Is Your Doctor Working For You

Or are you working for your doctor?

If your physician seems to have all the right medicines to combat “symptoms” which regularly arise, it could be your doctor is trying to fit the “square” you into his “round” hole of cures. In the 21st century, this standardizing of diagnoses and automating of prescriptions is truly old school; more importantly, the real “you” is lost in the process of quick, cookie-cutter medical solutions. This is where functional medicine comes into the picture.

An Overview of Functional Medicine

 

Discover functional medicine, which will reveal medical care and treatments designed to meet your specific needs, rather than conventional medicine which attempts to categorize each client into convenient cubbyholes of diagnosis and care. Over the decades, the pharmaceutical industry, in partnership with the medical field, have elevated the use of drugs to cure symptoms, while often overlooking the core issues which may be causing those symptoms to occur. The new standard in medical treatments is to now diagnose a disease and match it to the medicine which has shown to cure that disease. Unfortunately, this is still a shotgun approach to treating humans with illnesses and diseases, with attention on the disease instead of the person.

Functional medicine takes an entirely different, client-focused approach which employs five basic principles that make this practice unique and effective for many clients. Here is a quick summary of these five essential precepts:

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DIFFERENCES

While human bodies are similar in appearance, all humans are genetically and biochemically unique; this shifts the focus of care to the person, not the disease, working to support the natural healing mechanism the body produces rather than battling the illness.

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SCIENCE-BASED

Contemporary research confirms our bodies are composed of complicated networks and webs of relationships, both internal and external; understanding these relationships provides a better view into the functioning of the body.

INTELLIGENCE

The human body is capable of self-regulation and is in fact constantly balancing, adjusting, and correcting inconsistencies within all of the autonomic body systems.

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AUTO-HEALING

The human body has an incredible ability to heal illnesses and diseases as they arise, while also preventing aging; cold medicines and other over-the-counter drugs are designed to ease the symptoms while the body does its job of curing the illness.

VITALITY

Rather than consider health as a neutral state (i.e., the absence of illness, disease, and discomfort), practitioners of functional medicine see a state of great vitality to be the epitome of good health.

Functional Medicine in Clarksville Tennessee

Located in Montgomery County, the county seat, Clarksville (population approx. 150,000), is the fifth largest city in Tennessee and remains a treasured community nestled in the northern area of the state. The median household income for Clarksville is over $47,000, quite comparable to the national median household income of a little more than $53,000. With a median age of 29.5 years, Clarksville may hold a lot of history but it also attracts young couples seeking an affordable and attractive place to live and raise a family.

functional medicine in Clarksville Tennessee
McGregor Park Riverwalk

Situated on the Cumberland River

The McGregor Park Riverwalk is a magnet for both locals and enchanted visitors. Nearby, spelunkers can explore the Dunbar Cave, a vast complex with many sinkholes dating back thousands of years. The city boasts its own historic downtown district featuring its 1870’s-style architecture, art galleries, brew pubs, antique shops, boutiques, and historic attractions such as the unique Customs House Museum and the Roxy Theater. It should come as no surprise that, on top of being the 5th largest city in Tennessee, it is also the 5th fastest growing city (for populations exceeding 50,000) and the second-fastest growing metropolitan area. Overall, Clarksville fairly represents middle class America at its finest.

Meet Dr. Gregory Fryer

The “Happiest Doctor You Will Ever Meet!”

But best of all, Clarksville is one of the pioneering cities when it comes to practicing functional medicine, thanks to Dr. Gregory Fryer, the “happiest doctor you’ll ever meet” and his wellness team. Having been in practice for close to a quarter of a century, his medical office, Medical Direct Care, has built a strong and positive reputation in Clarksville. Recently, Medical Direct Care began practicing functional medicine and was quickly impressed and convinced of its value by results obtained through diet and other health practices outside the insurance industry. Seeing how functional medicine has been the key to so many clients’ success further convinced Dr. Fryer of its efficacy.

functional medicine doctor Dr. Fryer
dr. fryer speaking on nutrition

Dr. Fryer is indeed the happiest doctor you may ever meet; it’s because he and his team love what they do and they love seeing their clients enjoy a healthy life. And his clients can see all that and consequently they also love what how he and his team help them get off some medication, feel better, and have more energy.

