From health fairs to race expos and fitness events, IV therapy has become quite popular and in some cases, quite casual. This is especially true with IV hydration.
In fact, you’ve likely seen booths set up somewhere, making promises about IV therapy and what it can do for you. The truth is that IV therapy can be beneficial for a variety of concerns, including the aforementioned hydration therapy, but under the supervision of a naturopathic doctor, it can also support recovery, joint health, and long-term wellness.
Quick Links:
- What Is IV Therapy and How Does It Work?
- Types of IV Therapy and What They’re Used For
- Why IV Therapy Is Used in Naturopathic Medicine
- Is IV Therapy Safe? What Patients Should Know
- What to Expect During an IV Therapy Appointment
- Who Might Benefit from IV Therapy?
- What to Expect from IV Therapy Over Time
- How to Choose Safe and Effective IV Therapy Near You
What Is IV Therapy and How Does It Work?
IV therapy, or intravenous therapy, delivers fluids, vitamins, minerals, and/or other nutrients directly into your bloodstream, as with a traditional IV. Because it goes directly into your bloodstream, your body can access the nutrients immediately, rather than waiting for your digestive system to break it down and (hopefully) absorb them.
In naturopathic medicine, IV therapy is used to support hydration and recovery, boost nutrient availability and levels, and promote overall wellness. If IV therapy is recommended, the treatment will be customized to the patient’s individual needs.
At our clinic in Canby, Oregon, we tailor all treatments to the individual. Before even recommending IV therapy as part of a treatment plan, our doctors will review your health history, run necessary lab work to ensure the right treatment is delivered, and discuss your concerns to determine whether it would be beneficial to you.
Types of IV Therapy and What They’re Used For
Because IV therapy is tailored to an individual and based on health history, symptoms, and goals, not all IV treatments are the same. Here’s a general list of IV Therapy treatment options:
- Hydration IV Therapy- Staying hydrated is one of the best ways to keep our bodies working optimally. It’s like oil in the engine. IV hydration therapy replenishes fluids and electrolytes to support proper balance, especially in cases of dehydration.
- IV Nutrient Therapy- Multiple health factors can contribute to the body not effectively absorbing certain nutrients and vitamins. Whether it’s an immediate need or a longer-term solution, IV Nutrient therapy delivers vitamins and minerals directly into the bloodstream, providing targeted nutrients effectively and efficiently to support nutrient levels, energy production, and tissue healing.
- Immune Support IVs- Whether a chronic condition like a viral illness, recurrent bacterial infections, or to help address the immune system seasonally or during periods of increased stress, immune support IVs include nutrients and vitamins like vitamin C, Zinc, and B vitamins designed to support healthy immune function and resilience.
- Iron IVs – Iron is one of the most difficult nutrients to absorb digestively. Whether it is from being on certain medications that make absorption of iron more difficult, or from increased blood loss from menstrual cycles or other conditions, IV iron therapy can be a game-changer for those struggling with iron deficiency.
- Antioxidant IV Therapy- Antioxidants help protect cells from oxidative stress, which results from metabolism, aging, environmental exposure, intense physical activity, and other factors that are, effectively, part of being alive. Antioxidant IV therapy is used to support the body’s natural systems for both repair and defense.
- IV therapy for recovery and wellness- Sometimes our bodies need a little boost. Whether illness, stress, travel, or other situations place extra demands on the body, IV therapy can help support recovery during these periods while boosting overall wellness. Again, the nutrients, vitamins, or minerals included in this IV will depend on an individual’s needs, health, and health goals.
This might provide a general overview, but it’s worth noting that IV therapy is a highly tailored, individualized treatment. In naturopathic medicine, the goal is to provide targeted support for a particular patient, aligned with health history, symptoms or concerns, and overall health objectives.
For that reason, treatment frequency and the exact nutrients and dosages will vary from person to person, even if the type of IV therapy is the same. Any IV therapy should include a consultation with a healthcare provider to ensure the appropriate IV therapy is used.
Why IV Therapy Is Used in Naturopathic Medicine
Naturopathic medicine is built on the premise that the body has a natural ability to heal itself. If you provide the right environment and tools, the body can restore and repair itself. IV therapy delivers essential vitamins and minerals directly into the bloodstream, providing a unique way to support healing. For some patients, that might include IV therapy when there is a need for additional hydration, targeted nutrients or vitamins, or additional support that either cannot be achieved through diet and lifestyle choices alone or for which providing immediate access to the body via the bloodstream would be more beneficial.
As with most naturopathic remedies and tools, IV therapy is not a standalone solution. This is not a case of walk in, get IV fluids, and walk out feeling great, problems solved. It is not a panacea. Instead, it is typically included as part of a broader treatment plan that also focuses on:
- Diet and nutrition
- Exercise and movement
- Hydration/Drinking water
- Stress reduction
- Better sleep health
- Support for or improved digestive health
- Herbal supplements
- Additional therapies and treatments as needed
At our clinic in Canby, Oregon, we make IV therapy recommendations based on individual patient needs. What works for one person may not work for another. It’s just one reason why naturopathic medicine focuses on individualized care.
Is IV Therapy Safe? What Patients Should Know
One of the reasons we, as naturopathic doctors, take time with our patients is because we come in with the understanding that not every therapy or tool at our disposal is appropriate for every patient. While IV therapy is generally safe, when administered by a qualified provider and tailored to individual needs, it is not always appropriate or the best option for every patient. Screening and oversight are essential.
At Canby Clinic, before we recommend IV therapy, one of our doctors will review your health history, medications, symptoms, and treatment goals. We always order lab tests to help determine not only whether IV therapy is right for you, but also which nutrients or formulations would be best. It is always part of a comprehensive plan to support our patients’ well-being.
