TIGARD, Ore., Aug. 19, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Portland chiropractors Dr. Larry Lubcke and Dr. Joshua Bray are introducing patients to the benefits of functional medicine for treating chronic illnesses. Functional medicine combines chiropractic adjustments and nutrition counseling to proactively treat the underlying cause of illnesses, rather than reactively respond to a disease's symptoms. According to the chiropractors, this patient-centered approach focuses on whole body wellness. The chiropractors incorporate evidence-based care with feedback from the patient, which allows them to proactively tailor treatments to meet each patient's individual needs.
Tigard-based Health Touch Chiropractic is reaching out to Portland residents who struggle with chronic pain or illness. The center is raising awareness about the difference that functional medicine can make for people suffering from chronic illnesses, including fibromyalgia, Type 2 Diabetes, thyroid disorders and metabolic disorders.
"Functional medicine is different from traditional medical care," said Portland chiropractor Dr. Lubcke. "Rather than reacting to the symptoms of illness, we proactively address underlying causes. We evaluate the core, physiological imbalances underpinning a health condition, as well as environmental inputs."
According to the chiropractors, environmental inputs like air, diet, nutrition and exercise can significantly affect internal organ function. A mechanical misalignment in the body may also impact communications between the brain and central nervous system, causing an unbalanced response to external stimuli. They said these different elements are contributing factors for pain and disease.
By focusing on body function, rather than symptoms, the chiropractors can enhance well being and better manage chronic illness.
"Back pain, for example, is symptomatic of underlying health problems," said chiropractor Dr. Bray. "We relieve this pain by correcting the actual cause for the pain."
The chiropractors cite nutrition counseling as a key component to overall health.
"We believe there is a huge gap between current nutrition research and existing dietary guidelines," said Dr. Bray. "That's why we strongly recommend our Portland nutrition counseling services. The right combination of phytonutrients, antioxidants and vitamins can significantly improve organ function and decrease our risk for illnesses."
The center provides injury rehabilitation, pain management and whole body health services. Treatments also include chiropractic adjustments, corrective exercises, physiotherapy, postural screenings, nutritional counseling and weight loss coaching.
"Portland patients choose our practice because our treatments are grounded in state-of-the-art diagnostics and evidenced-based care," said Dr. Bray. "For example, modern medical care is fantastic at treating a heart attack. Functional medicine helps prevent that heart attack from occurring in the first place. By giving our patients a roadmap to better health, they live longer, happier and more active lives."
The Tigard chiropractor emphasized that functional medicine goes beyond traditional physical exams, nutrition counseling, and lab testing.