Debunking the Biggest Misconceptions About IV Therapy
While IV infusions have been around since the 1800s, they were used almost exclusively in hospitals until recently. Today, IV therapy is a popular, effective addition to the modern wellness routine, delivering hydration and tailored nutrient blends directly to the bloodstream. IV therapies address a variety of concerns, including fatigue, stress, digestive issues, longevity, and more.
However, because of IVs’ history in emergency medicine and relative newness in the wellness space, many misconceptions about IV therapy persist. Many wonder if it’s safe, painful, ineffective, and a luxury expense. In this article, we debunk the most common IV therapy myths, set the record straight about its benefits, and let you know what to expect from your first IV session.
10 Common Myths About IV Therapy
Curious about IV therapy but unsure what to believe? Here are the facts behind the top IV therapy myths, so you can make confident, informed decisions about your wellness
Myth 1: IV Therapy Is Only for Serious Health Conditions
While IV infusions are a vital tool in medical care, they’re also widely used by generally healthy people to address a variety of everyday concerns and to support overall wellness. This may include replenishing vitamins and fluids to:- Boost the immune system ahead of cold and flu season
- Rehydrate and support recovery during athletic training or after an illness
- Enhance metabolism to aid weight loss
- Recover from jet lag
- Support skin health
- Relieve chronic conditions, such as fatigue, inflammation, or digestive issues
- Slow the effects of aging
Myth 2: IV Therapy Is Painful and Invasive
When administered by a trained medical professional, IV therapy is minimally invasive. You might feel a slight pinch or prick as the needle is inserted, but the remainder of treatment is typically pain-free and well-tolerated, with minimal side effects if any.At Hydration Room, our IV therapies are administered by experienced registered nurses who prioritize your comfort. During treatment, you can relax in a plush recliner and sip hot tea or water, or request a private room to rest or watch TV. We also offer mobile IV services, offering the benefits of IV therapy from the comfort of your home.
After treatment, you may experience some redness or swelling at the injection site, but this fades quickly.
Myth 3: IV Therapy Is Just a Placebo
This myth likely comes from a misunderstanding of the science of IV therapy. Some online sources and social media personalities overhype the benefits of IV therapy as a magical cure-all. This can lead to skepticism from the general public and disillusionment from first-time IV therapy patients who find that it falls short of inflated expectations.Like exercising regularly, eating a balanced diet, and getting sufficient sleep, IV therapy can be a beneficial part of an overall wellness routine. IV fluids can help rehydrate you and balance your electrolytes. Targeted blends of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants can help ensure that your body receives the essential nutrients it needs to function at its best.
IV therapy’s direct delivery can be particularly beneficial for individuals with absorption issues, digestive conditions, or those needing a quick and efficient infusion of nutrients.
Myth 4: IV Therapy Is Unsafe and Unregulated
When administered by licensed medical professionals in a reputable clinic, IV therapy is both safe and regulated. Every Hydration Room location adheres to strict sterilization techniques and uses only high-quality ingredients. Our therapies are designed by our founder, Dr. Brett Florie, a board-certified anesthesiologist. Nurse practitioners consult with new patients to discuss medical history and create personalized treatment plans. Registered nurses administer all treatments, ensuring safe, effective care.Many states, including California, require IV clinics to be majority-owned by licensed physicians. Hydration Room is owned by our founder, Dr. Florie.
Myth 5: IV Therapy Has the Same Benefits as Oral Supplements
Oral supplements can be beneficial; however, they face a major obstacle in the digestive system, where enzymes, acids, poor solubility, the gut barrier, and other factors can break down and limit their bioavailability. Absorption varies based on the individual and the particular nutrient, but is often a fraction of the total dosage. This process also delays nutrient delivery.On the other hand, IV therapy bypasses the digestive system altogether, delivering nutrients and fluids directly into the bloodstream for up to 100% absorption. These nutrients can be put to use immediately for rapid benefits. Intravenous delivery is especially beneficial for those suffering from malabsorption or digestive conditions, or those needing to correct nutrient deficiencies or dehydration quickly.
Myth 6: IV Therapy Is Only for Athletes
IV therapy can be a beneficial part of athletic training by restoring hydration and aiding in recovery. IV drips deliver a full liter of fluids and replenish electrolytes, while targeted nutrient blends help relieve inflammation, promote cellular repair and detoxification, boost energy and stamina, and enhance metabolism.While these benefits make IV therapy a popular choice for athletes, they can also help anyone experiencing dehydration, fatigue, chronic pain and inflammation, slow recovery, or trouble losing weight.
Myth 7: IV Therapy Is Only for Hangovers
While Hydration Room offers a hangover IV, our treatments are tailored to address numerous health and wellness goals beyond that—such as gut health, stress relief, cognitive function, longevity, general wellness, and many others.
IV therapy may absolutely be an effective hangover cure by:
- Replenishing much-needed hydration
- Helping support detoxification and protecting the liver
- Relieving nausea and headache
- Restoring lost nutrients.
Such treatments can also help prevent hangovers if taken before a celebration.
Myth 8: IV Therapy Is a Luxury
Celebrities may have brought wider attention to it, but people from all walks of life use IV therapy to help feel their best. At Hydration Room, we believe that wellness should be for everyone, and it’s our mission to make personalized IV therapy more accessible. Our patients come to us to help with everyday ailments, chronic conditions, and overall health.
Myth 9: IV Therapy Benefits Are Temporary
Like most aspects of health and wellness, consistency is the key to maximizing and sustaining your results. IV therapy can provide a rapid nutrient, fluid, and (if necessary) medication infusion for an efficient boost if you’re experiencing dehydration, jet lag, nausea, a migraine, or another acute condition.
It can also provide ongoing support as part of your wellness routine or treatment plan for a chronic condition. Regular IV therapy can help ensure your body has the nutrients it needs to perform at its best.
Myth 10: IV Therapy Is a Cure-All Solution
While IV therapy can provide quick, effective benefits, it is not a fix for all health issues. At the same time, benefits and suitability vary from person to person based on many individual factors, including age, metabolism, existing health conditions, lifestyle, and other considerations.
Think of IV therapy as a beneficial part of a healthy lifestyle, helping to maintain optimal hydration and nutrient levels to support long-term wellness and providing an extra boost when you need it due to illness, a busy schedule, or an ongoing health issue.
Discover the Benefits of IV Therapy at Hydration Room
If you think IV therapy could be right for you, we encourage you to schedule a free virtual consultation with one of our experienced nurse practitioners to discuss your wellness needs.
Ready to get started? Find a Hydration Room near you or explore our full menu of IV therapies.
