Functional Medicine is a 21st century approach to evaluating and managing patients suffering from chronic conditions. It is based upon identifying the underlying cause of the disease process or the chronic pain. Rather than treating the symptoms, functional medicine incorporates a whole body analysis, with emphasis on dietary and lifestyle changes. Through careful analysis of genetic influences, environmental factors such as toxic exposure and dietary habits, we can begin to identify the complex web of chronic disease and illness.
Modern medicine is great in the management of the acute condition; however, it falls short in the management and prevention of chronic disease. It focuses too much on the magic bullet technique, where one pill fixes the condition for all patients. Unfortunately, this often results in undesirable side effects, leaving patients looking for other courses of treatment.
Functional Medicine is a very specific method and analysis, which incorporates the actual art and science of medicine. At Camarillo Functional Health, Dr. Michael Veselak focuses on treating chronic patients in and around Thousand Oaks & Westlake Village by examining their case from a functional perspective. This means, he will examine each case through labs, medical history, bloodwork, etc. to find the root cause of each problem. Dr. Veselak interprets blood work in a functional range, tightening up the typical lab ranges so he can better address patterns of dysfunction leading to the chronic disease process.  He will assess each patient based on family history, environmental exposures and past medical conditions. Often times, with chronic complex cases, it is necessary to utilize special labs to properly identify the true cause of the chronic condition. These specialized tests will assess genetic factors, heavy metal toxicity, viral or bacterial exposure, Lyme’s disease, SIBO, Parasites, Nutrition, Amino Acid and Neurotransmitter deficiencies, Pyroluria and Gut Permeability.  In doing so, Dr. Veselak will gain a deeper understanding of how the body is functioning, where imbalances may take place, and a clear direction as to how to resolve the core issue of the chronic condition.
At Camarillo Functional Health, we commonly see patients from Thousand Oaks & Westlake Village suffering with Neuropathy, Spinal Stenosis, Migraines, Complex Regional Pain Syndromes, Fibromyalgia and Failed Back Surgeries. Â As a Certified Functional Medicine Practioner and Board Certified in Integrative Medicine, Dr. Michael Veselak treats these complex cases by applying the whole body approach of functional medicine. By incorporating specific strategies of nutrion, diet and exercise, many of our patients suffering from chronic pain and disease have improved dramatically, including those with Rheumatoid Arthritis and AutoImmune Conditions.
It is important to remember that every patient is unique and the cause and support recommendations will vary depending on the patient.