When managing our health, it's essential to take a proactive approach and develop a personal healthcare team that incorporates different specialties looking over your care; this can include both conventional and alternative medical providers.  While conventional medicine focuses on traditional care, complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) offers a range of practices and therapies that can enhance standard care and promote overall well-being.  By harnessing the benefits of both approaches, individuals can create a comprehensive and holistic healthcare team that addresses their unique health needs.

How your team looks vs. your neighbor's team may differ depending on your goals and needs. 

On my team, I think of my doctor as the quarterback, watching my overall health.  Your team leader doesn't have to be a doctor, as many patients are utilizing nurse practitioners, and physician assistants can also fill this role.  It's crucial to have a primary care provider who acts as the central coordinator of your care.  They can refer you to specialists, monitor your health, and ensure seamless communication among all team members.

Some other traditional care providers that would fall under this name would include:

•        Optometrists – They will ensure you don't have any concerns with your vision, as losing your sight is a big deal.

•        Dentists – Poor oral health can harm the health of the rest of our bodies.  Routine cleanings and exams are essential to staying on top of our health.

•        Dieticians – This is an underutilized service that patients receive when ill.  Education on eating right years in advance could often prevent the disease state.  Remember, you can out-exercise or out-drug a poor diet.

•        Physical therapists are a great resource when looking for someone to help you improve your physical movements, which is essential as we age.

•        Pharmacists – I may be slightly biased and will discuss further below.

Complementary and alternative medical providers offer diverse therapies and approaches that can complement conventional treatments.  These providers focus on a holistic understanding of health, considering well-being's physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual aspects.  Here are some common types of complementary and alternative medical providers to consider:

Naturopathic doctors (NDs) are trained in conventional medical principles and holistic approaches.  They emphasize prevention and natural therapies, such as nutrition, herbal medicine, and lifestyle counseling, to support the body's innate healing abilities.

Even though chiropractors are listed under CAM providers, they are way more mainstream and accepted in the healthcare community than 20 years ago.  Chiropractors specialize in diagnosing and treating conditions related to the musculoskeletal system, particularly the spine.  They use manual adjustments, exercises, and other techniques to promote optimal physical health and alleviate pain.

Massage therapists fall into this group of CAM providers.  There are different types of massage therapy, including Swedish, myofascial release, deep tissue, lymphatic drainage, trigger point, and sports massage, to name a few.  Aligning yourself with a therapist in tune with what you and your body needs can be vital to your healthcare team.

I will mention pharmacists again because I am one and happen to be the writer of this article.  Many pharmacists are turning to alternative treatment options to offer their patients.  In my case, we offer custom compounded medications that may not be available as commercially available products.  We also recommend dietary supplements which dovetail with our knowledge of prescription medications.  Having different tools to help our patients makes our pharmacy other than most.

These are a couple of CAM providers we don't see in our area, but they have a great deal of history in healthcare. 

•        Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) incorporates various therapies, including acupuncture, herbal medicine, and dietary recommendations, to balance the body's energy and promote overall well-being.

•        Ayurveda is a traditional Indian system of medicine that focuses on balancing the body, mind, and spirit.  Ayurvedic practitioners offer personalized recommendations regarding diet, lifestyle, herbal remedies, and therapies like yoga and meditation.

•        Homeopathy is a system of medicine that uses highly diluted substances to stimulate the body's self-healing abilities.  Homeopaths conduct detailed consultations to understand the individual's symptoms and provide remedies that trigger a healing response.

Integrating conventional and CAM medical providers into your healthcare team can provide a well-rounded approach to managing your health.  Here are some strategies to effectively combine both approaches:

•        Ensure that all healthcare team members know your treatment plan and encourage open communication and collaboration, facilitating an exchange of information and ensuring that everyone is working together to optimize your care.

•        Engage in shared decision-making with your healthcare team.  Discuss treatment options, benefits, risks, and potential interactions to make informed choices about your care.  Your preferences and beliefs should be respected and incorporated into the decision-making process.

•        Your primary care provider can be pivotal in coordinating your care.  They can serve as a central point of contact, ensuring that all providers have access to relevant medical information and are informed about your treatment plan.  Regular check-ins and follow-ups can help monitor progress and make necessary adjustments.

•        Explore how conventional and complementary treatments can complement each other.  For example, combining acupuncture or chiropractic care with physical therapy can enhance recovery from an injury or surgery.

•        Stay informed about the latest research, advancements, and evidence-based practices in conventional and complementary medicine.  This knowledge empowers you to make informed decisions and engage in meaningful discussions with your healthcare team.

•        Work with your healthcare team to develop a personalized treatment plan incorporating conventional and complementary approaches.  Consider factors such as your health goals, lifestyle, preferences, and any specific conditions you may have.

Developing a personal healthcare team that integrates conventional, complementary, and alternative medical providers can enhance your overall well-being.  By fostering open communication, collaboration, and shared decision-making, you can create a comprehensive and integrated healthcare team that addresses your unique health needs and supports your journey toward optimal well-being. 

If I have left out any providers, it was not done intentionally, and once again, what your team looks like vs. someone else's will most certainly look different.  Remember, your healthcare team should always prioritize your preferences, values, and goals to create a personalized approach to your health.

My staff and I would like to help you with questions about putting together your healthcare team, so please call with questions or to schedule a consultation.  Please visit my website at www.irsfeldpharmacy.com to find this and other archived articles in the blog section. 

Until next time, be vigilant about your health!!