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.