In the pursuit of optimal well-being, assembling a dedicated wellness team can be a game-changer. Just as a sports team relies on a diverse set of skills, your wellness team should consist of experts who cater to various aspects of your physical, mental, and emotional health. Let’s explore some ideas on how to build your ultimate wellness team and embark on a journey towards a healthier, happier you.
- Traditional Medical Providers: General Medical Care
Your traditional medical providers are the gatekeepers to your general medical care. These providers typically include:
- Your primary care physician, and
- any necessary specialty physicians like these
- Cardiologist
- Pulmonologist
- Dermatologist
- Urologist
- Endocrinologist
- Dentist
- Chiropractor
It’s important to establish and build a relationship with your traditional medicine physician(s). Understanding your medical history and establishing a good working relationship helps to expedite your care. Trust, knowledge, regard, and loyalty are the four elements that form the doctor-patient relationship, and the nature of this relationship has an impact on patient outcomes.
- Functional Medicine Provider: Root Cause Health
Your functional medicine providers determine how and why illness occurs and restores health by addressing the root causes of disease. Your functional medicine providers should be part of your long-term health care plan. Functional Medicine is all about relationship-building, and it’s best if you and your Functional Medicine provider have a bidirectional relationship. Keep the communication lines open using email, phone, in-person visits or whatever works for you. Your wellness team can be likened to the shape of a triangle. At the top, there’s YOU. On one side of the triangle are your Traditional Medicine (or Primary Care) providers, and on the third side of the triangle are your Functional Medicine providers. Functional Medicine providers augment your wellness team with other partners that can include a clinical nutritionist for supplementation, a health coach for nutrition and exercise, and a medical esthetician for protecting the skin you’re in.
- Fitness Trainer: Building Strength and Resilience
Whether you prefer yoga, barre, or cardio workouts, a fitness trainer can tailor an exercise regimen that suits your preferences and addresses your fitness needs. Regular physical activity not only enhances your physical health but also contributes to mental clarity and emotional balance.
- Mental Health Professional: Nurturing Your Mind
Mental health is a cornerstone of overall wellness. A psychologist, counselor, or therapist can provide support for managing stress, anxiety, or any mental health challenges you may face. Regular mental health check-ins are as crucial as physical check-ups.
- Holistic Healers: Integrating Alternative Therapies
Consider incorporating alternative therapies like acupuncture, massage, or mindfulness practices into your wellness routine. These practices can complement traditional medicine, offering a holistic approach to healing and promoting balance within your body and mind.
- Physical Therapy: Ease Your Pain
A physical therapist is a valuable addition to your wellness team, especially if you’re dealing with injuries, chronic pain, or mobility issues. They specialize in rehabilitation exercises and techniques to improve your range of motion, strengthen muscles, and promote overall physical functionality.
- Social Support Network: Your Cheerleaders
Building a strong social support network is an often overlooked aspect of wellness. Surround yourself with friends, family, and positive influences who uplift and motivate you. Connecting with others fosters a sense of belonging and provides emotional support during challenging times.
- Chiropractic Care: Prioritizing the Nervous System
A Doctor of Chiropractic (DC), chiropractor, or chiropractic physician is a medical professional who is trained to diagnose and treat disorders of the musculoskeletal and nervous systems. Chiropractors treat patients of all ages—infants, children, and adults. They believe in a conservative (non-surgical) hands-on approach to treating these disorders. Chiropractic care helps with may ailments including:
- Sciatica
- Low back pain and neck pain
- Headaches (tension and migraine)
- Colic, acid reflux, and ear infections in children
- Neurological conditions
- Blood pressure
- Surgery prevention
- Frozen shoulder
- Scoliosis
- Athletic performance
Creating your ultimate wellness team requires a thoughtful and comprehensive approach. By assembling a group of experts across various facets of health, you’re not just addressing individual components, but fostering a synergistic approach to your well-being. Remember, it’s not about perfection but progress, and with the right team by your side, you can achieve sustainable and holistic health!
