At Palmetto Physical Medicine, we use a variety of diagnostic tests to assist us in uncovering the cause of the patient’s concern. Some testing examples include:
Nerve Conduction Study
Nerve conduction studies (NCS) are used mainly for evaluation of paresthesias (numbness, tingling, burning) and/or weakness of the arms and legs. The type of study required is dependent in part by the symptoms presented. A physical exam and thorough history also help to direct the investigation. NCS can determine nerve damage and destruction.
Vascular Studies
Palmetto Physical Medicine has the ability to utilize diagnostic ultrasound to generate images of blood flow within the veins and arteries. Ultrasound uses high frequency sound waves, similar to the sonar that a ship uses to detect structures beneath the surface of the water. For example, if your physician wants to make sure that you do not have a blood clot in your leg, he or she might order a venous Doppler examination.
Vascular ultrasound procedures are noninvasive, meaning they do not require the use of needles, dyes, radiation or anesthesia and are, therefore, relatively painless and harmless.
The information obtained through vascular ultrasound examinations is extremely helpful to physicians in diagnosing a variety of conditions related to cardiovascular disease (disorders of the heart and blood vessels). Early detection of life-threatening vascular diseases is possible through the use of noninvasive vascular testing techniques performed within our clinic.
Food Sensitivities/Allergies
Have you every heard the saying, “One man’s food is another man’s poison?” Science has proven this to be true today. Most people are not aware of it, but the foods they eat may be the underlying cause of their health conditions including arthritic pain, skin issues, dementia, autoimmune disease, among others. These issues can actually be rooted in immune system dysfunction.
Today, at least one out of every six Americans, or 40 million people in the United States, suffer from one or more of the autoimmune and immune dysfunction diseases. In response, chronically ill Americans spend over $300 billion per year directly for autoimmune syndrome treatments that often do not reduce their suffering or improve their health. That’s why Palmetto Physical Medicine uses the Lymphocyte Reactivity Assay (LRA by ELISA/ACT™) tests and treatment plans. This test allows us to quickly and precisely determine the hidden causes of many chronic conditions and help patients find sustained relief. By looking directly at lymphocytes, the LRA detects all 3 types of delayed food and chemical hypersensitivities to as many as 504 items. This test yields specific information about foods that are ideal for your optimal function and foods you should avoid because they are toxic to your body. Patients who desire additional support in this area should look into our Optimal Lifestyle Medicine Program. For more information visit the Optimal Lifestyle Medicine page under Services on our website.
Micronutrient Deficiency
Many patients experience chronic illnesses because of nutritional deficiencies. The NutrEval® test offers nutritional recommendations based on a patients individual test results. Our clinicians commonly use such testing to determine the nutritional deficiencies that are at the root of chronic conditions such as:
- Mood disorder
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Sleep disturbance
- Fibromyalgia or Fatigue
- Optimized health and sports fitness
Palmetto Physical Medicine utilizes the NutrEval® profile to get a better understanding of our patients’ nutritional deficiencies. By combining testing in 5 key areas of core nutrients (Antioxidants, B Vitamins, Digestive Support, Essential Fatty Acids, and Minerals), our physicians are offered a depth of insight into a patient’s overall nutritional status unrivaled in the laboratory industry. We present our patients with an enhanced report that synthesizes the results of more than 100 individual biomarkers into one, easy-to-interpret overview, as well as a personalized patient supplementation schedule.
Hormone Imbalance
Complete Hormones™ is a comprehensive urinary hormone test, designed to assist in the clinical management of hormone-related conditions. This hormone test assesses parent hormones, their metabolites, and key metabolic pathways.
Complete Hormones provides information about the impact that shifting hormone levels can have in men (andropause or male menopause) and women (perimenopause/menopause), producing symptoms such as:
- Weight Gain
- Anxiety
- Fatigue
- Low sex drive and performance issues
- Sleep disturbances
- Mood Instability
Brain Fog
Hot Flashes
Imbalanced hormone production affects a wide range of body functions, producing symptoms that negatively affect the quality of life and may increase the risk for hormone-related diseases. Identification and targeted treatment of hormonal imbalances using customized hormone and/or nutritional therapies improves symptoms, quality of life, and may reduce disease risk.
Adrenal Stress
The Adrenocortex Stress Profile is an at-home salivary hormone test that evaluates the key stress hormones, cortisol and DHEA. Four samples collected throughout the day allow for circadian rhythm assessment. Salivary adrenal hormone testing may uncover biochemical imbalances, which can adversely affect:
- Mood
- Sleep
- Immune Defense
- Thyroid Function
- Weight Control
- Resistance to Stress
- Energy
- Cardiovascular Health
The Adrenocortex Stress Profile can help provide identification and targeted treatment of hormonal imbalances using customized hormone and/or nutritional therapies, which improves symptoms and enhances quality of life.
Complete Stool Analysis
The GI Effects stool analysis test assesses three critical areas of gut health: digestive function, gut inflammation, and the gut microbiome—areas affecting not only GI health, but overall health as well. For patients with symptoms that may have gastrointestinal dysfunction as their root cause, comprehensive stool diagnostics provide an effective tool for gaining clinical insight into next steps.
In addition to performing critical digestive functions, the intestinal tract contains significant amounts of organisms — the gut microbiome. Imbalances in this internal ecosystem have been associated in the scientific literature with a wide variety of common illnesses including, but not limited to:
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
- Diabetes
- Obesity
- Cardiovascular Disease
- Celiac and Other Malabsorption Disorders
- Mood Disorders
- Autoimmune Disorders
- Autism
Assessing and normalizing GI function can have profound effects on overall health, leading to improvement in these and other conditions. The GI Effects® Comprehensive Stool Profile is a critical clinical tool in the management of patients presenting with symptoms that can be associated with compromised gut health.