Our Services
Family Medicine
In addition to what you would expect from any family medicine clinic, we utilize many different modalities in our attempt to improve your quality of health, whether it is pharmaceutical or nutraceutical.
Routine primary care is provided for newborns to adults. We do
everything that a primary care practice does plus we deliver it in
an integrative way. This includes routine physicals, gynecological
care (including pap smears), same day visits for acute conditions,
and chronic disease management.
Manipulation
Dr. Ehle is a practicing Osteopathic Physician and, as such, has been trained in manual manipulation. He had learned about manipulation, long before medical school from his father who is a chiropractor. He has studied with some of this country’s best doctors who specialize in manipulation, has attended many courses and conferences regarding manipulation, and utilizes many different techniques, from cranial treatments to high velocity adjustments.
Nutrition
Having a bachelor’s degree in Nutritional Science, Dr. Ehle has the conviction that nutrition is one of the keys to optimal health, since nutrition has an effect on one’s body every day. Nutrition is not traditionally taught in medical schools, so many physicians fall short in treatment of many chronic conditions, as most medications are not designed for long-term therapy. The phrase "You are what you eat" is truer than what one might think.
Michael Pollan’s quote, “Eat food. Not too much. Mostly plants.”, is a great adage by which to live. Probably, the first two words are most important. "Eat food" means to eat healthy food … vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and, yes, fish and meat, and to avoid what Pollan calls "edible food-like substances”. You are either improving or damaging your health with what you eat.
Michael Pollan's "7 Rules for Eating"
- Don't eat anything your great-grandmother wouldn't recognize as food. When you pick up that box of portable yogurt tubes, or eat something with 15 ingredients you can't pronounce, ask yourself, "What are those things doing there?"
- Don’t eat anything with more than five ingredients, or with ingredients you can not pronounce.
- Stay out of the middle of supermarkets and, instead, shop on the perimeter of the stores. Real foods tends to be on the outer perimeter of the store near the loading docks, where items can be replaced with fresh foods when they reach expiration.
- Don't eat anything that won't eventually rot. There are exceptions, such as honey, but as a rule, items, such as "Twinkies", which do not spoil, are not foods.
- It is not only what you eat, but how you eat. Always leave the table a little hungry. Many cultures have a rule that one stops eating before one is full. In Japan, they say, "Eat until you are four-fifths full." Islamic culture has a similar rule, and in German culture they say, "Tie off the sack before it's full."
- Families used to traditionally dine together, around a table, not a television, and at regular meal times. It's a good tradition. Enjoy meals with the people you love. "Remember when eating between meals felt wrong?" Pollan asked.
- Don't buy food where you buy your gasoline. In the U.S., 20% of food is eaten in the car.
Acupuncture
Medical acupuncture provides many types of approaches that are used depending on the individual and their needs, such as, pain management, energy balancing, or treating a systemic condition versus local condition. Dr Ehle has studied with numerous acupuncturists, and he utilizes several different types of acupuncture, including French Energetics, Traditional Chinese Medicine, Auricular Acupuncture, YNSA, and Five Element.
Auricular Acupuncture
Auricular acupuncture is based on a reflex somatotopic system organized on the surface of the external ear. The external ear is unique in that it is structured from tissue from each of the three embryonic layers in the early development of an infant and has connections to the nervous system. This method is frequently used as an adjunct to other acupuncture methods and is especially useful for pain, metabolic disorders, central nervous system disorders, behavioral issues and addiction.
Scalp acupuncture is a modern acupuncture method developed in China that combines traditional needling methods with modern knowledge of the brain anatomy. This method is especially useful for central nervous system disorders such as stroke, paralysis, back pain, phantom limb pain and multiple sclerosis.
Energetic Acupuncture
This
approach uses the Yin and Yang channels that are part of the energy
circuits in the body called Principal Meridians. Principal Meridians
are the largest energy circuits that pass between and through the
muscles of the body and send energy branches to the internal organs.
Many acupuncture energy subsystems stem from these Principal
Meridians and can be activated through specific needling techniques.
Acupuncture treatment protocols use a specific needle input to
affect the energy of the entire body.
Treatment is often based on the patient's constitutional tendencies, or biopsychotypes, that influence their life and health. To learn more about your biopsychotype, visit Dr. Joe Helms' "Learning More About You" questionnaire and bring to your acupuncture appointment.
