Naturopathic Injection Therapies

FAQs About Naturopathic Injection Therapy

Why would I consider injection therapy over other treatment?

Injection therapies deliver nutrients and remedies directly into the blood stream, so they can quickly get to the target tissues and deliver the nutrients and remedies precisely to the cells. This approach is more immediate and targeted than other therapies.

Are injection therapies safe?

When delivered by a naturopathic doctor with the proper certifications, yes. During your consultation appointment you will be screened thoroughly for contraindications and safety.

Who is a suitable candidate for injection therapies?

Anyone interested in the benefits it can offer! See above for more details about the benefits.

What’s commonly used in naturopathic injection therapies?

• B12 Injection: Intramuscular B12 (methylcobalamin), administered into shoulder (deltoid) muscle.
• B Complex: Intramuscular complex of B Vitamins, special emphasis on B5 (dexapanthenol), B6 (pyridoxine), B12 (methylcobalamin), and smaller amounts of B1, 2, and 3, administered into gluteal muscle.
• Myers’ Cocktail: Intravenous Vitamin C, B Complex, B12, B5, B6, magnesium, calcium, taurine, trace minerals such as selenium and zinc.
• Musculoskeletal Repair: Injections are composed of natural herbs and substances to promote healing of specific tissues. They often include a local anesthetic called procaine, which interrupts the pain cycle for a few minutes to decrease pain while the remedies move to the tissues to start or continue the healing process.

Are injection therapies painful?

Most people have a neutral experience and often ask, “Oh? You’re done already?” However, pain is relative, and some patients notice a quick sting or sharp sensation (which is over within seconds).

How long does a typical injection therapy session take?

• B12 and B Complex: These take only a couple of seconds to inject, and are done within a 5-minute appointment time slot which includes a brief check-in.
• Myers’ Cocktail: This intravenous treatment is done as an IV drip. Expect to be in the office for 45 minutes, which includes the time to connect and disconnect the IV line.
• Musculoskeletal Repair: These injections are done over several discrete locations over the pain zone and can take 2-5 minutes. You will book a 15-minute time slot which includes a thorough check-in, including a relevant physical exam to assess improvements in range of motion and function.

What can I expect after an injection therapy session?

• Nutrient Injections: More energy, better focus, improved immune function, hormonal balance, calmer nervous system, better stress tolerance, improved metabolism and digestive function.
• Musculoskeletal Repair: Less pain, more comfort, better range of motion, restored function to muscles, joints, ligaments and tendons. Often these patients have been seeing other therapists for years. After starting naturopathic injection therapies finally those other practitioners will start to comment: “Wow, the adjustments are finally holding” or “Your range of motion is finally improving” or “The quality of your tissues is softening”.

How many sessions of injection therapy do I need to take?

The frequency of injection therapy sessions differs for everyone. Here are some common recommendations:

• Myers’ Cocktail IV treatments: 3 treatments, every 2 weeks at first.
• B12 or B Complex injections: Weekly for 3-4 weeks. More are possible, and often encouraged.
• Musculoskeletal Repair: 4 treatments before re-assessing, often completing a course of 8 treatments, ideally weekly.

Is injection therapy covered by insurance?

Injection therapy is a naturopathic medical treatment, and therefore is covered if you have naturopathic coverage on your extended health plan. Otherwise, like any naturopathic treatment, NIT is an out-of-pocket expense.

Can injection therapies be used in conjunction with other naturopathic treatments or conventional medicine?

Yes! NIT is a great compliment to other therapies of any kind.

Do I need to follow any dietary or lifestyle recommendations alongside injection therapies?

Ideally, yes. Working on improving your diet and lifestyle during injection therapies increases nutrient repletion and nourishment, cleansing, and healing.

What qualifications and training are required to offer injection therapies?

Injection therapies are performed by Naturopathic Doctors who are certified by the College of Naturopathic Physicians of BC to offer IV and injection therapies. NDs must also maintain certification in specialized first aid training called Naturopathic Advanced Life Support.

How should I prepare for my injection therapy appointments?

Come hydrated, and wear loose clothing.

What about post-treatment care instructions?

Drink lots of water! Consume half of your body weight (in pounds) in ounces of water. Avoid heavy lifting on the injection side, and follow other supportive therapies such as getting proper rest and sleep and performing gentle stretches.