There has been a lot of debate about whether IV treatments work or not. After all, until recently, IVs have been reserved for urgent care or emergency room treatments, where they work to deliver medication to patients, treat extreme dehydration, combat infections, and more. Let’s take a look at whether casual IV treatments work.

Does IV therapy really work?

It’s clear that IV treatment is extremely valuable in many medical situations. What does that mean for non-medical IVs, though?

The benefits of IV vitamin therapy

Casual IV treatments are advertised to treat hangovers, improve athletic performance, reverse aging, and more. IV vitamin therapy can indeed ensure that you get the vitamins you need, as well as thoroughly rehydrate your body.

This type of treatment is intended for healthy individuals, although – much like their clinic and hospital cousins – they may be able to help individuals who can’t absorb nutrients or vitamins normally, whether due to surgery or a medical condition. They can also be valuable for individuals with chronic dehydration.

Drawbacks to consider

Despite these benefits, there is little scientific evidence to back up the effectiveness of casual IVs. Some argue that casual IVs can be circumvented by drinking water, exercising regularly, and eating right to get the vitamins and nutrients you need on a daily basis.

It’s also important to remember that more is not always better. Whether through an oral supplement, through the food you eat, or via IV therapy, your body will only absorb so much of a given vitamin. Your body will naturally expel what it doesn’t need through your urine.

How does IV therapy work?

You can get DC IV therapy at an IV bar or at home. Regardless of which option you choose, the process is very similar.

1. Your nurse preps the injection site, typically with an alcohol pad, to prevent infection.
2. They administer the IV, typically in your arm at the elbow.
3. Your IV drips fluids down the line and into your bloodstream. Since the IV bypasses your digestive system, fluids, vitamins, and any medications can get to work immediately.
4. The IV takes about 30 – 45 minutes for most people but can be longer (such as NAD IV therapy, which takes 3 – 4 hours).
5. Once your treatment is over, your nurse removes the IV line and bandages the site where the IV was injected. You can resume your normal activities with no downtime needed

Should you get IV treatment at an IV bar or at home?

IV bars and in-home IV services can administer treatments to you. What’s the difference between them and which should you get?

IV bars

IV bars, also sometimes called ‘IV spas’, are in-person clinics intended to provide patients with a luxury experience during their treatment. Some offer massage chairs, music, TVs or movies, and other VIP services. Most treatments will take 30 – 45 minutes, although some treatments may take longer.

Many IV bars offer memberships with discounts on their services, helping defray costs that are not covered by insurance.

• The bottom line: IV bars are ideal for individuals who are looking for their IV treatment to rejuvenate both mind and body in a luxurious setting and don’t mind travelling to and from a clinic.

In-home IV therapy

In-home medical services take place at the patient’s home, office, AirBnB, and even the gym, making them a convenient and fast option for people with busy schedules. Like IV bars, treatments generally take 30 – 45 minutes, and many in-home IV providers offer memberships with discounts.

• The bottom line: In-home treatments are ideal for busy professionals, parents with children who cannot take time out of their day to visit a clinic, and athletes who need treatment immediately after their workout.

Overall, IV therapy is mostly harmless for healthy individuals, and the hydration and vitamins from treatment may leave you feeling refreshed and revitalized.

It’s important to consult with your doctor before seeking non-medical IV therapies. IV treatment is a minimally invasive medical procedure, meaning that it carries a slight risk of infection or complications.