Institute for Health and Healing

Medical Diagnoses and Conditions

Decrease Font Size
Increase Font Size
Send to a Friend
Share
- Share / Blog
- Digg This
- del.icio.us
- Newsvine
- Facebook
- Reddit
- Furl It
- !Y My Web
- Google
Print

Adrenal insufficiency and Addison's disease

Endocrine or hormonal disorders occur in all age groups and afflict men and women equally. These diseases are characterized by weight loss, muscle weakness, fatigue, low blood pressure, and sometimes darkening of the skin in both exposed and nonexposed parts of the body. Addison’s disease occurs when the adrenal glands do not produce enough of the hormone cortisol and, in some cases, the hormone aldosterone. For this reason, the disease is sometimes called chronic adrenal insufficiency, or hypocortisolism. Dr. Michael Cantwell often leads teams of specialists who work with endocrine or hormonal disorders.
Back to top

Allergic responses such as dermatitis and asthma

Dermatitis, also called eczema, is an inflammation of the skin that generally involves swollen, reddened and itchy skin. Asthma is a chronic condition that occurs when the main air passages of the lungs, the bronchial tubes, become inflamed causing extra mucus to be produced. This can lead to everything from minor wheezing to severe difficulty in breathing. Dr. Michael Cantwell often leads teams of specialists who work with allergic responses.
Back to top

Anxiety, mood and emotional conditions

These are general terms for a wide range of disorders that disrupt thinking, feeling, moods and behaviors, causing a varying degree of impaired functioning in daily life, and believed in many instances to be related to brain dysfunction. Dr. Erica Goode, Dr. Jeff Draisin and integrative psychotherapist Leslie Davenport often lead teams of specialists who work with anxiety, mood and emotional conditions.
Back to top

Attention Deficit Disorder

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a group of chronic disorders that begin in childhood and sometimes last into adult life. In general, children and adults with ADHD have a hard time paying attention and concentrating, sitting still and controlling impulsive behavior. Dr. Michael Cantwell often leads teams of specialists who work with Attention Deficit Disorder.
Back to top

Cancer

Cancer is a term for diseases in which abnormal cells divide without control. Cancer cells can invade nearby tissues and can spread through the bloodstream and lymphatic system to other parts of the body.

FOR MEN: Dr. Michael Cantwell and Dr. Jeff Draisin often lead teams of specialists who work with many kinds of cancer, offering therapies to help with the side effects resulting from therapies such as radiation and chemotherapy.

FOR WOMEN: Dr. Erica Goode and Dr. Michael Cantwell often lead teams of specialists who work with many kinds of cancer, offering therapies to help with the side effects resulting from therapies such as radiation and chemotherapy.
Back to top

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a type of repetitive strain injury. It is typically experienced as an aching in the wrist and can extend to the hand or forearm as numbness, pain and weakness. Dr. Jeff Draisin, certified Feldenkrais practitioner Kaz Shibao, and certified massage therapist Jodi Fishkin often work with carpal tunnel syndrome.
Back to top

Celiac Disease

Celiac disease is a digestive condition triggered by consumption of the protein gluten, resulting in poor absorption of certain nutrients. An immune reaction occurs in the small intestine, resulting in damage to the surface of the small intestine and an inability to absorb certain nutrients from food. Dr. Michael Cantwell, Dr. Jeff Draisin, and Dr. Erica Goode often lead teams of specialists who work with digestive disorders.
Back to top

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is a complicated disorder characterized by profound fatigue that doesn't improve with bed rest and may worsen with physical or mental activity. People previously healthy and full of energy may experience extreme fatigue, weakness and headaches as well as painful joints, muscles and lymph nodes. Dr. Michael Cantwell often leads teams of specialists who work with chronic fatigue syndrome.
Back to top

Chronic Pain

Chronic pain is pain that persists beyond the time of normal healing and can last from a few months to many years. Dr. Jeff Draisin and certified Feldenkrais practitioner Kaz Shibao often work with chronic pain.
Back to top

Colitis and Crohn's Disease

Ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease both inflame the lining of the digestive tract. Crohn's disease can occur deep in the layers of affected tissues in the digestive tract, while ulcerative colitis usually affects only the innermost lining of the large intestine (colon) and rectum. The most common symptoms of Crohn's disease are abdominal pain, often in the lower right area, and diarrhea. Rectal bleeding, weight loss, and fever may also occur. Bleeding may be serious and persistent, leading to anemia. Dr. Michael Cantwell, Dr. Jeff Draisin, and Dr. Erica Goode often lead teams of specialists who work with digestive disorders.
Back to top

