Conditions

Patrick Massey MD, PhD, ALT-MED Medical and Physical Therapy, Elk Grove Village Il and serving the Chiacgo area


Pain – acute and chronic – is the #1 reason why patients seek medical services. Most people are not satisfied living with medications, injections and surgery. They are looking for resolution of their pain. I started ALT-MED by treating back, neck, knee, shoulder and foot pain and even the pain and disability associated with herniated discs. Patients come from all over the country specifically for the unique ALT-MED approach. 

Fatigue – another common complaint that is often overlook by traditional medicine. Many medical conditions can lead to fatigue but lifestyle – stress – can lead to profound fatigue even in otherwise healthy people. Fatigue can be diagnosed, measured and effectively treated using a combination of traditional and nontraditional therapies.

 Cancer – mounting medical research is showing that healthy people do better and debilitated people do worse. Although there are no universally proven nontraditional therapies that can cure cancer, select supplements may improve outcomes and survival. In addition, there are many therapies - acupuncture, vitamins/supplements, massage, tai chi and qigong - that fight the side effects that are common in the traditional medical approach including fatigue, malnutrition and hot flashes. Dr. Massey works closely with the Alexian Brothers Hospital Network Cancer Institute

Menopause/Perimenopause – many of the side effects of menopause/perimenopause including hot flashes, insomnia, changes in memory and fatigue can be easily treated with specific supplements and therapies.

Dementia – the incidence of dementia, including Alzheimer's disease, is increasing. Unfortunately, medications are ineffective in the long term. There is mounting medical evidence that specific vitamins, supplements and nutritional changes can slow progression. In addition, there is good evidence that the risk of developing dementia is related to lifestyle, stress and even some medications.

Osteoporosis – osteoporosis and osteopenia are medical conditions associated with bone loss and an increased risk of fracture. Factors that increase the risk of osteoporosis are immobility, low vitamin D and vitamin K, illness, medications, heavy metal exposure, poor nutrition, low estrogen/testosterone and others. Fortunately, for most people, osteoporosis can be improved simply by reducing the risk factors – without the use of specific medications.

Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome – symptoms of fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome are many...muscle and joint pain, profound fatigue, memory impairment, headaches, irritable bowel, chemical sensitivity, cold symptoms, anxiety and depression. Although there are no specific tests for the diagnosis of fibromyalgia, there are subtle alternations in thyroid and adrenal functions related to many of the symptoms. Many patients with fibromyalgia can get significantly better by addressing underlying medical conditions with vitamins, supplements and nontraditional therapies including intravenous vitamin therapy.

Multiple Sclerosis – it is believed to be an autoimmune disease that is mediated by a number of factors including genetics, environment and lifestyle.  There is robust evidence that lifestyle choices – exercise, stress reduction, vitamins, etc can modify MS.  In addition, some herbs may be beneficial as well.  Combining alternative and traditional therapies, a number of ALT-MED MS patients have seen stabilization or improvement in their symptoms.
 
Parkinson's Disease – PD is a degenerative, central nervous system disorder characterized by tremor and rigidity as well as changes in memory and cognition.  Alternative or non-traditional therapies can be beneficial in slowing the process.  Recent developments in exercise, vitamins, supplement and specific herb use show promise in the treatment of PD. Specific tai chi – based exercise programs seem to strengthen the mind-body connection and may also improve PD symptoms.

Thyroid Issues – 

• Undiagnosed hypothyroidism - many people who are taking thyroid medications may not feel well – fatigue, weight gain, hair loss, dry skin, etc - even though their thyroid values fall in the reference range on tests.  For most laboratories, the reference range for TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone) is between 0.5-5.0.  However, those who fall in the upper end of the reference range may actually be mildly hypothyroid.  A number of medical organizations now recommend the reference range to be between 0.3/0.4 –2.5/3.0.  Over the years, many ALT-MED patients who were diagnosed as “in the normal range” have regained their energy and vitality with thyroid supplementation.

• Sick Euthyroid Syndrome – (SES) a condition where the patient exhibits many symptoms of hypothyroidism – fatigue, weight gain, insomnia, dry skin, depression, anxiety, decreased memory/concentration, low libido, muscle pain, etc – and yet have normal or low/normal levels of TSH, T3 and T4.  SES is the result of more stress than the body can handle and the body is trying to conserve resources.  Initially thought to be rare in the general public, recent research has demonstrated that SES is found in cancer, diabetes and heart disease.  Treating SES can restore energy and vitality.   By definition, patients with SES also have adrenal fatigue.

Leaky Gut Syndrome - the intestines not only are involved in digestion and absorption of food but also have an important role in overall health.  Outside of the bone marrow, the greatest concentration of immune tissue is in the intestines.  Diet and gut bacteria can affect how easily toxins can pass into the body.  Leaky gut syndrome is associated with many medical conditions including autoimmune disease, irritable bowel, chronic fatigue syndrome, eczema, psoriasis, chronic pain, etc.  Symptoms include fatigue, muscle/joint pain, changes in memory and cognition, abdominal pain and food allergies.  Therapy varies, but it all starts with a simple test measuring if the intestines are “leaky.”  Changes in diet and lifestyle, adding supplemental vitamins, herbs, probiotics and even acupuncture can result in lasting improvements. 

Stress – the most important risk factor for all disease…most ignored…most under-diagnosed...most under treated. Stress is linked to lifestyle. The effects of stress can be diminished with relaxation therapies like massage, acupuncture and energy medicine as well as vitamins and dietary supplements.

Congestive Heart Failure -