Five Element Constitutional Acupuncture
This is an acupuncture method that emphasizes the diagnosis and treatment of a primary constitutional imbalance in the patient based on the the Five Elements as described in ancient acupuncture texts. The treatment places priority on the health of the person's body, mind and spirit. It strives to identify blocks that may be adversely affecting a person's body, mind and spirit and stresses preventative treatments.
Various
acupuncture methods are available for approaching musculoskeletal
pain that range from approaches at the surface fascial nodules to
deeper muscle spasm myofascial trigger points to spinal nerve
segments. A treatment plan will often start with the most
superficial level and then increase in depth and intensity as
needed. Frequently, a few treatments are given in the first two
weeks and then spread out in frequency to bi-weekly for one to two
treatments and then every one to three months, or as needed.
Percutaneous Nerve Stimulation
Percutaneous nerve stimulation involves using sequential or simultaneous electro-acupuncture for treatment of chronic musculoskeletal pain that affects the spinal nerve segments. This method uses unique electro-acupuncture frequencies to provoke the release of neurotransmitters involved in pain modulation (such as, serotonin, norepinephrine, substance P, GABA and dopamine).
Prolotherapy
Dr Ehle was first introduced to prolotherapy in medical
school. After seeing the potential benefits it could offer a patient
suffering with pain, he sought out training in prolotherapy. Dr.
Ehle has been doing Prolotherapy since 2010. He
has been involved with several different medical groups, including
the American Osteopathic
Association of Prolotherapy Regenerative Medicine (AOAPRM) and
American Association of Orthopaedic
Medicine (AAOM), and spent two weeks in Honduras in 2013 with the
Hackett Hemwall
Foundation for their yearly prolotherapy medical mission trip
and training, then went back in 2014 for 1 week as an instructor
teaching other doctors prolotherapy.
Bio-Identical Hormone Replacement
Aging is mainly the consequence of the long-term and
permanent decline of all of the hormones in the body. As our hormones
decline, many diseases will increase, while our quality of life
declines. For example, common diseases, like high blood pressure, high
cholesterol levels, osteoporosis, and many others, may be the simple
result of having long-term hormonal and nutritional deficiencies.
Therefore, many of the signs and symptoms of aging can be slowed, or
even reversed, by correcting many of the underlying hormonal
imbalances. Each hormone, as it declines with the aging process,
produces physical changes, in every individual, which cause a person
to look and feel older. These changes are important clues as to the
underlying hormonal deficiencies present, and can be used by an
experienced doctor to determine what hormones have declined the most.
Do I Need Hormones?
As men and women age, many suffer from symptoms caused by decreasing
levels of reproductive hormones. You may benefit from Bio-identical
Hormone Therapy (BHRT) if:
You are a woman and have:
Mood swings, Hot flashes, Night sweats, Fuzzy thinking, Decreased sex
drive, Headaches, Weight gain
You are a man and have:
Poor sleep, Increased body fat, Lack of sex drive, Difficulty
maintaining erections, Depression, Irritability, General lack of
motivation or interest in life.
What are Bio-Identical Hormones?
Bio-identical hormones are substances that have the exact same
molecular structure as the hormones that are naturally secreted by
organs in the body. This is in contrast to non-bio-identical hormones
which are not structurally identical to those secreted in the body.
Examples of non-bio-identical hormones include birth control pills,
synthetic progestins, and Premarin.
What are the principles of Bio-Identical Hormone Replacement?
Bio-Identical Hormone replacement is based on the principle that
hormone replacement should mimic our natural hormone production as
closely as possible. Hormone replacement should, ideally, reproduce
the exact same hormonal milieu that is present in a healthy, youthful
patient. Therefore the hormones should be chemically identical,
replaced at the correct time of day, administered in the best
available form, and in the correct proportion to other hormones.
How are Bio-Identical Hormones Given?
We prescribe bio-identical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT)
for both men and women in various forms including pellets (Inserted under
the skin surface), patches, creams, vaginal suppositories, pills and
injections.
The pellet delivery system provides the most precise, individualized
BHRT therapy available. Pellets are inserted under the skin in a
15-minute procedure in our office.
Pellet Benefits?
Pellets are the only form of delivery that closely mirrors the way in
which the ovary and testicle produce hormones.
This method ensures the same steady, around-the-clock, low dosages in
amounts that the body once created.
You won’t have to change patches, rub on creams, or remember to take a
pill.
You won’t experience the surges and drops in blood levels as with
other methods.
Pellet implants even deliver more when the body needs it—like during
exercise or periods of stress.