Any therapy has risks, and patients should know that IV therapy has more risks than taking supplements orally. However, it also has the potential to be more beneficial. At Canby Clinic, we maintain high standards for cleanliness, technical skill, and documentation. Our focus is on providing excellent patient care, a very different atmosphere from that of a pop-up IV booth at a fair.
What to Expect During an IV Therapy Appointment
New to IV therapy? Curious whether it’s right for you and wondering what to expect? It’s normal to have questions. Every clinic may have a slightly different approach, so we’ll look at how it’s done at Canby Clinic.
Typically, your appointment will begin with a review of your health history and treatment goals. We always want to check in to see if there are any changes in your health, diet, medications, or symptoms.
Once our IV specialist has prepared your IV, we’ll place a catheter into a vein, typically in your arm. The IV solution is then delivered slowly while you relax in our IV therapy lounge, which includes a recliner for optimal comfort. Treatment typically lasts about an hour, though in some cases, depending on individual needs, it may take longer.
Did we mention the recliner? IV therapy, for many of our patients who receive it, is actually time to read, listen to music or a podcast, or meditate. It’s a break in the day to take care of yourself, physically and mentally. Once treatment is complete, we’ll remove the IV and, in most cases, patients can resume their normal day.
If you have additional questions, our team is happy to answer them before, during, and after treatment. Our goal is always to ensure comfort and safety during IV therapy.
Who Might Benefit from IV Therapy?
Not everyone. While IV therapy is an effective treatment for specific concerns and goals, it is not a cure-all, nor is it appropriate for every patient or every condition. However, for some individuals, it’s a great option.
It may be used to support:
- Hydration and recovery
- Nutrient levels and balance
- The immune system
- The body during high-stress periods (physical and mental/emotional)
- General wellness
- Chronic infections
- Healthy aging
- Joint health and mobility
Dehydration negatively affects the joints, balance, skin, mood, kidneys, liver, and cardiovascular system (and we are just getting started on the determinants). Getting hydrated is essential to well-being. Whether dehydration results from exposure to hot, dry weather, fluid loss from diarrhea and vomiting, or insufficient fluid intake during travel, IV fluids are an excellent way to restore fluid balance.
Aging is natural; it happens to us all. Inevitably, our bodies start to show some wear and tear. IV therapy can help ease these effects (it will not reverse them or stop them) with antioxidant support.
Chronic nutrient deficiencies, whether from being on long-term acid blockers, having chronic digestive illnesses that impede absorption of nutrients, or eating a diet devoid of essential nutrients, IV nutrient therapy is an excellent way to restore the nutrient status of essential vitamins and minerals.
While hydration is foundational to well-being, even hydration can’t stop or prevent the changes that come with aging or the wear and tear on our joints from physical activity. This is one reason IV therapy is included in wellness and treatment plans focused on joint health. Some IV therapy formulations that include nutrients and antioxidants can effectively support many patients with joint pain, discomfort, stiffness, or other mobility concerns.
Joint health often requires a multifaceted approach, including nutrition, exercise, supplements, lifestyle changes, and other therapies. While IV therapy isn’t a replacement for these fundamentals, it is supplemental and can be part of a broader strategy designed to support joint health and mobility.
That all said, IV therapy can be beneficial in a variety of situations and, if it makes sense for you, the naturopathic doctors at our clinic in Canby, Oregon, can help you determine whether it’s something you might benefit from.
What to Expect from IV Therapy Over Time
Sometimes, when it comes to IV therapy, patients expect an immediate response. Because it goes right into the bloodstream and nutrients and vitamins are more readily available, it’s easy to think the results will be instant. However, as with every treatment, every body is different, so several factors affect how quickly you’re likely to see an impact.
Shortly after treatment, some patients report feeling better. This is especially true for individuals who were dehydrated or deficient in specific vitamins, minerals, or nutrients. For other patients, the results may be more gradual. Health concerns don’t always come on suddenly, so when addressing some issues, improvements may also be gradual.
IV therapy is just one part of a comprehensive care plan. It’s not a quick fix, and it’s not a cure-all. Sometimes, the results of therapy depend on whether a patient adheres to the rest of the care plan. More specifically, nutrition, exercise, sleep, stress reduction, and other treatment modalities also play an important role in well-being.
In naturopathic medicine, temporary is never the goal. We’re not looking to mask or simply alleviate symptoms. We are looking to create long-term change and improvements to health and well-being. In short, while there may be some immediate benefits, IV therapy may also be part of a longer-term plan to support better functioning and better health over a lifetime rather than a moment.
How to Choose Safe and Effective IV Therapy Near You
If you’ve searched for “IV therapy near me,” you may have landed here, or you might have discovered that there are options, even here in Canby, Oregon. Of course, convenience matters, but it’s still a medical treatment and should be approached the same way you’d approach selecting healthcare.
When seeking IV therapy, look for:
- Qualified medical oversight, including licensed professionals
- A comprehensive health assessment prior to treatment
- Individualized care and personalized treatment. IV therapy should not be one-size-fits-all
- Sterile procedures and quality ingredients (transparency is essential)
- Clear communication around the treatment (benefits, risks, what to expect, doses, duration)
- A clinic that is aiming to support your overall health and wellness goes rather
IV therapy can be beneficial, but before it’s recommended, providers should have a full understanding of your health history, current concerns, and overall goals.
If you’re looking for IV therapy in Canby, Oregon, or simply wondering whether it might be an option for you, our team is happy to answer your questions. Please feel free to reach out to us or schedule a consultation.
At Canby Clinic, we prioritize long-term health and well-being. Whether or not IV therapy is appropriate, we’d be happy to chat!