How Does Functional Medicine Differ from Conventional Medicine?

Healthy older woman, smiling widely, rides a bicycle comfortably after starting functional medicine care When it comes to healthcare, patients today have more choices than ever. Two approaches often compared are functional medicine and conventional medicine. While both aim to improve health, their methods and focus differ in ways that are important for patients to understand.

At Big Life Integrative Health in Lone Tree, CO, our team has advanced training through the prestigious Institute for Functional Medicine, reflecting a high level of specialized expertise in this field. In today’s blog, we’re breaking down some of the key differences in functional and conventional approaches.

The Focus of Conventional Medicine

Conventional medicine is the model most people are familiar with. It’s highly effective for diagnosing and treating acute conditions such as infections, broken bones, or emergencies. Doctors often use standardized protocols, lab testing, imaging, and medications to address symptoms quickly and directly. This approach saves lives every day, especially in urgent care and surgical situations.

However, when it comes to long-term chronic conditions such as diabetes, autoimmune disease, or persistent fatigue, conventional care may lean heavily on medications to manage symptoms rather than addressing root causes. Appointments are often short, leaving less time to explore all the factors that contribute to overall health.

The Approach of Functional Medicine

Functional medicine views health through a different lens. Instead of focusing mainly on the condition or disease, it emphasizes the patient as a whole. The goal is to uncover why a problem exists in the first place. Functional medicine practitioners often have longer visits with patients to gather detailed histories about diet, environment, genetics, and lifestyle. These evaluations often include diagnostic options that are uncommon with conventional medicine, like muscle testing and hormone testing.

Our specialists spend time with you, getting to know your health and wellness needs. Our patients also get highly customized treatment plans that may include nutrition, exercise, stress management, sleep strategies, supplements, and medications when needed. Functional medicine can help you truly optimize your health and wellness!

Functional Medicine in Lone Tree, CO

Big Life Integrative Health offers functional medicine designed to uncover root causes and create personalized strategies for lasting wellness. If you’re ready to explore health optimization that looks beyond symptoms, call 303-952-8832 today to schedule a consultation in Lone Tree, CO.

Get In Touch

* All indicated fields must be completed. Please include non-medical questions and correspondence only.

Office Hours

Mon - Fri: 9:00am - 5:30pm
Lunch between 12:00pm and 1:00pm

Accessibility Toolbar