Functional Medicine

Functional Medicine

What Is Functional Medicine?

Integrative Care or popularly known as Functional Medicine is a systems biology - based approach that focuses on identifying and addressing the root cause of disease. Each Symptom or differential diagnosis may be one of many contributing to an individual's illness.


Functional Medicine recognizes a diagnosis can be the result of more than one cause. For example, Chronic pain can be caused by many different factors, including inflammation. Likewise, a factor such as inflammation may lead to a number of different diagnoses, including chronic pain.

The precise manifestation of each cause depends on the individual's genes, environment, and lifestyle. Only treatments that address the right cause will have lasting benefit beyond symptoms suppression.

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Elizabeth P

Even after the first adjustment I noticed a big difference in how I felt

I started coming to see Dr. Rob because I was having chronic neck and back pain from an auto accident a few years ago. Even after the first adjustment I noticed a big difference in how I felt. Since continuing care I have noticed over time how the neck and back pain have resolved. It has been a really great experience.

Functional Medicine Vs. Traditional Medicine

Despite notable advances in treating and preventing infectious disease and trauma, the sick-care model that dominated 20th century medicine has not been effective in treating and preventing chronic disease.


Our current sick-care model fails to confront both the causes of and solutions for chronic disease/ pain and must be replaced with a model of comprehensive care geared to effectively treating and reversing this escalating crisis. This transformation requires something different than is usually available in our very expensive healthcare system.

The Functional Medicine Doctor

The functional medicine doctor organizes and prioritizes each patient's health issues, by a thorough personal, family, social and medical history. This is akin to a web decoder - it organizes what seems to be disparate issues into a complete story to help the doctor gain a comprehensive perspective of the patient and subsequently facilitate discussion of complex, chronic disease with the patient and a pathway towards natural recovery.

To battle chronic health conditions, the Functional Medicine doctor uses two scientifically grounded principles: 

  • check
    Add what's lacking in the body to nudge its physiology back to a state of optimal functioning.
  • check
    Remove anything that impedes the body from moving toward this optimal state of physiology.

Plainly put, your body naturally wants to be healthy. But things needed by the body to function at its best might be missing, or something might be standing in the way of its best functioning. Using the Functional Medicine model the doctor first identifies the factors responsible for the malfunctioning. Then deals with those factors in a way appropriate to the patient's particular situation. 


Free Special Report

See what it is like to work with Dr. Ramirez

Dr. Ramirez offers a free 30-minute phone case review. He will consult with you and review any past medical records you have, just as if you were an established patient. You will see firsthand if he is the right doctor for you.

functional medicine doctor

Very often Functional Medicine doctors use advanced laboratory testing to identify the root cause or causes of the patient's health problem. Old-fashioned medical diagnosis helps too, in the form of listening carefully to the patient's history of symptoms and asking questions about his or her activities and lifestyle. For treatment, Functional Medicine doctors use a combination of natural agents (supplements, herbs, nutraceuticals and homeopathics), nutritional and lifestyle changes, spiritual/emotional counseling, and pharmaceuticals, if necessary to prod a patient's physiology back to an optimal state. In addition, educating the patient about their condition empowers them to take charge of their own health, ultimately leading to greater success in treatment.

Learn More

See the examination process Dr. Ramirez will take you through to determine how to help you recover from chronic pain and other conditions.

Total Recovery From Trigeminal Neuralgia

I was diagnosed with Trigeminal Neuralgia in January of 2003. I suffered with pain that I never thought possible. I would sit curled up in a fetal position and cry for hours. I truly wished I could just die. The medical profession didn’t know what caused this horrible disease, or how to get rid of it.

I lost about 4 months of work. I would get up and go to work, but within about one or two hours I would call my wife to come get me.

Since seeing Dr. Ramirez for treatment I have been able to remain pain free and medicine free. I am very grateful to Dr. Rob for the work that he does and his willingness to work to help me.

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Jim S.

Dr. Rob's care has changed my life!

DR. ROB'S CARE HAS CHANGED MY LIFE! It resolved chronic left neck pain and arm numbness, lower back pain, PMS, ear pain, and urinary frequency. Sometimes the pain from these conditions was mild and sometimes severe. I have more energy and feel my chronic fatigue has mostly been resolved.

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Carolyn G.

He is always there for his patiens...

Dr. Rob gave me my life back after trying everything possible to help with horrible gastrointestinal problems nutritional deficiencies autoimmune issues and even with a rare disease called CVID Common Variable Immune Deficiency. I was so impressed with his compassion, understanding and going above and beyond to help me as that simply does not exist in the medical field. He is always there for his patients and I feel blessed to be treated by him!

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Rashan B.

He takes as much time as necessary with me

Dr. Rob has helped relieve pain in my back multiple times. Every trip to his office has been pleasant and enjoyable. He takes as much time as necessary with me and is sure to thoroughly explain everything to me. I would highly recommend Dr. Rob.

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John B

I was skeptic that his gentle procedure would be effective...

I've spent years in chiropractic offices and Dr. Rob is the best!! I Was skeptic that his gentle procedure would be effective....as in the past, I have always been "cracked". This is approach is so painless and soothing, I look forward to his office visits! And, he is reasonable and honest about when you need to visit....not just "selling" as most do! A very pleasant experience that really works!!!

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Barbara G

Even after the first adjustment I noticed a big difference in how I felt

I started coming to see Dr. Rob because I was having chronic neck and back pain from an auto accident a few years ago. Even after the first adjustment I noticed a big difference in how I felt. Since continuing care I have noticed over time how the neck and back pain have resolved. It has been a really great experience.

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Elizabeth P

I feel so much better with lots more energy

Three years ago, I was so tired and forgetful with zero energy. After stepping foot in your office, I'm now on my to feeling AWESOME! I feel so much better with lots more energy.

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Juanita M.

I can't say enough how this has improved the quality of my life . .

When I first came to see Dr. Robert I was a mess. I had pain everywhere and could not sleep or get comfortable. I had headaches all the time and in general felt lousy. Now I am pain free at most of the time. When I get sleep I get restful sleep and not just tossing and turning all night. I have Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue and this has really helped these symptoms, too. I can’t say enough for how this has improved my quality of life.

I know that through a mutual friend, God sent me to Dr. Robert and I thank Him everyday! I was truly at the end of my rope, as they say. I was afraid that there was not any help for me. God and Dr. Robert changed that for me!

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Benita M

I am really pleased with my results

Prior to seeing Dr. Rob some of my physical conditions that were a constant annoyance were a chronic pain in my right hip, sore and tired ankles, a sore neck, and a chronic sinus congestion that I have for over ten years that caused restriction in my breathing. I have noticed a major difference in all areas of affliction, and to my surprise I can breathe without any nose spray or decongestants. I am really pleased with my results and look forward to the future.

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Joe M.

I have been able to run again, exercise, and I don't worry about my neck

I had severe neck pain. I could not carry on any normal activities. I was always in pain. When I found Dr. Rob I was relieved of my pain, even on the first visit. Since starting care I have been able to run again, exercise and I don't worry about my neck. I'm not worried about doing anything like before. I am so truly blessed that I found him. He is friendly, kind and he answered all my questions. He will help you.

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Deborah H.

The biggest change has been my migraines going away..

Before coming to Dr. Rob I had multiple issues with gastroenteritis, a lot of back pain and migraines. Once I started coming to Dr. Rob I was able to get rid of all of these. I am now able to enjoy my life again. The biggest change has been my migraines going away. Before seeing Dr. Rob they used to rule my life.

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Victoria G