FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

There are several different types of naturopathic injection therapies. The types can be based on remedies and/or the style of injection.

At Knead I offer two main types of remedy injections: 

ONE: nutrients 

TWO: tissue repair and

Three styles of injections:

ONE: subcutaneous (into the most superficial layers of the skin)

TWO: intramuscular (deep into a muscle belly)
THREE: intravenous (directly into a vein in the arm or hand)

The benefits of injection therapy over other naturopathic treatments is the ability to 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.

Both acute and chronic conditions can be supported by naturopathic injection therapies.

Nutrient injections are helpful for any health issue or lifestyle choice where nutrient deficiency is present or implicated: 

• vegans and vegetarians are often B12 deficient

• digestive concerns: irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn’s, ulcerative colitis), ulcers, cramping, diarrhea, constipation, bloating.

• In these situations nutrient absorption is compromised so we can bypass the digestive system and get nutrients into the bloodstream without relying on the digestive absorption.  

• pernicious anemia

• iron deficiency

• poor diet

• low energy

• poor concentration, focus

• immune imbalance (allergies, chronic or recurring infections, autoimmune illness)

• metabolic imbalances (thyroid health, cardiovascular disease, weight gain or inability to release weight, diabetes)

• adrenal insufficiency (burnout, stress)

• chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia

• chronic or persistent pain syndromes 

• asthma

• migraines,

• headaches

• athletic performance

  Tissue repair aka musculoskeletal repair aka biopuncture therapy is used for any type of pain syndrome anywhere in the body, whether it’s acute, chronic, persistent, due to an illness or injury, even ones from decades ago.

Yes when delivered by a naturopathic doctor with the proper certifications, like I have. They have to be certified to do IV and injection therapies by the College of Naturopathic Physicians of BC.

To maintain this certification we must keep up to date certifications in specialized first aid training called Naturopathic Advanced Life Support.

Each patient is screened thoroughly for contraindications and safety.

Nutrient injections:

• 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

• Myer’s 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 and often included is 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.

Pain is relative. Most people will have a neutral experience and often ask, “Oh? You’re done already?” That said sometimes there is a quick sting, or sharp sensation, all of which are over within seconds. During the longer treatment (Myer’s cocktail) I’m checking in with patients to make sure they are comfortable and safe.

B12 and B complex - These injections take just a couple seconds to inject and are done in a 5 minute appointment which includes a brief check in.

Musculoskeletal Repair - These injections are done at several discrete locations over the pain zone and can take 2-5 minutes. These are done in a 15 minute appointment which includes a thorough check in, a relevant physical exam, and an assessment of improvements in range of motion, function, and comfort.

Myer’s Cocktail - This intravenous treatment is done as an IV drip and the patient can expect to be in the office for 45 minutes including the time it takes to connect and disconnect the line.

Nutrient Injections: more energy, better focus, improved immune function, hormonal balance, calmer nervous system, better stress tolerance, improved metabolism and digestive function.

Musculoskeletal Repair Injections: less pain, more comfort, better range of motion, restored function to muscles, joints, ligaments and tendons.

Usually these patients have been seeing other therapists for years. After starting these injections 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, elasticity is returning.”

Bruising, phlebitis, burning sensation at injection site, low blood pressure lightheadedness or syncope, nausea, warming sensation (due to magnesium in Myer’s cocktail).

It’s different for everyone.

I usually suggest 3 Myer’s IV treatments every 2 weeks at first.

I’ll often suggest weekly B12 or BComplex injections for 3-4 weeks.

More are possible and often encouraged.

For musculoskeletal repair I suggest 4 before re-assessing and often complete a course of 8 treatments, ideally weekly.

It is a naturopathic medical treatment and covered for those who have naturopathic coverage on their extended health plan. Otherwise like any naturopathic treatment it’s out of pocket.

Yes to both and all. It’s a great compliment to other therapies of any kind.

Yes… ideally the person is working on improving their diet and lifestyle during injection therapies to increase nutrient repletion, nourishment, cleansing and healing.

Come HYDRATED, wearing lose clothing.

Fear of needles or treatment, allergy to remedies or nutrients. For the most invasive injection (the Myer’s cocktail) kidney and liver function must be adequate and this is all covered in the initial screening consultation.

💦Drink lots of water: ½ body weight (in pounds) in ounces.

⚠️💪No heavy lifting on injection side.

🛌Any other supportive therapies such as rest, gentle stretching, adequate sleep will always be helpful.

Nope! You get connected to your IV bag in a private room.

You get to lean back, put your feet up, relax with a music genre of your choice, and just take in all those nutrients.