Functional Medicine

Dr. Connie Desando is currently pursuing her studies to become a Certified Functional Medicine Practioner.

Functional Medicine treatmtents can support the following health concerns:

Functional medicine involves understanding the origins, prevention, and treatment of complex, chronic disease. The hallmarks of a functional medicine approach include: Patient-centered care. The focus of functional medicine is on patient-centered care, promoting health as a positive vitality, beyond just the absence of disease. By listening to patients and learning their story, the practitioner brings the patient into the discovery process and tailors treatments that address the individual’s unique needs. An integrative, science-based healthcare approach. Functional medicine practitioners think "outside the box", in order to consider the complex web of interactions in the patient’s history, physiology, and lifestyle that can lead to illness. The unique genetic makeup of each patient is considered, along with both internal (mind, body, and spirit) and external (physical and social environment) factors that affect total functioning. Integrating best medical practices. Functional medicine integrates traditional Western medical practices with what is sometimes considered “alternative” or “integrative” medicine, creating a focus on prevention through nutrition, diet, and exercise; use of the latest laboratory testing and other diagnostic techniques; and prescribed combinations of drugs and/or botanical medicines, supplements, therapeutic diets, detoxification programs, or stress-management techniques.

• Children's health issues

• Chronic asthma

• Depression and anxiety

• Diabetes

• Eating disorders

• Fatigue

• Fibromyalgia

• Gastrointestinal (GI) disorders (Irritable Bowel Syndrome, chronic constipation, Crohn's disease, Ulcerative Colitis)

• High cholesterol

• HIV/AIDS

• Infertility

• Menopause

• Optimal aging and disease prevention

• Post-surgical support

• Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)

• Pregnancy and postpartum care

• Rheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune diseases

• Women's health

• Weight los

• Patient-centered care - The focus of functional medicine is on patient-centered care, promoting health as a positive vitality, beyond just the absence of disease. By listening to patients and learning their story, the practitioner brings the patient into the discovery process and tailors treatments that address the individual’s unique needs.

• An integrative - science-based healthcare approach. Functional medicine practitioners think "outside the box", in order to consider the complex web of interactions in the patient’s history, physiology, and lifestyle that can lead to illness. The unique genetic makeup of each patient is considered, along with both internal (mind, body, and spirit) and external (physical and social environment) factors that affect total functioning.

• Integrating best medical practices - Functional medicine integrates traditional Western medical practices with what is sometimes considered “alternative” or “integrative” medicine, creating a focus on prevention through nutrition, diet, and exercise; use of the latest laboratory testing and other diagnostic techniques; and prescribed combinations of drugs and/or botanical medicines, supplements, therapeutic diets, detoxification programs, or stress-management techniques.