IV Hydration Therapy Clinic in Idaho's Treasure Valley
According to some studies and surveys, intravenous hydration therapy or IV therapy could provide effective and fast-acting relief for fluid deficits, jet lag, and even hangovers. However, even though IV therapy is a low-risk procedure, it isn’t right for everyone—and you should never consider walking into an on-demand “drip bar” without first getting an opinion from a trained professional.
Almost any experienced medical provider with the right equipment can offer IV hydration therapy sessions. Read more to learn about IV hydration therapy, or contact Core Medicine of Idaho today to schedule an appointment and talk through your best options for holistic care.
An Overview of IV Hydration Therapy
An intravenous (IV) line is a flexible tube that transports fluid directly into the bloodstream. Doctors, hospitals, and urgent care clinics use IV lines for many reasons, from delivering fast-acting medicine to ensuring that incapacitated patients receive essential nutrients.
Today, some clinics and medical practitioners have adopted a more novel approach to IV treatment. During an IV hydration therapy session, a doctor or nurse uses a line to promote proper hydration and facilitate intestinal absorption. Patient experiences and preliminary reports show that these sessions can offer real benefits, but IV therapy is anything but a certain science.
Benefits of IV Hydration Therapy
Intravenous lines have long been used in emergency rooms and intensive care units. However, whereas emergency room physicians use IV lines to save lives, IV hydration therapy sessions are elective procedures designed to target specific complaints.
Depending on your health goals, this approach could provide the following benefits.
Rapid Rehydration
Rehydration is the most essential component of any IV hydration therapy session. Unlike other methods, IV therapy bypasses your digestive tract by taking a specially prepared cocktail of fluids and injecting it directly into your bloodstream. Most IV cocktails consist of water, saline, and varied electrolytes, the composition of which can be adjusted to better address certain types of problems.
Balancing Nutrients
Additionally, you can receive direct transfusions of:
- Electrolytes
- Vitamins
- Other nutrients
Promoting Faster Recovery Times
In some cases, IV hydration therapy may prove beneficial to people who have chronic vitamin deficiencies or are struggling to regain function while recovering from an illness or serious physical injury.
What to Expect During IV Therapy
Although this process involves needles and tubes, it isn’t nearly as intimidating—or as complex—as it may seem. In a typical session:
- An experienced medical professional takes your vitals and reviews your needs before beginning.
- Once your session starts, a small needle is placed into a vein.
- The needle is secured with a bandage, then the IV drip is activated, and fluid enters your bloodstream.
After your session begins, you might feel a warm, cool, or tight sensation in your arm. However, most IV lines don’t cause any pain or discomfort beyond the initial pinch of insertion. You’ll be actively monitored throughout the course of your session.
Some patients report noticing positive effects within hours of their release, but the benefits of IV hydration therapy usually can’t be generalized.
How to Know If IV Therapy is Right for You
People ask about this approach for a surprisingly wide range of reasons. Some of the most common include:
- Refilling their fluids after catching the flu or COVID
- Fighting back against jet lag
- Rejuvenating their skin
- Recovering from an unusually bad hangover
Although IV hydration therapy is a low-risk procedure, it isn’t the best possible solution for every ailment. Some people need fluids after falling sick, but others might not benefit at all from short-term, on-demand drips. Feel free to talk with the health care professionals at Core Medicine of Idaho Urgent Care and Family Practice about your needs.