Medicine

Chronic Migraines

Botulinum toxin type A is a Health Canada and FDA-approved treatment for chronic migraines. It works by blocking the release of certain chemicals involved in pain transmission. This can help reduce the frequency and severity of migraine attacks in patients who have not responded well to other treatments.

What to Expect

• Treatment Duration: Each Botox session typically takes about 15-30 minutes.
• Preparation: Minimal preparation is needed. However, you should avoid taking blood-thinning medications (such as aspirin) and alcohol for a few days before treatment to reduce the risk of bruising.
• Procedure: Botox is injected into specific muscles around the head and neck using a fine needle. You may experience minor discomfort or a slight pinching sensation during the injections.
• Aftercare: You can resume most normal activities immediately. It is advisable to avoid strenuous physical activity and lying down for at least 4 hours after the procedure.

Expected Outcomes:

• Onset: The effects of Botox may begin to be noticeable within 1-2 weeks.
• Full Effect: Optimal results are generally observed within 4-6 weeks after treatment.
• Duration: The relief from chronic migraines can last approximately 3-4 months. Regular treatments may be necessary to maintain the benefits.

Post-Treatment Care:

• Avoid: Rubbing or massaging the treated areas, and engaging in strenuous exercise or activities for at least 24 hours.
• Be Cautious: Avoid lying down or bending over excessively for the first 4 hours post-treatment.
• Follow-Up: Attend any recommended follow-up appointments to evaluate the effectiveness of the treatment and make any necessary adjustments.

Hyperhydrosis

Botulinum toxin type A is a Health Canada and FDA-approved treatment for hyperhidrosis, a condition characterized by excessive sweating. Botox works by blocking the nerve signals that stimulate sweat glands, thereby reducing sweat production in the treated areas. This treatment is effective for sweating in areas such as the underarms, hands, feet, and face.

What to Expect

• Treatment Duration: The procedure typically lasts 20-30 minutes, depending on the number of areas being treated.
• Preparation: Minimal preparation is required. It is advisable to avoid blood-thinning medications (e.g., aspirin) and alcohol for a few days prior to treatment to reduce the risk of bruising.
• Procedure: Botox is injected into the targeted sweat glands using a fine needle. Some patients may experience mild discomfort during the injections, but the procedure is generally well-tolerated.
• Aftercare: You can resume most normal activities immediately. Avoid strenuous exercise, hot showers, and direct sun exposure for 24-48 hours post-treatment.

Expected Outcomes:

• Onset of Results: The effects of Botox usually begin to become noticeable within 1-2 weeks after the treatment.
• Full Effect: Optimal results are typically seen within 4 weeks.
• Duration: The reduction in sweating can last from 6 to 12 months. Repeated treatments are necessary to maintain results.

Post-Treatment Care:

• Avoid: Rubbing or massaging the treated areas, and engaging in excessive physical activities or exposure to heat for at least 24-48 hours.
• Be Cautious: Follow your provider’s recommendations regarding activity restrictions and aftercare to optimize your results and minimize side effects.
• Follow-Up: Attend any scheduled follow-up appointments to evaluate the effectiveness of the treatment and discuss any concerns.

Trigger Point Injections

Trigger point injections are a therapeutic technique used to alleviate pain caused by muscle knots or “trigger points.” These injections target specific points in muscles where pain and tension are concentrated, helping to reduce discomfort, improve mobility, and restore normal function.

What to Expect

• Treatment Duration: The procedure typically lasts 10-30 minutes, depending on the number of trigger points being treated.
• Preparation: No special preparation is usually required. However, it’s advisable to inform Dr. Duyvewaardt of any medications you are taking and to avoid blood-thinning medications (e.g., aspirin) before the procedure to minimize the risk of bruising.
• Procedure: A fine needle is used to inject a local anesthetic into the trigger point. Some discomfort or a sensation of pressure during the injection is common, but the procedure is generally well-tolerated.
• Aftercare: You can usually resume normal activities immediately. It’s recommended to avoid strenuous exercise and heavy lifting for 24-48 hours post-procedure.

Expected Outcomes:

• Onset of Relief: Pain relief from trigger point injections may begin within a few hours to a few days after the procedure.
• Duration of Effect: The relief can last from a few weeks to several months, depending on the individual and the nature of their condition. Typically patients require 4-6 treatments weekly to alleviate the myofacial knot, then regular maintenance thereafter.
• Additional Benefits: Improved muscle function and reduced tension in the affected areas.

Pre-Treatment Consultation:

A thorough consultation with Dr. Duyvewaardt is essential to determine if trigger point injections are appropriate for you. This will involve discussing your medical history, current symptoms, and any other treatments you may be receiving.

