OUR SERVICES
FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE
What is Functional Medicine?
Functional Medicine addresses the underlying causes of disease, using a systems-oriented approach and engaging both patient and practitioner in a therapeutic partnership. It is an evolution in the practice of medicine that better addresses the healthcare needs of the 21st century.
By shifting the traditional disease-centered focus of medical practice to a more patient-centered approach, Functional Medicine addresses the whole person, not just an isolated set of symptoms.
Functional Medicine practitioners spend time with their patients, listening to their histories and looking at the interactions among genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors that can influence long-term health and complex, chronic disease. In this way, Functional Medicine supports the unique expression of health and vitality for each individual.
LABORATORY SCREENING
Did you know that Doctors of Chiropractic are trained to interpret diagnostic blood work? Diagnostic blood work, saliva testing and stool sample labs are a viable and valuable tool for Chiropractors to use when assessing general health and investigating the underlying cause of a variety of conditions. Our office takes laboratory screening to the next level by ordering functional lab tests that assess for where your markers are now. We are able to see where your numbers are trending and support physiologic change BEFORE a pathologic "out of range" value would register on a standard lab.
As a chiropractor, Dr. Kylie is an expert in dealing with the structural components of the body. She honors the power of aligning the spine in order for proper neural flow. The connection and communication of the brain to the body is of supreme importance, and often times the chiropractic adjustment resolves dis-ease.
However, when the ailment has become chronic, when adjustments aren't "holding," there may be an underlying problem that is not resolving. Gastro-intestinal upset, autoimmune disease, hormonal imbalance, severe inflammation--all of these issues may require additional support alongside standard structural chiropractic care. Laboratory findings are one diagnostic tool to discern any underlying condition. They are also an excellent way to track progress as dietary and lifestyle factors are addressed.
Some of the functional lab assessments utilized at Pivotal Health can simply be taken and completed at home. Others require a blood draw to be completed in a laboratory.
Reasons for Functional Lab Tests
Common reasons diagnostic lab tests would be recommended include: testing for inflammation, evaluation of gut bacterial balance, micronutrient status, fatty acid balance, autoimmune blood markers, cardiovascular risk factors, diabetes risk factors, and hormone balance. If found, these issues can be addressed to fully restore optimal health.
What to Expect
If an imbalance or dysfunction is discovered upon testing, a protocol will be created specific to those findings and to the particular individual. Their nutrition and lifestyle may be altered. They may be given a specific diet, a targeted elimination, or a particular food plan. They may be recommended nutrients or supplements as well. Exercise/movement, rest/relaxation, stress and relationships will all be discussed. The route of healing is as dynamic and varied as one human is from another.
APPLIED KINESIOLOGY
What is Applied Kinesiology (AK)?
Applied Kinesiology (AK) is a manual method that assesses structural, chemical and mental aspects of health using manual muscle testing. AK examination takes into consideration the nervous, lymphatic, and vascular systems, as well as the relationship of cerebrospinal fluid with the cranial-sacral primary respiratory motion and the acupuncture meridian system. AK is non-invasive means of diagnosis that allows for the creation of individualized healing protocols. Manual muscle testing is not a strength competition, but rather a means of assessing how a nerve is "firing" to that muscle.
How Do You Use Applied Kinesiology?
Dr. Kylie adjusts based on applied kinesiology (muscle testing) instead of x-ray findings. X-ray is useful to assess for fracture and necessary after traumatic injury, but it does not give active, functional information. By using AK, Dr Kylie can find a very specific point on the body to make an adjustment, and she can reassess the muscle after the adjustment to ensure an improvement has been made. AK also allow for insight as to which organs/organ systems may be imbalanced, and which nutrients your body will respond best to. It is a powerful tool in customizing your care.