There are times when over the counter medications and oral hydration fluids are simply not enough when pills or patches are not strong enough to treat the condition. In these instances, medical providers will use a stronger treatment called IV therapy, or infusion therapy.
What Is IV Therapy?
IV therapy or infusion therapy is a process in which fluids and sometimes medications are dispensed through a small plastic catheter into the blood system.
This type of therapy usually occurs when the patient's physical condition or ailment is severe enough or unresponsive to, the initial medication provided to the patient.
Conditions Treated with IV Infusion Therapy
Some examples of various diseases in patients needing to undergo IV infusion include:
- Nausea & Vomiting
- Dehydration
- Headache
- Arthritis
- Diabetes
- Heart Failure
- Gastrointestinal conditions
Based on the severity of the patient’s situation, infusion therapy will depend on the type and severity of the condition. In some cases, patients could also receive treatment consisting of nutrients, antibiotics, chemotherapy drugs or other medications. It is the responsibility of the medical provider to decide on the process and treatment administered through IV therapy.
What Can IV Therapy Do for Me?
There are several functions that may be improved via IV therapy. These include:
- Weight loss. Losing weight can be a challenge, especially as you get older. Nutrients like alpha-lipoic acid, carnitine, and lipotropics can increase your body's fat-burning capacity.
- Cure a hangover. An infusion of IV fluids brings much-needed electrolytes to cure a hangover. This means getting over the fatigue, dizziness, nausea, and thirst of dehydration much more quickly and easily after a night of over-indulging.
- Detoxification and Regeneration. IV therapy can be customized with ingredients like alpha-lipoic acid, glutathione, vitamin C, and other nutrients that flush toxins from the body while also fighting the effects of free radicals.
- Increase your energy levels naturally! This is a big one. Who couldn't use more energy without the buzzy, fidgety feelings that can come with excessive caffeine consumption? IV therapy delivers nutrients like arginine and tri-amino that aid in mitochondrial function.
- Better circulation and cardiovascular health. It's important to maintain heart health and good circulation as you age. These functions can be supported by amino acids, arginine, magnesium sulfate, and other nutrients.
- Relaxation and stress management. We live in a stressful world, and one can only take so many deep breaths. Feelings of calm and restfulness can come more easily with proper electrolyte function, which can be aided by magnesium sulfate.
Is IV Therapy Safe?
The vitamins and nutrients that are delivered in IV therapy are well-understood through research data. We know what each does and how much the body can safely take in at one time. This form of nutritional therapy has been around for many years and side effects are generally very mild. In fact, many people don't notice any side effects at all. Those that do occur are usually related to tissue irritation from the IV line itself, not from the nutrients that the body absorbs during treatment. Side effects that may develop after IV therapy include redness, inflammation, itching, or bruising around the site of insertion. Some soreness and tenderness may also be felt.
How Long Does IV Therapy Treatment Take?
An IV therapy treatment doesn't take long. You can expect to be in and out of the clinic in about an hour. This includes the time it takes for your provider to perform a quick medical review and discussion about the IV drip that's right for you.
What Happens During My IV Therapy Treatment?
When we work with you to improve your wellness through IV therapy, you can expect to receive clear, straightforward information regarding your nutrient drip and its beneficial effects. After reviewing your medical history and current health with you and deciding which drip is best for your needs, we get to work infusing your body with nourishing ingredients!
To begin the process, your provider will find a suitable vein where they will insert the small IV needle. After cleansing the skin in the area, the needle is inserted directly into the vein. Medical tape is placed over the needle to secure it in place for the duration of the IV drip. With the tip of the needle in the vein, the provider connects the outer port to the tube of the IV bag. The drip is adjusted to release fluid and nutrients at a specific pace that achieves an efficient infusion into your bloodstream. While this is happening, you can sit comfortably and watch television, listen to music, or just sit back and relax for the next 30 to 45 minutes.
Where Can I Get IV Infusion Therapy?
One of the biggest concerns for many patients is “How can I find treatment near me?” Luckily, with recent advances in medications, these concerns have been alleviated.
Historically, this process of infusion therapy needed to be done as an in-patient procedure. This can be costly and a time-consuming process for the patient. These days, however, infusion therapy can be provided either at home or in other convenient settings such as sporting venues and mobile medical clinics. These types of outpatient settings take away the requirement of a long stay or travel. By bringing IV therapy out of the hospital and into the patient’s home or clinic, we can also bring the power of infusion therapy to the patient in a much more convenient setting and at a much more affordable cost. However, it is highly recommended or advisable that infusion therapy should be administered by a medical provider at all times.
How Much Does IV Infusion Therapy Cost?
IV Infusion Therapy typically costs between $300 - $800, however, depending on the additional vitamins and nutrients that may be included in your infusion, this price will vary.
How Often Will I Need IV Infusion Therapy?
The frequency of your IV Infusion Therapy sessions will vary depending on your needs and health goals, however, most patients who use IV Infusion Therapy to maintain their overall wellness typically have one infusion every two weeks. This frequency is ideal and recommended for most people looking to restore and maintain a balanced amount of vitamins and nutrients in their bodies.
Can Anyone Get IV Infusion Therapy?
Patients who are 18 years of age or older may get IV Infusion Therapy. It is also recommended for people who are sick, injured, dehydrated from exercise or heat, undergoing surgery, or experiencing hangovers. This treatment is not recommended for patients with kidney disease, heart conditions, or other health complications that make it difficult for the body to process multiple vitamins at once.
How Long Will It Take to Feel the Effects of My IV Therapy?
Times may vary on how long it will take for your vitamin infusion to kick in, however, some treatments may take effect within 45 minutes to an hour since your infusion. Other treatments such as ones that are meant to boost your energy levels, for example, may take up to four days to leave a noticeable effect on the body.
Schedule an Appointment with a Certified Medical Provider
Receiving your infusion therapy at home or in an out-patient clinic can be much more convenient than needing to go to a hospital each time. However, as stated, it is important to be sure a certified medical provider is overseeing your medication treatments. A nurse or EMT is able to start an IV, however actual administration of a drug needs to be ordered and monitored by a medical provider. Knowing and being comfortable with your medical providers can ensure a successful treatment.
Learn More About Our Custom IV Drips by Contacting Oregon Man Clinics in Bend or Springfield
- Hydration Happens
- Recovery Relief
- Binge Buster
- Headache Hater
- Classic Myers’ Cocktail
Schedule an IV Therapy Consultation
Oregon Man Clinics (OMC) proudly provides patients from Springfield OR, Bend OR and surrounding areas with IV therapy / infusion therapy. Contact our Springfield office at 541.508.4858 or our Bend office at 541.505.8773 to schedule an appointment today.
