When to See a Functional Medicine Doctor Q&A
Consider seeing a functional medicine doctor at The Center for Occupational and Environmental Medicine (COEM) if you’re dealing with chronic conditions, unexplained symptoms, or if traditional treatments haven’t provided relief. Functional medicine focuses on identifying and addressing the root causes of your health issues. It’s ideal for those seeking a personalized approach to improve overall wellness. For more information, contact us today or book an appointment online. We are conveniently located at 7510 North Forest Drive North Charleston, SC 29420. Patients routinely fly in to be evaluated by COEM, as we serve patients nationally and internationally. Find out if you have been exposed, extensive lab testing is available.


Table of Contents:
How do I know if functional medicine is right for me?
When should I consider seeing a functional medicine doctor instead of a traditional physician?
Can functional medicine help with autoimmune diseases?
Is functional medicine useful for improving overall wellness and prevention?
Functional medicine takes a personalized approach to healthcare, focusing on understanding the root causes of symptoms rather than simply addressing the symptoms themselves. This method looks at the body as a whole system and considers various factors, including genetics, environment, and lifestyle, to understand how they may be contributing to a patient’s health challenges. Individuals who feel that conventional medicine has not fully addressed their concerns or who are dealing with complex, chronic health issues may benefit from functional medicine. The specialists at The Center for Occupational and Environmental Medicine (COEM) can guide patients in assessing whether this approach aligns with their health goals, offering a more comprehensive look at factors such as nutrition, stress management, and environmental exposures that may be affecting overall wellness.
For some individuals, functional medicine may be appropriate if they are seeking a more integrative approach to their health that combines medical science with a focus on prevention and wellness. Functional medicine doctors aim to empower patients to take control of their health by exploring all aspects of their well-being. Those dealing with conditions that don’t seem to improve with standard treatments or who want to take a proactive role in preventing illness may find this approach particularly beneficial.
Patients may consider seeing a functional medicine doctor when they are dealing with health concerns that have not been adequately addressed through traditional methods or when they are looking for a more comprehensive approach to their care. Functional medicine often appeals to individuals with chronic conditions, such as autoimmune disorders, digestive issues, or hormone imbalances, where conventional treatments may only provide temporary relief or focus on symptom management rather than underlying causes. If traditional physicians have ruled out serious medical conditions, but a patient continues to experience unresolved symptoms, functional medicine may offer a deeper exploration of their health. The specialists at COEM provide a thorough assessment, ensuring that patients receive an individualized treatment plan aimed at discovering the root causes of their health issues.
Functional medicine offers a personalized and holistic approach to treating autoimmune diseases by focusing on the root causes of immune system dysfunction. Functional medicine aims to identify triggers such as chronic inflammation, environmental toxins, and imbalances in the gut microbiome, which may contribute to autoimmune responses. This method can be particularly beneficial for individuals with conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, or Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, where the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissue. The specialists at COEM work closely with patients to tailor treatment plans that address these underlying factors, allowing for a more balanced immune response and improved long-term health. Autoimmune diseases often involve multiple factors, and treatment typically extends beyond pharmaceuticals to include lifestyle modifications, dietary changes, and stress management. By focusing on restoring immune balance and improving overall system function, patients may experience symptom relief and even long-term remission.
Functional medicine can be very useful in encouraging wellness and prevention by taking a proactive approach to health. Instead of waiting for disease to manifest, functional medicine practitioners work with patients to identify early signs of dysfunction and address them before they progress into chronic conditions. This type of care looks at the individual’s genetic predispositions, lifestyle choices, environmental exposures, and other factors that may affect long-term health. The goal is to optimize health and prevent disease by correcting imbalances and supporting the body’s natural healing processes. Through dietary adjustments, stress management techniques, and targeted supplementation, functional medicine aims to enhance overall wellness. For those focused on preventing illness and improving their overall quality of life, functional medicine can be a highly beneficial approach. By focusing on the underlying causes of health issues, functional medicine offers a comprehensive, long-term strategy for maintaining optimal health. Whether it’s improving energy levels, supporting digestive health, or managing stress, the specialists at COEM can help guide patients on a path to better overall wellness.
Functional medicine services are available at The Center for Occupational and Environmental Medicine (COEM). For more information, contact us today or book an appointment online. We are conveniently located at 7510 North Forest Drive North Charleston, SC 29420. We serve patients from Charleston, Mt. Pleasant, Summerville, North Charleston SC, Ladson SC, Hanahan SC, James Island SC, John’s Island SC, Daniel Island SC, and all of South Carolina, Nationally, and Internationally. Patients routinely fly into Charleston to be evaluated by COEM and to enjoy this beautiful city which is a Condé Nast and Travel and Leisure Top Domestic and International Tourist Destination.

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Additional Services You May Like
- Functional Medicine
- Allergy and Autoimmunity
- Asthma and COPD
- Autoimmune Diseases
- Allergy and Immunology
- Anti Aging Medicine
- Autism and Children
- ADHD
- Bacterial Infections
- Breast Health and Thermography
- Chemical Toxicity
- Candida Fungal Problems
- Cancer Treatment
- Chronic Illness
- Chronic Fatigue
- Cardiovascular Disease
- Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS)
- Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
- Chelation Therapy
- Depression
- Environmental Medicine
- Ear Ringing and Dizziness
- Fatigue Treatment
- Fertility and Preconception Care
- Gut Health
- Heavy Metal Toxicity
- Hormonal Imbalances
- Headaches and Migraines
- Hormone Balancing (Men & Women)
- Hepatitis
- Integrative Medicine
- Influenza
- Lab Testing
- Mold Toxicity
- Malnutrition
- Neurodegenerative Disease
- Natural Hormone Balancing For Women
- Preservative-Free IV Therapy
- Stomach Acid Imbalance
- Smoking Cessation Program
- Skin Therapy (Anti-Aging)
- Swine Flu
- Thyroid
- Mold Toxicity
- Vitamin D
- Weight Loss Program
- Women’s Breast Health Formula