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Four types of Injection Therapies To Help
1. Botox Injections for migraines and headaches
How does it work?
Botox works for headaches and migraines by blocking the release of chemicals involved in pain transmission, preventing the activation of pain networks in the brain. Furthermore, it can also decrease muscle contraction strength. We administer the injections to specific muscle groups that are associated with headaches.
Botox for migraines : Where is it injected?
The injection sites for migraines and headaches are in the neck and head muscles to alleviate symptoms.
The typical injection sites include:
- Forehead: Along the brow and above the eyebrows.
- Temples: On both sides of the head, near the temples.
- Back of the head: Near the base of the skull, where the neck meets the head.
- Neck: Along the upper neck muscles.
- Upper shoulders: Trapezius muscles located at the top of the shoulders.
We target these areas because muscle tension can trigger or exacerbate migraines. Botox works by relaxing these muscles, helping to prevent the onset of migraine headaches.
Benefits:
- Significant reduction in headache frequency and intensity
- Improved quality of life and daily functioning
- Long-lasting relief with treatments every 3-6 months
- Often covered by OHIP
Ideal candidates
- Individuals experiencing chronic migraines
- Patients who have not responded to other headache treatments
2. Botox injections to help with hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating)
Hyperhidrosis is a medical condition characterized by excessive sweating that goes beyond what the body needs for temperature regulation. This condition can affect various body parts, such as the hands, feet, underarms, and face. People with hyperhidrosis may sweat even when they're not hot or exercising. The condition can be primary, meaning it occurs independently, or secondary, resulting from another medical issue, such as an underlying health condition or medication.
Primary hyperhidrosis usually starts in childhood or adolescence. It tends to affect specific areas like the palms or soles, while secondary hyperhidrosis can begin at any age and may cause more generalized sweating. The condition can be uncomfortable and affect daily activities and social interactions. Treatment options include antiperspirants, medications, lifestyle changes, and, in some cases, medical procedures like Botox injections or surgery.
How does it work?
In this treatment modality, Botox works by blocking impulses to the nerves that make the sweat glands active.
Hyperhidrosis injection sites
Injection sites for hyperhidrosis treatment, typically using Botox, include the following areas:
- Underarms (Axillae): The most common site for treating excessive sweating, as this area is frequently affected by hyperhidrosis.
- Palms of the hands: Injections here help control excessive sweating in the hands, which can be socially and professionally challenging.
- Soles of the feet: Treating the feet can be important for those who experience significant sweating in this area.
- Forehead and scalp: Injections in these areas are used to manage facial and scalp sweating, often for people who sweat excessively on the face.
- Groin area: Though less common, injections can also be administered to reduce sweating in the groin region.
The specific sites chosen depend on where the excessive sweating occurs and the individual's symptoms.
Benefits:
- Significant reduction in the intensity and volume of sweat
- Improved quality of life and daily functioning
- Long-lasting relief with treatments every 3-6 months
Ideal candidates
- Individuals with excessive sweating that significantly impacts daily life: Those who sweat so much that it interferes with routine activities, work, or social interactions, and cannot be managed with antiperspirants or lifestyle changes.
- People who experience frequent and severe sweating in specific areas such as the underarms, palms, or soles, leading to discomfort, embarrassment, or skin issues like irritation or infections.
- Patients who have tried other treatments without success: Individuals who have not found relief from topical treatments, oral medications, or lifestyle modifications and are seeking a more effective solution.
3. Botox injections for TMJ disorders
Temporomandibular joint TMJ disorders affect the temporomandibular joint, which connects the jawbone to the skull, leading to symptoms like jaw pain, difficulty chewing, jaw locking, headaches, and clicking or popping sounds in the jaw. These disorders can result from injury, arthritis, teeth grinding, stress, or misalignment of the teeth or jaw. Treatment options include medications, physical therapy, stress management, dental splints, surgery or Botox Injections.
How does it work?
Patients with TMJ syndrome may benefit by relaxing the muscles around the temporomandibular joint. By targeting specific muscles, Botox can relieve tension, reduce muscle contractions, and alleviate the symptoms of jaw clenching, teeth grinding, and jaw pain. This reduction in muscle activity can also minimize headaches and prevent the jaw from locking.
While Botox doesn't cure TMJ disorders, it can provide significant relief for several months, making it a valuable option for managing chronic symptoms. Furthermore, similar to migraine treatment injections, injections may help by blocking the release of chemicals involved in pain transmission, preventing the activation of pain networks in the brain.
Benefits
- Significant reduction in pain
- Improved quality of life and daily functioning
- Long-lasting relief with treatments every 3-6 months
- Often covered by OHIP
TMJ Botox injection sites
The injection sites for TMJ are in the muscles of the neck and face, including:
- Masseter muscles - large muscles located on either side of the jaw
- Temporalis muscles - on the sides of the head and above the ears
- Pterygoid muscles – inside the mouth, near the jaw
Ideal candidates
- Patients with chronic jaw pain haven't responded to other treatments like oral appliances or physical therapy.
- Individuals with severe teeth grinding or clenching (bruxism) that cause significant discomfort or damage to teeth.
- Patients with jaw locking or difficulty opening and closing the mouth due to muscle tightness.
- Individuals who cannot tolerate oral medications for TMJ pain due to side effects or other health concerns.
- Patients seeking a non-invasive treatment option before considering surgical interventions for TMJ disorders.
- Patients with muscle hypertrophy (enlarged jaw muscles) from overuse seek pain relief and cosmetic improvement.
Viscosupplementation (Durolane) for relief from osteoarthritis symptoms
Viscosupplementation involves injecting hyaluronic acid (Durolane) directly into the affected joint to alleviate osteoarthritis pain. Hyaluronic acid is a natural substance in the joint fluid that acts as a lubricant and shock absorber.
How does it work?
By supplementing the joint's natural hyaluronic acid, viscosupplementation improves joint lubrication, reduces friction, and helps to alleviate pain associated with osteoarthritis.
Benefits
- Reduced joint pain and stiffness
- Enhanced joint mobility and function
- Non-surgical option with minimal side effects
Viscosupplementation injection sites for arthritis
The treatment sites depend on your needs and with consultation with our physician. Typical sites include:
- Knee joint: One of the most common sites where injections help reduce inflammation and pain in the knee caused by osteoarthritis.
- Hip joint: Injections to relieve pain and improve mobility in the hip, a typical area affected by osteoarthritis.
- Shoulder joint: Injections can help manage shoulder pain and stiffness caused by osteoarthritis, particularly in the glenohumeral joint.
- Hand joints: Small joints in the fingers and base of the thumb are also common injection sites for relieving pain and improving function in patients with hand osteoarthritis.
Ideal candidates
- Patients with mild to moderate osteoarthritis, sometimes even with severe osteoarthritis, may also benefit
- Individuals seeking an alternative or adjunct to oral medications or surgery