They are made by a compounding pharmacy at a dosage INDIVIDUALIZED FOR
YOU, based on the amount that you need based on your blood hormone
levels and your symptoms.
Pellets are both effective and convenient. The pellets last for months
and only have to be inserted every 5-6 months for men and every 3-5
months for women.
How are the pellets inserted?
Hormone pellets are about the size of a Tic-Tac and are inserted under
the skin. At our office, the pellets are inserted by a board certified
physician with specialized training in BHRT and pellet insertions. The
procedure is performed in the office and takes about 10 minutes.
Benefits of Pellets BHRT
The only method that allows the body to control the release of
hormones, raising levels when more is needed and decreasing it when
requiring less
Delivers a very low dosage continuously, 24/7
Releases testosterone and/or estradiol directly into the bloodstream,
thereby bypassing the gastrointestinal system and liver
Consistently proven more effective than oral, injectable, or topical
methods with regard to sexual function, mood and cognitive function,
metabolic function, bone density, urinary and vaginal problems, lipid
profiles, breast health and hormone ratios
Precise dosing to meet the dosage needs of each individual
Lasts from 3 to 4 months in females
Lasts from 5 to 6 months in males
Allergy Testing
Dr. Ehle is a member of the Pan American Allergy Society. He
has completed their training course, and spent time with some of the
best integrative allergists in the country, including Dr. Rea, Dr.
Lang, Dr. Kostanis, and Dr. Block.
Here at Well Life Family Medicine, we have teamed up with Direct
Allergy to offer what we feel is the most comprehensive allergy
testing and treatment program in Amarillo. We perform both skin and
blood testing for food and airborne allergies, as well as food
sensitivity testing. For treatment options, we provide the
traditional allergy shots and drops as well as low dose allergen
shots in addition to nutritional, acupuncture, homeopathy, herbal
supplements, and oral medications.
Want to find out if your allergies are affecting your
quality of life?
Allergies not only manifest as classic symptoms like nasal
congestion and itchy, watery eyes, they can also cause fatigue,
joint pain, changes in mood (like depression), gastrointestinal
symptoms (like diarrhea or constipation), eczema, asthma, brain fog
and headaches. Are allergies robbing you of your life?
How does it work?
Allergy immunotherapy treatment is only as effective as the testing.
Because of this, we spend two hours to determine not only what you
are allergic to but the severity of your allergy.
We test for 70 different allergens - 46 environmental (weeds, trees,
grasses, dust mites, molds, animals) and 24 foods.
Our testing protocol was designed with your comfort in mind. A
screening scratch test for environmental and food allergens will be
done on your back to determine if you have an allergic reaction to
any them. Then a single, small series of under the skin tests
(intradermal) will be done to determine how allergic you are to each
of them.
After the testing is complete, I review the test results with you
and determine if immunotherapy (allergy shots or drops) is the right
option for you. No more traveling to other providers to get
treatment! Your allergy treatment will be managed by the provider
that knows you best, your primary care physician. If you are
currently being treated for your allergies with someone else it is
also possible to switch over to us, if you would prefer.
For some insurance plans, allergy testing is as little as a $25
office copay. Too good to not take advantage of!
Get tested.Get treated.Get better.
Treating the cause, not the symptoms!
Call or email today to find out more information, to check on your
insurance coverage or to schedule allergy testing.
The goal of our Allergy Program is to eliminate the reaction to
airborne allergens that contribute to hay-fever, sinusitis, asthma,
and allergic rhinitis.
Allergy desensitization involves slowly introducing an antigen serum
(an extract of the dusts, molds, and pollens that cause allergies),
into your body. The amount of serum is gradually increased over
time, until the body learns to ignore the allergy causing agents it
contains. As the body learns to tolerate these chemicals, it stops
overreacting to them, and your allergic reactions start to diminish.
Our method is extremely safe and highly effective. Our program is
effective for all ages; 80% of our allergic patients and 90% of our
asthma patients see improvement in just 1-3 months, compared with up
to 2 years with traditional allergy injection programs. Get relief
now, from your allergy and asthma conditions. Contact us today, and
begin your road to feeling better.
Weight Loss
Our program is designed for all
individuals wanting to optimize their health, prevent disease and lose
weight. Our weight loss program is specifically designed for you to
fit your needs, there is no one size fits all approach. Your
personalized plan may include a customized supplement program,
acupuncture, MIC (Vitamin B-Complex) injections, body composition
testing, and medications when appropriate.