Functional Medicine Solutions

 

The following functional medicine services are provided at Medical Direct Care

wellness coaching clarksville TN

WELLNESS COACHING

Even the greatest athletes need coaching, a trained eye to observe and a balanced mind to advise; with Dr. Fryer as your coach, you will receive the guidance you need along with a map of your path to healthy living

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WELLNESS PLANS

Instead of doing what you think is right, a functional medicine plan will provide a clear outline of your plan to becoming and remaining healthy.

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wellness scans clarksville TN

WELLNESS SCANS

When established, your simple yet effective self-care practices cover five essential keys to resolving underlying stressors which lead to the breakdown of a healthy system; these five keys are: your nervous system, your endocrine system, detoxification, nutrition and fitness.

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Physical Activity

 

As the body is the physical component of a human being, providing attention and care through physical activity helps to keep the body aligned with the mind and soul. One physical discipline which is easy to perform, takes little effort, and works ideally in aligning body, mind, and spirit is the ancient martial art practice of Tai Chi.

Tai Chi

In Tai Chi, there is no fighting, breaking stones, or performing twisting flips; rather, it is a defensive martial art with protective moves being practiced. Students learn a set of movements, called forms, of varying lengths of time. They are not intended to be performed quickly, but more meditatively, meaning slowly and calmly. Some refer to Tai Chi as “meditation in motion” but the Harvard Medical School calls it “medication in motion” because of health benefits gained from the unforced, slow, relaxed, circular movements of the different forms. Even folks in wheelchairs can practice a limited form of Tai Chi. Essentially, it is good and easy for everyone.

There are multiple benefits which regular tai chi practice produces:
MUSCLE STRENGTH

Just as a regular, slow drop of water can erode the hardest stone, so can a regular, gentle body movement build or rehabilitate muscles.

FLEXIBILITY

Having a strong body which is stiff and inflexible is counter to a healthy physical state; Tai Chi has proven to be an excellent method of maintaining and boosting upper- and lower-body flexibility.

BALANCE

Some studies have shown regular Tai Chi practice helps build better balance and reduces incidents of falling; combined with increased muscle strength and flexibility, it is easier to recover from a stumble and prevent a fall.

AEROBIC CONDITIONING

While Tai Chi is not a cardio workout, it can provide some aerobic benefits and slightly boost the heart rate; it does not, however, work as a replacement for a cardio workout program.

Here are just a few of the benefits realized from natural medicines:
COST EFFECTIVE

Less expensive than pharmaceutical medicines.

ACCESSIBILITY

No prescriptions required, making it easier to obtain.

NATURAL

It is always better to consume natural plants than chemical alternatives.

FEW SIDE EFFECTS

Mother Nature tends to be gentle, making side effects few, if any.

ORGANIC HEALING

Herbal medicines assist the body’s natural healing process, rather than overriding it with a chemical bombardment.

Integrative Modalities

 

Healthful practices come in all forms, and at Medical Direct Care, we recommend other health resources which integrate well with functional medicine. In particular, we have discovered regular massage sessions help clients stay in touch with their bodies; massage is also an excellent first treatment for sore muscles, back pains, headaches, and other minor ailments which can besiege us at times.

We also recommend herbal medicines to our clients, when appropriate. Proper use of herbal medicines can result in an increased lifespan and improved quality of life. There are natural herbs which have been effectively used for centuries and can still offer health advantages in combination with a good diet and exercise program.

Self Help and Medical Education

 

We also believe in transparency and respect the intelligence of our clients. To this end, we offer medical resources and educational information which support healthy lifestyles and the practices of functional medicine. At Medical Direct Care, we offer information and education about:

DIABETES

STRESS MANAGEMENT

NUTRITION & WEIGHT LOSS

SMOKING CESSATION

ALCOHOL REHABILITATION

EXERCISE EDUCATION

SLEEP EDUCATION

FREE TRACKING TOOLS

Attend a Presentation Today

Now that you know more about functional medicine and how it can bring and keep better health in your life, we encourage you to come to one of our presentations to learn more. Do not delay though, as spaces are limited.

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