The athletic world is known for copycatting.
The minute a team or individual sets a new standard of success, you can bet that the rest of the field is watching closely in an attempt to mimic their feat.
One such trend that has recently garnered attention is the use of mobile IV therapy. From training camps to hotel rooms, more and more teams are leveraging the benefits of this innovative treatment.
But is there fire behind the smoke?
Keep reading as we explore whether IV therapy for athletes is all hype or is, in fact, backed by science.
The Benefits of IV Therapy for Athletes
There are numerous benefits of mobile IV therapy for athletes, some of which are backed by leading sports scientists.
Rapid Hydration
An athlete will sweat excessively during training or competition. Without proper hydration before, during, and after exertion, athletic performance will be undermined.
According to Dr. Rayven Nairn (MS, RDN, LDN) of Johns Hopkins Medicine, dehydration is a “heavy hitter” when it comes to athletic performance, with proper hydration levels being essential for endurance, focus, and respiration.
By leveraging innovative IV drips, athletes receive fluids directly to the bloodstream. This can help ensure fluid homeostasis at a cellular level much more rapidly than oral hydration, which requires fluids to pass through the body’s digestive system. In addition, IV fluids come with the perfect electrolyte balance. This guarantees the proper diffusion of fluids and promotes nerve signalling and muscle contractions, helping athletes avoid cramps when exerting at a high level.
Protection in Extreme Conditions
Put simply, there are some athletic conditions so extreme that athletes can’t get fluids in them quickly enough. In some cases, their stomachs will fill up on water and induce vomiting faster than the digestive system can absorb these fluids.
“For athletes pushing their limits in intense climates like Las Vegas, mobile IV therapy can be a practical boost to help them recover faster and stay at their best,” says Vanessa Cabrera, owner of Las Vegas Mobile IV Therapy.
A classic, mainstream example of this lies with the Miami Dolphins of the NFL. Watch one of their home games in September. The sidelines are a row of IV stations, as it is the only way for the players to stay at safe hydration levels in the sweltering summer heat of Florida.
Customized Nutrient Options
It is often said that athletic success lies in the smallest of margins. A 1% boost can be the difference between a champion and an also-ran.
As such, the most serious athletes don’t play guessing games with their nutrition. They have the smallest details down to a science.
Mobile IV therapy offers customized drips containing the right vitamins and minerals to meet an athlete’s needs. Zinc and vitamin C for immune boosting. B-complex and taurine for energy enhancement. And this is just the tip of the iceberg.
Because they do not have to be digested and metabolized, IV vitamins offer 100% bioavailability–far superior to that of orally consumed multivitamins and supplements.
Unmatched Convenience
Athletes have insane schedules. As if multiple practices, film sessions, performance nutrition, and injury treatment/rehab weren’t enough, most have to juggle these demands around a full-time course of study and/or job.
As such, the fully mobile nature of modern IV therapy is a major boon for cramped athletic schedules. Treatment can be brought directly to your home, hotel, office, or any other convenient location. This seamlessly integrates therapy into the course of your day without the hassle of a commute or the need to block off time for an in-person appointment.
The Hype of IV Therapy for Athletes
Although the benefits of mobile IV therapy for athletes are science-backed and numerous, there are a few points to keep in mind:
- Will not improve performance – while IV therapy can help you feel your best, receiving treatment will not make you a better athlete.
- Meant to be a supplement – IV therapy should not replace a balanced diet and fluid regimen for athletes.
- Not meant to cure conditions – IV therapy can expedite recovery and offer efficient nutrient absorption, which may help in the treatment of some injuries and illness. However, it is not meant to be a cure for any type of acute or chronic condition, athletic-related or otherwise.
While a reputable provider will not make any false promises regarding the benefits of mobile IV therapy, it is important to keep this innovative treatment in the right perspective.
Potential Risks of IV Therapy for Athletes
First and foremost, it is important to know that mobile IV therapy is provided by a licensed nurse administrator. You will be receiving the same level of quality as you would in a hospital or clinical setting.
With that said, personal hygiene is extremely important. Many athletes will be in close proximity to staph bacteria and bodily fluids of competitors, so reduce the risk of infection through proper hygiene.
In addition, be up to date on your sport’s banned substance list. Even the most innocuous herbal supplements have been known to pop positive, so make sure you have a strong understanding of what is and is not permissible in your sport.
Have a Balanced Perspective and Enjoy the Benefits of Mobile IV Therapy for Athletes
Mobile IV therapy offers potential for athletes to speed up recovery and rapidly utilize the benefits of fluids and minerals. However, it will not magically transform an athlete’s prospects. With the right perspective, it can be a key component to a comprehensive athletic wellness regimen. For more of the latest trends in performance health and wellness, explore the content at Fit Girl’s Diary for the leading insights in the industry!
Author’s Bio:
Vanessa Cabrera, founder of Phoenix Mobile IV Therapy and Las Vegas Mobile IV Therapy prides herself in educating readers on the benefits of Mobile IV services. As a healthcare professional, she understands the value of providing excellent services to patients in the comfort of their own homes or space.
