Building Your Health Team

Assembling a comprehensive health team is important to setting a solid foundation for well-being, as it ensures access to diverse expertise, personalized care, and holistic approaches- ultimately nurturing every aspect of one’s health journey. In this article, we will go over recommendations of some suggestions of professionals that could play a pivotal role in building your heath team- each member contributing unique expertise to support your physical, mental, and emotional well-being.

Conventional Primary Care Doctor

Having a conventional primary care physician on your health team serves as a gateway to healthcare- providing routine check-ups, diagnosing certain illnesses, and helping to manage any ongoing health issues. Conventional primary care physicians can offer broad spectrums of medical care, facilitating specialty lab orders, prescriptions, and referrals to specialists as needed.

Functional Medicine or Holistic Doctor

Complementing the conventional approach, a functional medicine or holistic doctor delves deeper into the root causes of health issues. Their focus extends beyond mere symptoms, emphasizing personalized care, preventative measures, lifestyle modifications, and integrative therapies to foster holistic healing. Their insights into nutrition, stress management, and alternative therapies complement the conventional doctor’s treatments, enhancing the overall effectiveness of patient care. This collaboration not only broadens the spectrum of available treatments but also encourages a more patient-centered approach, ensuring that individuals receive personalized care that encompasses all facets of their health. The combination of both disciplines promotes a more holistic understanding of health, fostering improved patient outcomes and a more profound sense of well-being!

Physical Wellness Practitioners

Physical well-being encompasses many various aspects, and having a team that caters to these needs is important to foster overall well-being by addressing the body’s structural and energetic aspects. Below are some examples of physical wellness practitioners to consider having on your health team:

  • Chiropractors are skilled in spinal manipulation, aiding in alignment and mobility. They focus on the spine’s health, which influences the nervous system and, consequently, the body’s overall function. This can alleviate pain, improve posture, and enhance the body’s natural healing abilities.
  • Acupuncturists work with the body’s energy flow, aiming to restore balance through the insertion of fine needles along meridian points. This traditional Chinese practice addresses a range of ailments, from pain management to stress reduction, by promoting the body’s natural healing mechanisms. For more on acupuncture, check our article here.
  • Massage therapists specialize in manipulating soft tissues to relieve muscle tension, reduce stress, and improve circulation. Beyond relaxation, therapeutic massages can target specific areas, aiding in injury recovery and enhancing flexibility.
  • Physical therapists focus on rehabilitation and movement, assisting individuals recovering from injuries, surgeries, or chronic conditions. They employ exercises, stretches, and manual techniques to improve mobility and restore function.

These practitioners offer complementary approaches to conventional medicine, providing options for individuals seeking non-invasive or holistic solutions. Importantly, they often emphasize preventive care, promoting overall health and wellness rather than solely addressing symptoms. Collaboration between these physical wellness practitioners, holistic doctors, and conventional healthcare professionals can optimize patient outcomes by combining various perspectives and treatments tailored to individual needs.

Mental Health Support

Integrating a mental health professional into your health team is highly recommended as it offers a dedicated space for emotional well-being and guidance. Having a dedicated therapist or counselor provides a safe haven to navigate emotions, process thoughts, and unravel challenges without judgment. By offering a confidential space to openly discuss concerns, fears, or stresses, mental health professionals equip individuals with tools to manage life’s ups and downs effectively.

Crisis Care: Navigating Health Emergencies

Amidst the construction of a well-rounded health team, crisis care remains a crucial component to your health. While prevention and proactive health measures form the foundation, unforeseen health crises can arise, demanding immediate attention and specialized care. For more on building a crisis care plan and resources, check here. 

  • Emergency Preparedness: Being prepared for health emergencies is vital. Ensure you have access to emergency services, understand your insurance coverage for emergencies, and keep important medical information readily available. We highly recommend having a plan in place and knowing where your closest emergency hospital or urgent care is located.
  • Crisis Intervention: In times of acute health crises, such as severe injuries or sudden illnesses, swift intervention is imperative. This involves seeking urgent medical attention from hospitals, emergency rooms, or specialized healthcare facilities equipped to handle critical situations.
  • Collaborative Crisis Management: Your health team should remain involved even during crises. Effective communication between your primary care doctor, specialists, and emergency healthcare providers ensures continuity of care, accurate information transfer, and coordinated efforts towards your recovery.
  • Post-Crisis Support: Post-crisis support from your health team aids in rehabilitation, ongoing treatment, and psychological recovery. It’s essential to address any lingering effects and ensure a smooth transition back to routine health management!

Conclusion

Building a comprehensive health team involves assembling a diverse group of professionals who collectively cater to your physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Having a robust health team on your side not only establishes a safety net for immediate health concerns, but also fosters a proactive approach to wellness. It grants access to various perspectives and treatments- allowing you to address health comprehensively- whether it’s the routine care provided by a primary care physician, the holistic insights offered by a functional medicine practitioner, or the physical therapies administered by chiropractors/acupuncturists/massage therapists, each facet contributes uniquely to your overall well-being. While proactive health management forms the essence, crisis care remains an integral part, demanding preparedness, swift action, and collaborative efforts. By nurturing both aspects, you pave the way for a balanced and resilient approach towards your health.

_

More Resources

Resources From Dr. Brooke Stuart / Let Go & Grow®

  • For more holistic resources, sign up for our Free Let Go & Grow® Membership, where you will receive instant access to the heart based practice, a simple 3 min. meditation, a wellness workshop designed to optimize mental health & well-being, and so much more.
  • For Let Go & Grow Publishing House books including the LG&G Holistic Guide Book, LG&G Journal, and the children’s book series Let’s Grow With Zo, check here.
  • For more information, support and a tried and true springboard that can help you address the fundamentals and unlock your power to heal, make sure to schedule a free holistic consultation and check out our Let Go & Grow® Mind Body Reset, a 6 week reset program. To learn more about holistic healthcare and working with Dr. Brooke in private practice, check here.