INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE
Dr Bill Reeder
MB.ChB, Dip.Obst
Hamilton NZ
Integrative Medicine
…….is the blending of standard ‘Western’, pharmaceutical based medicine, termed mainstream, with complementary systems or treatments. The goal for all systems should be to achieve best outcome with least harm. It is not either one or the other.
The Western model is based on highest level of evidence of benefit and safety, confirmed from large clinical trials. In general this is the case and the high standard we should strive for. However, it’s based on the construct of how the majority respond to a given treatment, plus consideration of harms. But where does that leave those for whom the treatment is ineffective or harmful? They seek what other options may work for them.
Other options, natural biological products, off label use of approved medicines, are often rejected purely for lacking clinical trials. Realistic thinking is that evidence is in real results of that individual patient ie personalised medicine.
Randomised Clinical Trials (RCT) are highly relevant for potentially toxic ‘non-natural’ pharmaceutical chemicals which need very rigorous testing before wide use in humans. They are pertinent for any treatment; but enabling a trial is very difficult as costs to do powerful, meaningful trials are prohibitive without massive funding. So we depend on long term observational evidence, research and safety. Unfortunately, rarely, harms can occur from poor products which result in headlines – whereas pharmaceutical side-effects that have more potential for significant harms which are accepted as just unfortunate risks we take.
Because of this many patients seek safe, non-mainstream treatment options beyond those offered by conventional guideline based medicine.
It behoves Integrative Practitioners to discuss the risks and benefits of both standard of care (SOC) as well as other options.
Dr Bill Reeder, a Registered General Medical Practitioner and Functional Medicine Practitioner, was trained in, and practised conventional general practice, then for the last 15 or so years has focused on what is now termed Integrative or Functional Medicine to provide evidence based options. He previously worked for many years as a family GP, including delivering several thousand babies – in those wonderful but very different days of GP practice. Now he offers consultations for certain health challenges that just dont seem to respond or fit with modern guideline-based standard medical care.
Dr. Reeder does not provide standard GP practice consultations but will work in collaboration with your regular medical provider if consented. A full consult report will be supplied for you which you may share with your regular doctors at your discretion.
Dr. Reeder’s advice and management options are not a replacement for mainstream standard medical care.
Change of Life – low Hormone Consequences
As we age many factors play a role. One key area is the decline in our vital natural hormones. For women its Menopause and for men, Male Andropause. We can overcome unwanted symptoms, ‘refurbish’ our vitality, sensuality with natural hormone replacement for men and women. At this clinic only safe Bio-identical Hormones (BHRT) are prescribed. Some prefer herbal remedies. Whilst the sex meds like Viagra are very useful, they dont have any benefits on age slowing, improved mood, brain focus, sleep and many other benefits. Refer to Topics in Menu
Younger Adults Can Have Low Hormones Too
Its not just the older folk who may be struggling to keep their physical, sexual and emotional vitality. Many younger women can be at the mercy of unbalanced hormones. This can cause a wide range of unwanted symptoms of body and mind. Increasingly younger men under 35 are presenting with male hormone insufficiency symptoms that are overlooked. Men are less likely or unwilling to recognise this. We look at the causes and advise about options including safe natural hormone optimisation. You will have hormone analysis prior and after treatment. This clinic does not work with body building hormone treatments. Read more about male hormone deficiency.
Joint And Muscle Pain
Dr Reeder has a decades long interest in musculoskeletal pain. Especially when pain is not responding to standard therapies. Myofascial pain, Trigger points, Fibromyalgia, osteoarthritis, enthesiopathies, chronic joint and ligament pain from old and new injuries. Treatments include massage, Trigger Point injections, Prolotherapy, Prolozone, for joints and ligament strains then PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma) which is harvested from the patient’s own blood and injected to the damaged areas.
Thyroid Dysfunction
Functional Medicine doctors see many patients with symptomatic hypothyroidism, usually Hashimoto’s autoimmune (AID) but not always, who have been on standard (SOC) thyroid medications but who are anything but well despite a ‘normal’ blood result. A number have had total thyroidectomy and never regain their previous wellness. They still feel terribly unwell and worse, often made to feel their symptoms are not real. We do lab investigations and discuss safe alternatives. Read more>>