Functional medicine at Mayfield Advanced Chiropractic in Alexandria starts with a simple idea: some patients need more than one clinical perspective before a useful plan comes together.
The practice's model includes both a medical evaluation and a separate chiropractic evaluation. One provider looks at medical factors, while the other evaluates the spine, joints, movement, and musculoskeletal system. The providers then collaborate on a combined approach instead of asking the patient to connect disconnected pieces of care alone.
Why Two Evaluations Matter
Many ongoing musculoskeletal complaints have more than one contributing factor. A patient's back pain, for example, may involve joint mechanics alongside inflammation, nutrition, or another medical issue that affects recovery. That does not mean every symptom has a systemic cause. It means a complete evaluation should leave room to find out.
The medical and chiropractic evaluations answer different questions. Together, they can create a fuller clinical picture and help the team decide which services belong in the plan, which factors need monitoring, and when outside care is appropriate.
What the Medical Evaluation Covers
The medical evaluation includes a health history, review of systems, relevant lab work or imaging when appropriate, and discussion of medical conditions that may influence musculoskeletal health. The purpose is to understand the person's overall context before making recommendations.
You should bring relevant records, a list of current medications and supplements, and a clear description of when symptoms started and what changes them. Good information makes the conversation more useful, but the provider will explain what is needed for your specific situation.
What the Chiropractic Evaluation Covers
The chiropractic evaluation looks at spinal alignment, joint mechanics, neurological function, and movement. It may include orthopedic testing, palpation, and range-of-motion assessment. The goal is to identify the mechanical findings that can be addressed through chiropractic care, rehabilitation, or related services.
This is not a substitute for medical care. It is the musculoskeletal side of a coordinated evaluation, designed to sit alongside the medical findings rather than compete with them.
How the Providers Collaborate
After the evaluations, the medical and chiropractic providers discuss the findings and collaborate on a unified plan. The plan may address structural, medical, and rehabilitative needs together. If advanced imaging, a surgical consultation, pain management, or another service is needed outside the practice, Mayfield uses its referral network and coordinates with the patient's other providers when appropriate.
The team also emphasizes clear communication about the diagnosis, the proposed plan, the expected timeline, and cost before treatment begins. That gives the patient a defined next step and a chance to ask questions before agreeing to care.
Will You See Both Providers at Every Visit?
The initial evaluation includes both medical and chiropractic assessments. Ongoing visits depend on the individual care plan. Some may focus on chiropractic treatment, some on medical management, and some may include both. The important part is that the providers continue communicating about the plan and the patient's response.
A Practical First Step in Alexandria
Functional medicine can be useful when a complaint is complex, persistent, or affected by more than one part of a person's health. It can also be a way to coordinate care when a patient is already working with outside providers.
Mayfield Advanced Chiropractic is located at 5419 Jackson Street Ext, Suite B, Alexandria, LA 71303. Call (318) 787-2708 to ask about an evaluation and what records may be helpful to bring. The team will explain which services are recommended and what each visit involves before treatment begins.