A custom handbook will be provided containing the tools you will need
to succeed in tracking your progress. The handbook includes a food
diary, activity calendar, chart for tracking your measurements
(weight, blood pressure, fat and lean body mass, blood markers) and
detailed guidelines for lifestyle and nutritional changes.
We offer an intensive 6 week long group class every 3-4 months, that
we feel like increases your chances for success. We also utilize
equipment like whole body vibration, infra red sauna, basal medibolic
rate testing, and laser lipo to give your program a boost.
Labs
We have the capacity to do in-house phlebotomy. In addition to ordering conventional labs through your insurance company (usually Quest or Labcorp), we also offer many alternative laboratory evaluations. Testing available includes digestive studies, food sensitivities, antioxidant and nutritional deficiencies evaluation, hormonal and heavy metal levels, etc.
In-office diagnostic tests include: EKG, urinalysis, strep throat swabs, urine pregnancy tests, and PAP smears. Expanded blood testing can, and will be, ordered appropriately.
Body Composition Analysis
Tanita’s exclusive BIA technology allows this monitor to not
only measures weight and body fat, it also provides muscle mass, body
water %, basal metabolic rate (BMR), metabolic age, bone mass,
visceral fat and rates body physique! This combination allows you to
accurately monitor the impact of any diet and fitness program.
We utilized body composition analysis during any of our weight loss
programs.
Basal Metabolic Rate Testing
Metabolism Matters
Your metabolism - combined with your daily physical activity -
determines how many calories
your body burns each day.
Until recently, there was no convenient or affordable way to measure
your metabolism. Now, with the
BodyGem® device, you can easily and quickly learn your metabolic rate
with a simple breath test that
your health professional can administer in 10 minutes or less.
Why would I want my metabolism measured?
A metabolic measurement will determine how many calories your body
needs to meet your goals.
Specifically, a MedGem or BodyGem measurement might be right for you
if you are:
• Trying to lose weight
• Trying to maintain weight (after a weight management program or
other nutritional changes)
• Diagnosed with diabetes, sleep apnea, high blood pressure, or other
weight-related conditions
• Interested in improving overall health and fitness
Why is my metabolism unique?
Many factors influence your metabolism, making it unique to you:
• Weight
• Age
• Body Composition (the ratio of muscle vs. fat)
• Hormone Levels
• Gender
In this example, two women weigh exactly the same and are the
same height, yet have very different daily calorie requirements.
If they followed the same weight management plan, they would
experience very different results.
Why do metabolism-based programs work?
An accurate daily calorie target provides the single best piece of
information available to lose weight.
It allows you to set an achievable goal to keep you motivated and
focused.
Your metabolism determines how much you need to eat and exercise to
reach your goals.
You can customize any plan to be more effective when it is based on
your body’s unique characteristics.
Your metabolism changes as you lose weight. Re-measurement during
weight loss allows you to avoid weight loss plateaus by altering your
nutrition and exercise plan to reflect changes in your body.
To setup your metabolism measurement:
Contact the office now
HeartSmartIMTplus
Preventing Heart Attacks Through Early Detection
Undetected Cardiovascular Disease is the greatest health risk facing
patients today. Heart disease remains the No. 1 killer of both men and
women, claiming more lives than the next five causes of death combined
– including cancer. For most people, the first sign of heart disease
is a heart attack – and one in four first-time heart attacks are
fatal.
HeartSmartIMTplus® is a non-invasive, state-of-the-art, cost-effective
diagnostic tool for the earliest detection of cardiovascular disease.
It is safe, painless and convenient, taking only 10 minutes in the
office.
HeartSmartIMTplus® uses safe B-mode ultrasound imaging to measure the
Intima Media Thickness (IMT) of the carotid artery to detect
atherosclerosis at it earliest stages. Studies have shown a high
correlation between the carotid artery IMT and coronary artery
disease.
In addition, HeartSmartIMTplus® also assesses the presence of plaque
and plaque characteristics – something not seen in Coronary Artery
Calcium Score (CACS) tests. Soft plaque is more vulnerable to rupture
and can break off causing a heart attack or stroke. Early detection
allows the physician and the patient to develop treatment regimens
that are your best protection to prevent a heart attack or stroke.
The value of carotid IMT has been recognized by the American Heart
Association, the American College of Cardiology and the American
Society of Echocardiography for the early detection of heart disease
in asymptomatic patients.
