Functional medicine is a patient-centered, systems-based approach that seeks to identify and address the causes of disease rather than just treating the resulting symptoms. It views the body as an interconnected network, where dysfunction in one system can influence others, making it a natural complement to chiropractic care. Through advanced diagnostic testing, detailed history taking, and individualized treatment plans, evidence-based functional medicine helps uncover imbalances in areas like the gut, hormones, detoxification systems, inflammation and mitochondrial health. The goal is not only to relieve symptoms but to restore optimal function and long-term wellness.
Understanding Functional Medicine
For chiropractic physicians, understanding functional medicine offers a more complete picture of what your patients may be experiencing beyond musculoskeletal issues. Many chronic conditions such as fatigue, digestive problems, mood changes and autoimmune disorders often have metabolic or inflammatory roots. While neuro-musculoskeletal treatments play a vital role, these patients may need nutritional, lifestyle or biochemical support to achieve lasting results. Recognizing the signs of systemic dysfunction allows you to better guide your patients toward comprehensive healing.
Even if you don’t plan to practice functional medicine directly, having a baseline knowledge of its principles enhances your clinical reasoning and interprofessional collaboration. It enables you to identify when a patient’s presentation extends beyond your scope and to refer confidently to a functional medicine practitioner. This not only builds trust with your patients but also elevates the credibility of the chiropractic profession within an integrative medicine model. This is especially important in our current system where many patients are frustrated with the lack of attention and effort their doctors give them.
One Size Does Not Fit All – Why Functional Medicine Matters
Ultimately, functional medicine represents a shift from symptom management to proactive, personalized care. Chiropractors who understand this approach can bridge the gap between structural and systemic health, helping patients achieve true wellness. Whether you incorporate it into your own practice or simply use it to inform your referrals, functional medicine is an essential piece of the modern health care landscape—one that every chiropractor should at least understand, even if they don’t specialize in it.
Additional Resources
National University of Health Sciences offers specializations within its Doctor of Chiropractic Medicine program, including Functional Medicine, Women’s Health and Sports Medicine. 2025/2026 NUHS Bulletin, page 139