Post-Treatment Care:

• Avoid: Rubbing or massaging the injection site and engaging in intense physical activities for at least 24-48 hours.
• Be Cautious: Follow any specific aftercare instructions provided by your healthcare provider to optimize healing and pain relief.
• Follow-Up: Attend any recommended follow-up appointments to assess the effectiveness of the treatment and plan further management if needed.

Perineural Injections

Perineural injections are a specialized treatment designed to alleviate pain by targeting the nerves responsible for transmitting pain signals. This procedure involves the precise injection of medication, such as local anesthetics, dextrose, or other agents, around specific nerves to reduce inflammation and interrupt pain pathways. Perineural injections are commonly used to treat conditions like neuropathic pain, radiculopathy, and certain types of chronic pain.

How Do Perineural Injections Work?

Perineural injections work by delivering medication directly to the area around a nerve, which can help in several ways:

• Reduce Inflammation: Medications like corticosteroids can decrease inflammation and swelling around the nerve, which may alleviate pain.
• Block Pain Signals: Local anesthetics can temporarily block nerve signals, providing immediate relief from pain.
• Improve Function: By reducing pain and inflammation, these injections can improve overall function and mobility.

The Procedure: What to Expect

• Consultation: Before the procedure, you will have a consultation with your healthcare provider to discuss your medical history, symptoms, and treatment goals. Your provider will determine if perineural injections are suitable for your condition.
• Preparation: There is minimal preparation required. You may be advised to avoid blood-thinning medications and alcohol for a few days before the procedure to minimize bruising and bleeding.
• During the Procedure:
• The procedure typically lasts 15-30 minutes.
• A fine needle is used to inject medication around the targeted nerve. Imaging guidance, such as ultrasound, may be employed to ensure accurate placement.
• Some discomfort or pressure may be felt during the injection, but the procedure is generally well-tolerated.
• Post-Procedure Care:
• You can usually resume normal activities immediately.
• Avoid strenuous exercise and heavy lifting for 24-48 hours.
• Follow any specific aftercare instructions provided by your healthcare provider.

Expected Outcomes:

• Onset of Relief: Pain relief may begin within a few hours to a few days following the injection.
• Duration: The effects can last from several weeks to several months. Initially patients do best with a series of 4-6 injections. Follow-up treatments may be necessary to maintain or extend relief.
• Additional Benefits: Improvement in function and reduction in pain-related symptoms are often reported.

Potential Side Effects

• Common: Temporary soreness, tenderness, mild swelling, or redness at the injection site.
• Uncommon: Allergic reactions, infection, or a brief increase in pain.
• Rare: Severe allergic reactions or systemic effects. Contact your healthcare provider if you experience severe pain, difficulty breathing, or any signs of infection.

Who Should Consider Perineural Injections?

Perineural injections may be suitable for individuals experiencing:

• Chronic pain conditions not fully managed by other treatments.
• Neuropathic pain or radiculopathy.
• Pain that affects daily activities and quality of life.

Why Choose Perineural Injections?

Perineural injections offer a targeted approach to pain management, potentially providing relief where other treatments have failed. This minimally invasive procedure can offer significant improvements in pain levels, function, and overall quality of life.

Vitamin Injections / IV Therapy in Kelowna

Vitamin injections are effective in delivering the vitamins directly into the bloodstream and bypassing digestion. Our Naturopath can deliver individual vitamins such as Vitamin D or B12, or a blend of many administered in our IV health centre.

Cells absorb the nutrients more efficiently to see results faster and easier than oral supplementation. Our Naturopath will review your medical history, current health challenges, medications, supplements and health goals to ensure vitamin injections are safe for you. For IV Therapy in Kelowna in a clinic near me, all IV bags are customized to your needs and administered for about 45- 60 minutes.

PRP for Hair Loss

Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) is an injection treatment that uses the components of a person’s own blood to stimulate hair growth. PRP is a safe, effective and natural solution to hair loss at a fraction of the cost of conventional hair replacement surgery. This procedure takes only 1 hour, with no downtime and has great results for men and women with fine, thinning, and receding hairlines.

Iron IV Infusion in Kelowna

Iron IV Infusions are beneficial when iron supplements are unsatisfactory or impossible. Our clinic offers IV infusions near me with the highest level of safety, comfort and clinical expertise much like the hospital without the long wait times. You may require an Iron IV Infusion in Kelowna if you:

• Can’t take iron by mouth
• Can’t absorb iron adequately through the gut
• Can’t absorb enough iron due to blood loss
• Need to increase iron levels fast to avoid medical complications or blood transfusions

To arrange an iron IV therapy in Kelownainfusion, contact our office to schedule a consult with our RN. Please call for details about fees and billing options.