Diabetes

Diabetes refers to a group of diseases that affect the way the body uses blood sugar (glucose). Symptoms that occur in many people with the disease are increased thirst and frequent urination, flu-like symptoms, weight gain or loss, blurred vision, slow-healing sores or frequent infections, nerve damage, and red, swollen, tender gums. Dr. Erica Goode often leads teams of specialists who work with people with diabetes.
Back to top

Eating Disorders

Eating disorders are health conditions characterized by a preoccupation with weight that results in severe disturbances in eating behavior. These disorders include anorexia nervosa, bulimia, binge eating disorder (BED) and bulimarexia. Dr. Michael Cantwell, Dr. Jeff Draisin and Dr. Erica Goode often leads teams of specialists who work with eating disorders.
Back to top

Fatigue

Fatigue can be experienced in different ways. Some people come to the Clinic with a persistent sense of tiredness that can prevent them from accomplishing even light tasks. In other cases, the patient generally feels rested, but can be overcome by a generalized sensation of fatigue after a few minutes of physical activity. Certified massage practitioner Jodi Fishkin often works with people with low energy and general fatigue. Immune-mediated diseases such as Chronic Fatigue and Fibromyalgia are also treated at the Clinic by Dr. Michael Cantwell and others.
Back to top

Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition characterized by fatigue and widespread pain in the fibrous tissues in the muscles, ligaments and tendons. Dr. Michael Cantwell often leads teams of specialists who work with fibromyalgia.
Back to top

Headache

Headaches are characterized by diffused, intense pain over the top of the head. They also may cause pain in the back of the neck at the base of the skull. Dr. Jeff Draisin, Dr. Erica Goode and certified Feldenkrais practitioner Kaz Shibao often work with people with headaches.
Back to top

Heart and vascular diseases

Heart Disease is a gradual buildup of plaques in blood, narrowing vessels that feed the heart. Diminished blood flow to the heart can cause chest pain and sudden, complete blockage can lead to a heart attack. Dr. Jeff Draisin and Dr. Michael Cantwell often lead teams of specialists who work with heart and vascular diseases.
Back to top

Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Irritable Bowel Syndrome is characterized by abdominal pain or cramping, and changes in bowel function, including bloating, gas, diarrhea and constipation. Dr. Michael Cantwell, Dr. Jeff Draisin, and Dr. Erica Goode often lead teams of specialists who work with digestive disorders.
Back to top

Lupus

Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease in which the immune system, for unknown reasons, becomes hyperactive and attacks normal tissue. The result of this is inflammation that can bring about many symptoms ranging from achy or swollen joints to persistent fever over 100 degrees. Dr. Michael Cantwell often leads teams of specialists who work with lupus.
Back to top

Menopause and Perimenopause

Perimenopause is the transitional period of time before menstruation actually stops, which is marked by changes in the menstrual cycle, along with other physical and emotional symptoms. It averages four years, but perimenopause can actually last up to ten years for many women. Menopause is defined as the time after 12 months have passed since your last period. This begins naturally when the ovaries start making less estrogen and progesterone. Symptoms are sleep disturbances, hot flashes, vaginal changes, decreased fertility, emotional changes, and change in appearance. Dr. Erica Goode and Dr. Michael Cantwell often lead teams of specialists who work with these conditions.
Back to top

Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease that affects the brain and spinal cord (central nervous system). The body directs antibodies and white blood cells against proteins in the myelin sheath surrounding nerves in the brain and spinal cord. This causes inflammation and injury to the sheath and ultimately to the nerves. The result may be multiple areas of scarring (sclerosis). The damage slows or blocks muscle coordination, visual sensation and other nerve signals. Dr. Jeff Draisin, Dr. Michael Cantwell and certified Feldenkrais practitioner Kaz Shibao often work with people with multiple sclerosis.
Back to top

Muscle tension

Pain resulting when a muscle is stretched beyond its limit, overused or held in one position too long, possibly tearing muscle fiber. Certified Feldenkrais practitioner Kaz Shibao and certified massage therapist Jodi Fishkin often work with people with muscle tension.
Back to top

Neck, shoulder and back pain

Pain may occur due to injury or for no apparent reason and at any point on the spine. The most common sites are the neck, shoulders and lower back. Dr. Jeff Draisin, certified Feldenkrais practitioner Kaz Shibao, and certified massage therapist Jodi Fishkin often work with people with neck, shoulder and back pain.
Back to top

