Can I Benefit from IV Therapy?

At Pacific Rheumatology Medical Center, board-certified rheumatologist Dr. Behnam Khaleghi guides patients in Tustin and Laguna Hills, California, through diagnosis and treatment of chronic diseases, offering full-spectrum support that promotes whole-person health. 

IV therapy is a powerful wellness tool that often supplements advanced treatments for rheumatic diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and scleroderma. We offer IV therapy here in our offices to make it easy and convenient to get the support you need from a team you already know and trust. 

Many of our patients ask us about alternative and supplemental treatments and whether they could help them manage their disease. IV therapy is a great example, and in today’s blog, we’re exploring what it does, who it’s for, and how it could help.

What is IV therapy?

IV therapy is a treatment that involves receiving fluids, vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients directly into the bloodstream through a vein. There is a wide range of ingredients available for IV therapy, with some standouts often including B-complex vitamins, calcium, magnesium, and vitamin C. 

In most cases, patients get a blend of ingredients, which means you can address multiple concerns or goals at once. Although every patient may have different needs, some of the most common goals are hydration, improving energy levels, and recovering from illness or tiring treatments. 

IV treatments can also be used in rheumatology care to deliver special medications for arthritis and other chronic inflammatory conditions, such as Remicade®, Rituxan®, and Orencia®.

Although wellness IV therapy and infusion medications are different treatments, both use the same intravenous delivery method. Many patients who come to us have both wellness IV therapy and infusions at some point. 

Why do some people choose IV therapy?

Did you know that many of the nutrients found in both food and supplements get broken down as they move through your gastrointestinal tract? 

That means that by the time the nutrients actually get into your bloodstream, you might be getting as little as 10% of what you actually took in. Digestive issues, chronic inflammation, illness, and certain medical conditions can further interfere with nutrient absorption and leave some people feeling fatigued and depleted.

The intravenous delivery method completely bypasses the digestive system, delivering all the nutrients directly into your blood, so you can absorb them fully and immediately. 

Some patients choose IV therapy for boosted energy, hydration, recovery, or general wellness. Others may choose it as part of a broader treatment plan for chronic health challenges. 

Although everyone is unique, many patients report feeling refreshed or re-energized very quickly after treatment, thanks to the immediate absorption.

What conditions may benefit from IV therapy?

Pacific Rheumatology Medical Center may recommend IV therapy for a variety of concerns, including:

• Chronic fatigue
• Recovery after flu or other illnesses
• Muscle spasms
• Fibromyalgia
• Seasonal allergies
• Migraines
• Chronic sinus or upper respiratory issues

This is just a short, partial list of concerns that IV therapy may help. Because our practice focuses on rheumatic disease, many of our patients opt for IV therapy as part of their comprehensive treatment plan. 

If you’ve been feeling run-down, fatigued, or are managing a chronic condition, speaking with Dr. Khaleghi and our team can help you determine whether IV therapy may be a good fit. Call Pacific Rheumatology Medical Center at 714-266-1458 to arrange your appointment.