Therapeutic botox with Dr. Marissa Gaucher in Kelowna and Kamloops is an effective, safe solution for migraines, teeth grinding (Bruxism), TMJ, and Hyperhidrosis.
Beyond cosmetic purposes, neuromodulators (Botox® Cosmetic, Dysport®, etc.), can be extremely effective for therapeutic purposes. And while botox certainly helps fine lines and wrinkles—you can check out my approach to cosmetic injections here—that’s really just the surface (literally) of what botox can do.
For sufferers of medical conditions such as migraines, hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating), TMJ disorders, and bruxism (teeth grinding), botox actually has therapeutic properties that can help you find relief. As a Naturopathic Doctor and cosmetic injector, I’ve seen firsthand how frustrating and even debilitating some of these conditions can be for some of my patients. That’s why I love being able to combine both sides of my practice to help my patients live their optimal lives—pain free! Here’s your guide, specifically covering how therapeutic botox works, what to expect from your procedures with me, and how this treatment can get you back to living your life to the fullest.
How Therapeutic Botox Differs from Cosmetic Botox
The differences between therapeutic botox and cosmetic botox are simultaneously big and small. While neuromodulators like Dysport™ use the same active ingredient whether I’m treating wrinkles or conditions like TMJ, the goal of our treatment is where things really differ. Essentially, while it’s the same active ingredient, therapeutic botox and cosmetic botox serve very different purposes.
Therapeutic botox is mainly used to treat medical conditions. For example, it can be effective for chronic migraines, helping to block the signals that trigger pain in the brain. When treating migraines, botox is injected into specific muscle groups around the head and neck, which can really reduce how often and how intensely migraines occur. It’s also used for issues like muscle spasms, excessive sweating, and even certain eye disorders.
On the flip side, cosmetic botox is all about enhancing your appearance. It’s commonly used to soften fine lines and wrinkles by temporarily relaxing facial muscles. You’ll typically find it used on areas like the forehead, around the eyes, and between the eyebrows. The aim here is to prevent dynamic wrinkles from becoming static wrinkles, creating a more youthful appearance while still allowing for natural expressions.
How Therapeutic Botox Works
Whether we’re using neuromodulators for therapeutic or cosmetic purposes, the process that happens in your body is really similar–but with very different results! Botox works by temporarily blocking the release of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that signals muscle contractions. When injected into specific muscles or glands, it prevents them from contracting, which can help alleviate certain medical conditions. So in instances such as migraines, botox inhibits the signals that trigger pain pathways in the brain, and for conditions such as excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis), botox targets the sweat glands, temporarily preventing them from producing sweat.
Conditions Therapeutic Botox Can Help With
Therapeutic botox can help with so many medical conditions, including eye disorders and muscle spasms, but these are the conditions I see most commonly in my office:
Migraines
For migraine sufferers, I’ve seen huge relief come after therapeutic botox is used. It’s typically recommended for those who have 15 or more headache days a month. During the treatment, botox is injected into specific areas around the forehead, temples, and neck. This helps block the pain signals that can trigger a migraine. Many of my patients start noticing fewer headaches within a few weeks, and the relief can last for three to six months.
Hyperhidrosis (Excessive Sweating)
For people dealing with hyperhidrosis, or excessive sweating, botox offers a quick solution. When injected into areas like the underarms, palms, or even feet, botox blocks the nerves that trigger sweating. The procedure is quick, and many start to notice a difference within a week. My patients in Kelowna and Kamloops often experience a major reduction in sweating for six to twelve months, making a big difference in comfort and confidence.
Bruxism (Teeth Grinding)
Botox can be an effective treatment for bruxism, a condition where involuntary teeth grinding or jaw clenching causes pain and tooth damage. Botox is injected into the masseter muscles, located below the cheekbones, which are responsible for the clenching. By relaxing these muscles, Botox reduces the intensity of grinding without affecting normal activities like chewing or speaking. In some cases, injections may also be placed in the temporalis muscles near the temples, which can contribute to jaw pain. Botox treatment not only alleviates discomfort but can also reduce the size of overactive masseter muscles, offering cosmetic benefits by creating a more contoured jawline.
TMJ Disorders
When it comes to TMJ disorders, botox can provide much-needed relief for those struggling with jaw pain and tension. Injecting botox into the muscles that control jaw movement helps relax them, which can ease pain and reduce tension. It’s also effective for preventing teeth grinding, which often worsens TMJ symptoms. Many of my patients feel improvements within just a few days, and the effects can last for several months. Regular treatments can help keep symptoms in check, leading to big quality of life improvements.
What to Expect from Therapeutic Botox in Kelowna, Vernon and Kamloops
When you’re considering therapeutic botox, I want to give you a clear picture of what to expect throughout the process. As both a cosmetic injector and a naturopathic doctor, it’s so important to me that you feel confident about what to expect during your therapeutic botox appointment so you can feel empowered about your health. I’ve put together a handy guide about dos and don’ts before and after botox and filler injections, but here’s an overview of how our appointments together work.
Before Therapeutic Botox
Before we even get to the injections, we’ll have a consultation where I’ll ask about your medical history and the specific condition you want to address. This is a great time to share any medications you’re on and any health issues you might have. I’ll explain how botox works for your particular situation and discuss any preparations you might need, like avoiding blood thinners or alcohol in the days leading up to your appointment to reduce the chance of bruising.
During Therapeutic Botox
On the day of your appointment, the procedure usually takes about 10 to 30 minutes, depending on what we’re treating. I’ll clean the injection sites and may apply a topical anesthetic to help minimize any discomfort. When I inject the botox, you might feel a little pinch, but it’s typically quick and manageable. I’ll be right there to make sure you’re comfortable and answer any questions you have along the way.
After Therapeutic Botox
Once we’re done, you can typically get back to your normal activities right away. I’ll advise you to avoid strenuous exercise and lying down for a few hours, just to let the botox settle. You might notice some mild swelling or redness at the injection sites, but that usually fades pretty quickly.
You can expect to start feeling the effects in a few days, with full results taking effect in about two weeks. Depending on the condition we’re treating, the benefits can last anywhere from three to six months, and we’ll schedule a follow-up to see how you’re doing. During the follow-up, we can assess how well the treatment worked and discuss any additional sessions you might need. I’m here to support you, so if you have any concerns or questions after your treatment, don’t hesitate to reach out.
Combining Therapeutic Botox with Other Treatments
For many of my patients in Kelowna, Vernon and Kamloops, coming to see me for neuromodulator injections is typically enough to help them find huge relief from their symptoms. But, as a Naturopathic Doctor, I do always recommend lifestyle changes that can help support your therapeutic botox treatments even more. Some of these may include working with a physiotherapist to improve jaw alignment and movement, or implementing stress relief techniques to help with migraine management. If you’re taking any preventative medications for your conditions, it’s always a good idea to let me know about them during our consultation so I can ensure that they’ll complement your therapeutic botox treatment.
Therapeutic Botox Injections in Kelowna, Vernon and Kamloops, BC
Ready to find relief from medical conditions such as migraines, hyperhidrosis, bruxism and TMJ disorders? Therapeutic botox is an effective treatment that can help improve your quality of life, and get you back to feeling your best. Book a consultation with me at any of my six locations across Kelowna, Vernon and Kamloops to discuss how therapeutic botox can help you.
