Therapeutic Botox in Burnaby
Neuromodulators (Botox/Nuceiva/Dysport) are most known for its application in aesthetic medicine. You’ll most commonly hear it used to reduce fine lines and wrinkles in the face and neck. But did you know that neuromodulators can used for therapeutic reasons? This is what is known as therapeutic botox.
What Is Therapeutic Botox?
Therapeutic botox is the application of neuromodulators (Botox/Nucieva/Dysport) in a non-cosmetic way. It can be used to treat migraines, TMJ syndrome, excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis), and chronic muscle tension (that is not responding to other treatments).
How does Botox work?
Botox works by relaxing muscle movements to reduce fine lines and wrinkles and pain due to tight muscles, reducing nerve activity, and blocking the release of specific neurotransmitters that cause excessive sweating.
Relaxing muscle contractions/hypertonicity can lessen shoulder and back pain, muscle tremors, and jaw clenching.
Decreasing nerve activity provides relief from chronic migraines by reducing pain signaling by the nerves to the brain. This will reduce the potential for the brain to recognize that pain is present and stop the experience of pain.
Sweat gland activity can be decreased by neuromodulators by reducing a neurotransmitter that increases bodily secretions (i.e. sweat). By blocking the release of this neurotransmitter, the body will produce less sweat and thus help treat hyperhidrosis.
What is therapeutic botox used for?
Neuromodulator injection can be used for patients suffering from:
- Migraines and headaches
- Neck pain
- Bruxism (teeth grinding and jaw clenching)
- Trigger points (muscle knots)
- TMJ disorder
How long do neuromodulators last?
How long Botox treatment lasts differs from person to person. This is dependent on how fast you metabolize any medication, supplement, or food. The therapeutic effects will typically last around 3-6 months, but for some patients it will only last 1 – 2 months.
Some areas will last longer than others. It is dependent on how often that muscle is used. For areas of more movement (e.g. lips and jaw muscles), the neuromodulator effects are shorter compared to areas of less movement (e.g. forehead).
It’s important to note, neuromodulator treatments are cumulative. Meaning the more you maintain it, the longer it will last. We recommend not letting the effects completely fade prior to coming back for another round of treatments. If you can keep the muscles constantly in a relaxed state, you will have better long term results.
FAQs
1. What is therapeutic Botox, and how does it differ from cosmetic Botox?
Therapeutic Botox involves the application of neuromodulators (such as Botox, Nuceiva, or Dysport) for non-cosmetic purposes. While cosmetic Botox is primarily used to reduce fine lines and wrinkles, therapeutic Botox targets medical conditions by relaxing muscle movements, reducing nerve activity, and blocking specific neurotransmitters. This approach is effective in treating issues like migraines, TMJ syndrome, excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis), and chronic muscle tension that hasn’t responded to other treatments.
2. What conditions can therapeutic Botox help treat?
Therapeutic Botox is utilized to address several medical conditions, including:
Migraines and headaches
Neck pain
Bruxism (teeth grinding and jaw clenching)
Trigger points (muscle knots)
Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder
3. How does therapeutic Botox work to alleviate symptoms?
Therapeutic Botox functions by:
Relaxing muscle contractions: This helps reduce pain from tight muscles, alleviating conditions like shoulder and back pain, muscle tremors, and jaw clenching.
Decreasing nerve activity: By reducing pain signaling from nerves to the brain, it provides relief from chronic migraines.
Reducing sweat gland activity: It blocks the release of neurotransmitters responsible for excessive sweating, thus treating hyperhidrosis.
These mechanisms collectively contribute to symptom relief in various medical conditions.
4. How long do the effects of therapeutic Botox last?
The duration of therapeutic Botox effects varies among individuals, typically lasting between 3 to 6 months. Factors influencing this duration include the individual’s metabolism and the specific muscles treated.
Areas with more frequent movement, such as the jaw muscles, may experience shorter-lasting effects compared to less active areas like the forehead. It’s important to note that neuromodulator treatments are cumulative; maintaining regular treatments without allowing the effects to completely fade can lead to better long-term results.
5. Is therapeutic Botox safe, and are there any side effects?
Therapeutic Botox is generally considered safe when administered by qualified professionals. However, as with any medical treatment, there can be side effects. Common side effects are typically mild and may include:
Redness or swelling at the injection site
Bruising
Temporary muscle weakness near the injection area
These side effects usually resolve on their own within a few days. It’s essential to discuss any concerns with your healthcare provider before undergoing treatment.
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