What Actually Happens During an IV Therapy Session?

If you've never had IV therapy before, it's natural to have questions. What does it feel like? How long does it take? Is there a needle involved? (Yes, but it's not as intimidating as it sounds.) This article walks you through the entire experience — from arrival to departure — so you know exactly what to expect before you book.

Step 1: You Arrive and Check In

When you walk into Asclepius Healing Center — located inside the Gorilla House Gym at 3200 Fairway Dr Suite 3 in Altoona — you'll be greeted by a member of our team. There's no complicated intake paperwork. We'll ask you a few quick questions about your health history and what you're hoping to achieve from the session.

This is also when you'll select your formula, if you haven't already. Not sure which drip is right for you? That's completely fine — our specialists are here to walk you through the options and make a recommendation based on your goals.

Step 2: Getting Set Up

Once your formula is selected, you'll be seated in a comfortable infusion chair. Our specialist will locate a vein — typically in your arm — and insert a small IV catheter. This is the only "needle" moment of the session. The catheter is a thin, flexible tube, and once it's in place, the needle is removed. What remains is just the soft tube, which most people don't feel at all.

The initial insertion takes about 30 seconds. There's a brief pinch — comparable to a standard blood draw — and then it's done. The IV bag is then connected and the infusion begins.

Step 3: The Infusion

Most of our IV formulas run for 45 to 60 minutes. Our NAD+ drip takes longer — typically 2 to 4 hours — because NAD+ needs to be administered slowly to be tolerated well. During this time, you're free to relax, use your phone, read, or just decompress.

Many clients describe feeling the effects during the infusion itself — a sense of warmth, calm, or a gentle energy lift, depending on the formula. Some formulas, particularly the Myers' Cocktail and Immune Boost, can produce a subtle warm sensation as the magnesium in the formula enters the bloodstream. This is normal and typically very mild.

Step 4: Wrapping Up

When the bag is empty, our specialist will remove the IV catheter. A small piece of gauze and a bandage go over the insertion site — similar to a blood draw bandage. That's it. There's no recovery period, no restrictions on activity, and no downtime. You're free to go about your day immediately after.

What Does It Feel Like?

Most clients report feeling noticeably better within a few hours of their session, though this varies by formula and individual. The Performance & Recovery and Myers' Cocktail drips tend to produce the most immediate and noticeable results — clients often describe a clear mental lift and more physical energy by the end of the session.

Some formulas, particularly those containing B vitamins, can produce a brief warming or flushing sensation as the nutrients enter the bloodstream. This is a normal physiological response and resolves within minutes. Our specialists will let you know what to expect with your specific formula before the session begins.

Is IV Therapy Safe?

IV therapy administered by trained professionals in a clinical setting is considered safe for most healthy adults. Before your first session, we conduct a brief health intake to screen for any contraindications. Clients with certain kidney conditions, heart conditions, or who are pregnant should consult with their physician before receiving IV therapy.

At Asclepius Healing Center, every session is administered in a sterile environment following proper clinical protocol. Our team is trained in IV placement and infusion monitoring. You're never left unattended during a session.

How Often Should You Get IV Therapy?

This varies widely based on your goals. Some clients come in once a month for general wellness maintenance. Athletes during heavy training seasons often come in weekly, particularly after competition. Clients using IV therapy to address specific deficiencies or acute illness recovery may start with more frequent sessions and taper off over time.

Our specialists are happy to discuss what a realistic and beneficial schedule looks like based on your specific situation when you call or come in.