There are multiple reasons why athletes are more frequently choosing IV therapy during training and after competitions, including but certainly not limited to:
Maintaining proper hydration during physical activity
IV hydration therapy provides the quick and effective delivery of hydrating fluids to the bloodstream. This method of hydration allows the fluids to bypass the digestive system, so there’s less time spent between intake and results. In a situation where the body is pushed to the limit, such as athletic competition or training, this level of expediency is critical to keeping the body healthy. IV hydration therapy also allows for direct absorption of key nutrients contained within the IV solution or “cocktail”. These cocktails often include elements such as electrolytes, antioxidants, or amino acids. For this reason, both amateur and professional athletes are more frequently choosing IV therapy to rehydrate while also receiving vitamins and minerals tailored to their needs.
Relieving or eliminating joint or muscle pain
There’s a lot that goes into building an athletic and fit body, inside and out. Athletes put their bodies through tremendous physical stress, which will inevitably lead to muscle cramps, joint aches, and even chronic or recurring injuries. IV therapy delivers quick and immediate relief of these effects through direct administration of anti-inflammatory drugs and other types of pain medication.
Athletes may also use IV fluids to reduce the chance of future joint pain and muscle cramps by direct fluid replacement through intravenous injection. While it’s not the sole cause or factor in creating these issues, dehydration and loss of fluid and salt in the body can lead to muscle and joint pains. Proper hydration helps lubricate the joints and muscles to prevent friction that can lead to acute and short-term injury.
Facilitating and expediting recovery from different types of injury
This is of course a big reason why athletes are more frequently choosing IV therapy. IV delivery of medications can offer quicker relief for symptoms of injuries and chronic conditions. Many athletes opt for IV therapy for immediate delivery of glutathione, vitamin C, and other antioxidants thought to promote wound healing and reduce oxidative stress that leads to pain after your exercise. The reality of an athlete’s life is that time is always of the essence, and the need for expedient recovery is always a factor in healing. IV therapy can help speed up the recovery process in a safe and effective way.
It’s important to address the origins of pain rather than mask them with simple symptom relief. Talk to your doctor about coming up with a care plan to address the immediate and long-term physical effects of your condition. These types of therapies provide short-term relief, but they’re not meant to be a substitute for long-term treatment. If you’re going to explore regular hydration therapy, come up with a schedule that adequately addresses your fitness and performance cycle as well as other factors, like age and other associated health issues.
When should athletes receive IV therapy?
The short answer is: “before and after.“
The more detailed explanation is that the intervals and time at which athletes should receive IV therapy depends on what you’re getting the therapy for. Many athletes opt forpre-hydration therapy before training or engaging in competitive play. Others may choose IV therapy to replenish fluids that they’ve lost from working out. And yet another group might opt for this therapy to alleviate acute aches and pains. The real schedule of your prospective therapy depends on your individual care needs, workout regimen, and more.
Although there are no high-level research studies exploring efficacy, research suggests that “the use of IV fluid may be beneficial for a subset of fluid-sensitive athletes; this should be reserved for high-level athletes with strong histories of symptoms in well-monitored settings.” IV administration of fluids for hydration is quicker than oral consumption of water and other fluids to provide benefits.
What athletes should look for in an IV therapy provider
If you are an athlete and are considering hydration therapy, it’s important to get help from a trusted, reputable and respected provider. To effectively address your specific concerns, it’s important that you partner with an IV therapy provider who is trained in the alleviation of sports-related injuries and can safely administer the care and symptom relief you need without exposing you to any long-term damage.
It’s also important to figure out whether or not they offer the type of service you’re looking for. Make sure to ask questions, do your research and connect with your prospective facility before committing to a treatment schedule. Find out about their level of experience and any relevant accreditations they may have. There are generally no serious side effects of IV hydration therapy, other than potential redness and irritation at the injection, lightheadedness, and nausea. This is still a complex medical procedure that requires a trained professional’s expertise.
IV Therapy for Athletes at IVMeNow
IVMeNow offers a full menu of safe, effective, and replenishing IV therapies for athletes, no matter what level of care they may need. Our South Florida IV therapy team provides treatment for pain and muscle aches, dehydration, injury recovery, and many other types of conditions. Whether you want to get ahead of physical pain so you can stay at the top of your game, or you need quick and effective relief or prevention of dehydration, we are committed to providing the care you need, and will even come right to your home. IV Me Now offers convenient, safe, and effective treatment and accepts multiple types of payments to make the process more accessible. Contact our team today to learn more about what we can do for you.