Occupational Stress

Occupational Stress is work-related stress that impairs normal function of any kind. Dr. Jeff Draisin and Dr. Michael Cantwell often lead teams of specialists who work with people with occupational stress problems.
Back to top

Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a disease characterized by low bone mass and structural deterioration of bone tissue, leading to bone fragility and an increased susceptibility to fractures of the hip, spine, and wrist. Dr. Erica Goode and Dr. Michael Cantwell often lead teams of specialists who work with people with osteoporosis.
Back to top

Pediatric

Pediatric conditions and diseases are those affecting children. Dr. Michael Cantwell often leads teams of specialists who work with pediatric conditions.
Back to top

Physical rehabilitation

Physical rehabilitation refers to the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of disorders—particularly those of the musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, and pulmonary systems—that may produce temporary or permanent impairment. Treatment of neurologic and musculoskeletal disabilities focuses on the restoration of function to people with problems ranging from simple physical mobility issues to those with complex cognitive involvement. Dr. Jeff Draisin often leads teams of specialists who help patients with physical rehabilitation.
Back to top

Posture

Poor posture—when one or all three natural curves of the spine are unsupported by strong, flexible muscles—can cause back strain and pain. Certified Feldenkrais practitioner Kaz Shibao often works with people with poor posture.
Back to top

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is a systemic disease that affects the entire body and is one of the most common forms of arthritis. It is characterized by the inflammation of the membrane lining the joint, which causes pain, stiffness, warmth, redness and swelling. The involved joint can lose its shape and alignment, resulting in pain and loss of movement. Dr. Michael Cantwell often leads teams of specialists who work with rheumatoid arthritis.
Back to top

Sinusitis

Sinusitis is an acute infection of the sinus cavities caused by bacteria. Dr. Michael Cantwell and Dr. Jeff Draisin often work with people with sinusitis.
Back to top

Smoking cessation

Smoking cessation is the discontinuation of smoking as an unhealthy habit. Licensed acupuncturist and Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioner Helen Ye and integrative psychotherapist Leslie Davenport often work with people who are quitting smoking.
Back to top

Sports injury

Sports injuries are those resulting from aerobic or weight-bearing exercises, usually involving pain, decreased range of motion and decreased strength. Certified Feldenkrais practitioner Kaz Shibao and certified massage therapist Jodi Fishkin often work with these conditions.
Back to top

Stroke Rehabilitation

Stroke rehabilitation refers to helping stroke survivors relearn skills that are lost when part of the brain is damaged. Certified Feldenkrais practitioner Kaz Shibao and Dr. Jeff Draisin often work with stroke survivors.
Back to top

Surgery preparation and recovery

Surgery preparation and recovery is pre and post-operative care for those undergoing major or minor operations. Dr. Michael Cantwell, Dr. Jeff Draisin, Dr. Erica Goode and integrative psychotherapist Leslie Davenport and often lead teams of specialists who work with people preparing for and recovering from surgery.
Back to top

Tendinitis

Tendinitis is the inflammation and irritation of any of the thick fibrous cords that attach muscles to bone, causing pain and tenderness just outside a joint, most common around the shoulders, elbows, knees, hips and wrists. Dr. Jeff Draisin, certified Feldenkrais practitioner Kaz Shibao, and certified massage therapist Jodi Fishkin often work with people with tendinitis.
Back to top

Thoracic Outlet Syndrome

Thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) refers to a rare and painful group of distinct disorders that affect the nerves that pass into the arms from the neck and various nerves and blood vessels between the base of the neck and armpit. These disorders have very little in common except the site of occurrence. The disorders are complex—each with various signs and symptoms of the upper limb. Certified Feldenkrais practitioner Kaz Shibao often works with people with thoracic outlet syndrome.
Back to top

Thyroid Diseases (Hypothyroidism and Hyperthyroidism)

Hormones produced by the thyroid gland affect almost every organ and system in the body. Symptoms of an underactive thyroid include sleepiness and fatigue, loss of memory, scant menstrual periods, dry skin, depression, increase in weight, puffiness, sensitivity to cold, hair loss and constipation. When the thyroid gland produces too much of the hormone thyroxine, accelerating the body's metabolism, symptoms can include nervousness, irritability, difficulty sleeping, bulging eyes, rapid heartbeat, increased sweating, heat intolerance, unexplained weight loss, heavy menstrual periods, tremors of the fingers and frequent bowel movements. Dr. Erica Goode and Dr. Michael Cantwell often lead teams of specialists who work with people with thyroid conditions.
Back to top

Services