How does integrative medicine work?

Let us look at an integrative medicine practice, namely the rehabilitation center run by the author in Chicago. 

Since I am a pain specialist, my primary task at the first appointment is to make a precise diagnosis. In our terms, diagnosis is not merely a learned word like neuritis, radiculitis, or spinal disk herniation: the doctor needs to precisely identify the particular segment of the locomotor system responsible for the pain.

Such a segment is not necessarily located in the painful area.  Say, neck or shoulder pain may be due to sacral displacement, while thoracic spine problems may initiate knee pain.  Finding the primary source of pain is critical. The next step is to identify the specific harmful condition, such as herniation, muscular spasms, or inflammation, and consult with the appropriate medical specialists depending on the result. 

Note that in case of displacement or herniation, muscles need to be relieved before the joint itself.  

Note that in case of displacement or herniation, muscles need to be loosened prior to the joint itself.  Joints are held in place by the muscles and move where the muscles pull them. This is why experts in relaxation and rehabilitation of injured muscles are indispensable at the first stage of the healing process.  With the help of massage therapy, they can painlessly eliminate spasms and restore blood circulation even in the most sensitive muscles. We also employ a technique known as neuromuscular massage to treat the so-called trigger points, i.e., areas where muscular fibers agglutinate into tender nodules because of inflammation or spasms.  

Neuromuscular massage is a special technique to exert concentrated pressure on individual muscles. 

However, when strong spasms turn a muscle into a stony mass that squeezes the spine, it needs to be stretched by a specialist using myofascial decompression, a rare technique not unlike a passive yoga exercise that works like a powerful yet delicate machine, relieving and stretching muscle tissues. 

Soft decompression instead of rough techniques

I believe in a simple principle: when a joint is ready, it can be released without undue force.

Once the muscles are completely relaxed, it is time to softly decompress the herniated tissue. My method has little in common with rough manipulations used by some manual therapists in Europe and chiropractors in the USA. I never break, pull hard, or "reset".  I believe in a simple principle: when a joint is ready, it can be released without undue force. Moreover, I would often ask the patient to stretch his body or exert some mild additional pressure on my hands to achieve a soft click, meaning full decompression. We also use acupuncture, the most traditional of the "non-traditional" medical techniques.

The final stage of integrative therapy

Once the muscles are relaxed and relieved of spasms and inflammation, the time comes for the most significant stage of treatment, at which they are strengthened and retrained to operate properly. This is the job of an exercise therapist who knows all the secrets of "resilient" and hidden skeletal muscles located near the spine and usually responsible for lumbar, neck, or joint pain.   

Pilates is a physical fitness system developed about a hundred years ago by Joseph Pilates, a sports expert. 

The above general description covers just the core of integrative medicine. For best results, this "core" has to be complemented with the right diet (including food supplements) and exercise therapy based on yoga, tai chi, or a similar system.  Pilates, hydrotherapy, and mud baths can be added too, as well as - ideally - psychotherapy and respiratory muscle training.   

This comprehensive and truly integrative approach leads to incredible results that can be ill achieved by means of traditional methods that address each problem separately.