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Feel Restored, Look Restored, Live Restored — Your path to restoration begins at Functionally Restore

Jennifer Rivera, APRN-BC, IFMCP | Photograph by Stacy Smith Studios

Located in the heart of the vibrant Eau Gallie Art District in Melbourne, FL,  Functionally Restored is more than a healthcare practice — it’s a place where patients rediscover health, vitality, and hope. Founded by Jennifer Rivera, APRN, the practice blends functional medicine, advanced therapies, and compassionate, personalized care to address the root causes of illness, not just the symptoms.

Jennifer’s approach is grounded in the belief that true healing begins with understanding the “why” behind health concerns. “It’s never enough to put a Band-Aid on symptoms,” she says. “My mission is to uncover what’s really going on in the body, and work alongside patients to restore balance and function so they can live their healthiest, most vibrant lives.”

A JOURNEY SHAPED BY PERSONAL EXPERIENCE

Jennifer’s passion for functional medicine stems from her own health journey. Diagnosed as a child with an arteriovenous malformation (AVM) — a rare, high-pressure vascular disorder in the brain — she underwent pioneering high-dose stereotactic radiosurgery. While the treatment was lifesaving, it also came with long-term side effects that would surface years later.

In her younger years, Jennifer led a lifestyle she now admits wasn’t supporting her health — smoking, poor diet choices, inconsistent exercise, and little thought to long-term wellness. But as the effects of her earlier treatments became more evident, she began making changes: quitting smoking, improving her diet, committing to regular exercise, and limiting alcohol. These shifts transformed her quality of life and opened her eyes to the body’s incredible ability to heal when given the right support.

FROM CONVENTIONAL TO FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE

Before founding Functionally Restored, Jennifer spent 15 years in dermatology, practicing within a conventional medical model. While she valued her work, she often found herself frustrated when patients didn’t respond as expected.  “I couldn’t accept ‘we don’t know why and treating just symptoms’. ” she recalls. “Knew there had to be a better way to help people.”

That search for answers led her to functional medicine — a science-based, patient-centered approach that looks for the root causes of illness. It reignited her passion for healthcare and transformed the way she practiced medicine. Stepping away from the security of a conventional job, Jennifer opened Functionally Restored to create a space where patients feel heard, supported, and empowered.

A WHOLE-BODY APPROACH TO HEALING

At Functionally Restored, care is highly personalized. Every patient’s story is unique, and so is every treatment plan. Using functional lab testing, advanced therapies, and professional-grade supplements, Jennifer addresses nutrition, lifestyle, gut health, hormone balance, immune function, and more.

“Functional medicine isn’t about quick fixes,” she explains. “It’s about sustainable changes and understanding the complex interactions in the body. When you support the body as a whole, you create lasting health.”

MORE THAN MEDICINE — A WELCOMING SPACE

The warmth of Functionally Restored is amplified by its most unexpected team members: Charley, Boomer, and Alfred — Jennifer’s three goldendoodles. These certified therapy dogs provide comfort and smiles to patients, making visits feel more like a friendly gathering than a clinical appointment. For those who prefer not to interact with dogs, the pups are well-trained to stay out of sight.

Patients come to Functionally Restored for many reasons — persistent fatigue, hormonal imbalances, digestive issues, autoimmune conditions, or simply a desire to optimize their health. What they find is not just a practitioner, but a partner in their wellness journey.

Jennifer’s blend of professional expertise, personal resilience, and unwavering curiosity allows her to guide patients toward true, sustainable health. In a world where quick fixes often take precedence over long-term solutions, Functionally Restored stands out as a place where healing is both an art and a science.

Functionally Restored isn’t just about improving health — it’s about giving people their lives back. And for Jennifer Rivera, there’s no greater calling.

Mention “Space Coast” when you call to receive your complimentary functional medicine consultation — and start your journey to lasting health today.

1332 De Soto Street, Melbourne, FL 32935 |  321-408-6925  |  www.functionallyrestored.com

See the original article in print publication