-cell-based procedures use carefully prepared cells (often from bone marrow or adipose tissue) to support repair in areas such as joints, tendons, or other injured tissues. Much of the effect appears related to the cells’ ability to signal healing and reduce inflammation locally.
Patients most often pursue stem-cell procedures to improve mobility, decrease joint or tendon pain, and support tissue recovery in degenerative or injury-related conditions. Outcomes vary by diagnosis and severity, but many clinics use stem-cell approaches when conventional care hasn’t fully met a patient’s goals.
Depending on the therapy, stem cells may be collected from a patient’s own tissues (most commonly bone marrow or adipose) and then prepared for same-day use. Your provider will explain the most appropriate option for your condition.

Exosome Therapy

Exosomes are microscopic communication vesicles released by cells. They carry growth factors and genetic signals that help coordinate repair, inflammation balance, and tissue regeneration.
In regenerative medicine, exosomes are being used to support recovery and tissue repair, with particular interest in joint health, soft-tissue healing, and overall inflammatory modulation. The goal is to harness concentrated “repair signals” to encourage healthier cellular function in targeted tissues.
Clinicians may recommend exosome-based approaches as part of a broader regenerative strategy, often alongside PRP, physical therapy, or strength-based rehabilitation to support the best functional outcome.

IV Therapy (Intravenous Therapy)

IV therapy delivers fluids, vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients directly into the bloodstream. This allows rapid hydration and immediate availability of nutrients for cellular use.
Many patients use IV therapy to support hydration, energy, recovery after illness or travel, immune resilience during high-stress periods, or to address deficiencies when oral intake isn’t ideal. Some also report improved well-being and faster recovery after heavy physical or mental strain.
Hydration and electrolyte effects are often felt the same day. Vitamin-related benefits can vary based on baseline status and individual needs, and may be most noticeable when correcting a deficiency or supporting recovery.
Options may include hydration-focused infusions, electrolyte repletion, or nutrient blends such as vitamin C, B-complex, magnesium, and trace minerals. Your provider customizes the formula to your needs and goals.

Neuropathy Treatment

Peripheral neuropathy is irritation or damage of nerves outside the brain and spinal cord, often felt as numbness, tingling, burning, shooting discomfort, or weakness—most commonly in the feet or hands.
Treatment typically aims to identify and address contributors (such as metabolic imbalance, nutrient deficiencies, circulation issues, or inflammation) while improving nerve function and comfort. Integrative programs often combine medical management with nutrition, targeted supplementation, physical therapy, and supportive technologies to improve daily function and quality of life.
Many patients experience improvement—especially when underlying drivers are found and treated early and consistently. Even in long-standing cases, a comprehensive plan can often reduce discomfort, support steadier walking and balance, and help people return to activities they value.
Plans may include optimizing blood-sugar control when relevant, restoring key nutrients such as B vitamins, using medications that calm nerve pain when needed, and adding physical therapy or balance work. Some patients benefit from topical supports or device-based therapies as part of a multimodal approach.

Resources / Citations

Institute for Functional Medicine. “What is Functional Medicine?” IFM overview describing a root-cause, patient-centered, systems approach. (IFM
The Menopause Society (North American Menopause Society). “2022 Hormone Therapy Position Statement” and press release: hormone therapy is most effective for vasomotor symptoms and helps prevent bone loss. (The Menopause Society)
Endocrine Society. “Testosterone Therapy in Men With Hypogonadism” clinical guideline: testosterone therapy for symptomatic men with confirmed deficiency to improve related symptoms. (OUP Academic)
Nature Reviews / Signal Transduction and Targeted Therapy. “Therapeutic peptides: current applications and future directions.” Overview of peptides as biologic signaling molecules used therapeutically. (Nature)
National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering (NIH/NIBIB). “Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine” fact sheet defining regenerative medicine and clinical categories. (NIBIB
National Institutes of Health (NIH). “Regenerative Medicine” overview describing goals and promise of regenerative approaches. (National Institutes of Health (NIH)
U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA). “Consumer Alert / Important Information About Regenerative Medicine Therapies.” Overview of regenerative modalities including PRP, stem cells, and exosomes. (U.S. Food and Drug Administration)
Johns Hopkins Medicine. “Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Injections.” Mechanism, common uses, and expected outcomes. (hopkinsmedicine.org)
Cleveland Clinic. “Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP Injection).” Clinical uses and therapeutic intent. (Cleveland Clinic)
NIH Stem Cell Information. “Stem Cell Basics.” Definition and types of stem cells and their clinical role. (stemcells.nih.gov)
Mayo Clinic. “Stem cells: What they are and what they do.” Patient-level explanation of stem cells and therapeutic context. (Mayo Clinic)
Stanford Medicine (Cardiovascular Institute). “Harnessing the power of exosomes for regenerative therapies.” What exosomes are and why they are being studied for repair. (Stanford Medicine)
Mayo Clinic Press. “Beyond stem cells, regenerative medicine finds exosomes.” Overview of exosomes and regenerative signaling. (Mayo Clinic Press)
Cleveland Clinic. “IV Fluids.” What IV therapy is and how it supports hydration and recovery. (Cleveland Clinic)
Johns Hopkins Medicine. “Infusion Services.” Medical use of IV infusion to deliver fluids and nutrients. (hopkinsmedicine.org)
Merck Manual Consumer Version. “Intravenous Vitamin Therapy (Myers’ Cocktail).” Definition and rationale for IV nutrient therapy. (Merck Manuals)
Mayo Clinic. “Peripheral Neuropathy – Diagnosis and Treatment.” Definition, symptoms, and standard management goals. (Mayo Clinic)
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