Most people only go to the doctor when they’re feeling sick, but that’s not the only time you should see a doctor. You and your family should see a doctor regularly for checkups, even if you’re feeling fine. Regular checkups can help you stay healthy and catch any health problems early on. At Your Family Medical in Flower Mound, TX, we offer internal medicine and family medicine services to help keep you and your family healthy.
What Is the Difference Between Internal Medicine and Family Medicine?
Internal Medicine
Internal medicine doctors, also known as internists, are trained specifically to deal with the diagnosis and treatment of adult diseases that do not require surgery. They often work with patients who have conditions such as heart disease, kidney issues, diabetes, blood disorders, endocrine issues, and even infectious diseases.
In addition, internists often serve as consultants to other physicians, providing expertise in their area of specialty. Internists often treat more complex medical conditions than family physicians do. In addition, internists typically receive more training in specific areas of medicine, such as cardiology or pulmonology.
Family Medicine
Family physicians, on the other hand, provide comprehensive care for patients of all ages. In addition to diagnosing and treating illnesses, they also provide preventive care, such as vaccinations and screenings. Family physicians also play a key role in coordinating care among different specialists. As a result, they often have a good understanding of the overall health of their patients.
The Family Medicine Branch
Our family medicine branch offers our patients a full range of medical care, including internal medicine, pain management, preventative care, and physical therapy. We are dedicated to providing the highest quality of care possible, and we are proud to be able to offer such a wide range of services under one roof. We believe that this comprehensive approach to patient care is the best way to ensure optimal health and well-being for our patients.
Preventative Care
As the old saying goes, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. This is never truer than when it comes to your health. That’s why preventative care is so important, especially when it comes to family medicine.
By taking steps to prevent medical issues from occurring in the first place, you can save yourself a lot of time and money. In addition, preventative care can help you maintain your overall health and well-being so that you can enjoy a higher quality of life.
Types of Preventative Care in Family Medicine
1. Routine Check-Ups
During a routine check-up, we will take your vital signs, review your medical history, and perform a physical examination. This is a great opportunity to ask any questions you may have about your health or to raise any concerns you may have about possible health problems you may be experiencing.
2. Vaccinations
Vaccinations help to protect you from serious illnesses and diseases, such as influenza (flu), human papillomavirus (HPV), and more. Many vaccinations are given during childhood, but there are also some that are recommended for adults, such as the flu vaccine.
3. Screenings
Screenings are tests that help to identify potential health problems early on so that they can be treated before they become more serious. There are many different types of screenings that may be recommended by our doctor based on your age, gender, medical history, and other factors. Some common screenings include mammograms (breast cancer), colonoscopies (colorectal cancer), Pap smears (cervical cancer), and more.
4. Lifestyle Changes
Making healthy lifestyle choices is one of the best things you can do for your overall health and well-being. There are many different lifestyle changes you can make that will help to improve your health, such as eating a healthy diet, getting regular exercise, quitting smoking, and more.
Pain Management
When it comes to pain management, we have a lot of options available. We can choose from a variety of treatment modalities and therapies to find the best possible solution for our patients.
Some Ways We Treat Pain
1. Injections and Blocks
Injections and blocks are two of the most common modes of pain relief. Injections deliver medication directly to the site of pain, while blocks work by interrupting the nerve signals that carry pain signals to the brain. There are many different types of injections and blocks, and the best option for each patient depends on the nature and location of their pain.
For example, trigger point injections are used to relieve muscle pain, while epidural steroid injections are often used to treat nerve pain. Facet joint injections can be helpful for those with arthritis, and transforaminal injections are used to manage pain in the lower back caused by herniated disc. Similarly, there are many different types of blocks, including nerve blocks, which target specific nerves; epidural blocks, which target the spinal cord; and facet blocks, which target the joints.
2. Kyphoplasty/Vertebroplasty
Kyphoplasty and vertebroplasty are minimally invasive procedures used to treat pain caused by compression fractures of the spine. The procedures involve injecting bone cement into the fractured vertebra to stabilize the bone and relieve pain. Kyphoplasty is typically used for fractures that have not healed correctly, while vertebroplasty is usually reserved for patients who have not responded to conservative treatment measures such as bed rest, pain medication, and physical therapy.
Kyphoplasty and vertebroplasty are generally safe and effective procedures, with a low risk of complications. Most patients experience a significant reduction in pain after the procedure, and many are able to return to their normal activities within a few weeks.
3. PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma)
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy is a treatment that uses a person’s own blood plasma to help heal damaged tissue. Plasma is the clear liquid portion of blood that contains proteins and other substances essential for proper blood clotting. Platelets are the cells in the blood that help initiate the clotting process.
When injected into an injured area, PRP can help stimulate the healing process by releasing growth factors that promote tissue repair and regeneration. PRP therapy is often used to treat tendon and ligament injuries, as well as joint pain caused by osteoarthritis. The results of PRP therapy can vary, but many people report significant pain relief and improved function.
4. Stem Cell Therapy
Stem cell therapy is a treatment for pain that uses stem cells to repair and regenerate damaged tissue. The therapy is used to treat a wide variety of conditions, including osteoarthritis, degenerative disc disease, and rotator cuff tears. In addition, stem cell therapy has been shown to be effective in reducing inflammation and pain associated with chronic conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and multiple sclerosis.
The stems cells used in therapy are derived from the patient’s own bone marrow or fat tissue. The cells are then injected into the damaged area of the body, where they begin to repair and regenerate the damaged tissue. In some cases, the stem cells can also be used to stimulate the growth of new blood vessels, which can improve blood flow and reduce inflammation.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy can help to improve the function of joints and muscles, reduce pain, and prevent further injury. Physical therapy can also help to improve the overall health of patients by promoting physical activity and improving flexibility and range of motion. In addition, physical therapy can help to improve your quality of life by providing you with activities that are enjoyable and productive.
Many patients report that physical therapy has helped them to feel better about themselves and their ability to function in daily life. For these reasons, physical therapy is a crucial part of our family medicine.
Internist Goal
Our internists provide care for men and women’s health, substance abuse, mental health, dermatology, and reproductive organs. We also provide medical care for internal organ problems, nervous system problems, as well as eye and ear concerns.
Our goal is to provide compassionate and comprehensive medical services to our patients. We do this by working with our patients to develop a treatment plan that meets their individual needs. We believe that each patient is an individual and deserves the highest quality of personalized care.
Get the Care You Need Today!
At Your Family Medical, we offer internal medicine and family medicine services that will help you get back on your feet fast. We have walk-in hours available five days a week, so you can come in without an appointment and get the care you need. Contact us at Your Family Medical in Flower Mound, TX, today to learn more about how we can help you and your loved ones stay healthy!
