Botox® is widely known as an anti-wrinkle treatment, but did you know that well before it was utilized for cosmetic purposes, it was being prescribed in therapeutic medicine? One of its original applications was to treat conditions of the eye and that’s when its anti-wrinkle properties were discovered, as a ‘side effect’.
The protein is safely and successfully used to treat a wide variety of medical conditions such as hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating), tension headaches, migraines, TMJ syndrome and spasmodic muscle pain. Botox® Therapeutic has shown efficacy rates as high as 80% in many clinical trials for the treatment of these conditions.
Hyperhidrosis is the medical term given to the condition commonly known as excessive sweating. Hyperhidrosis is caused by the over stimulation of sweat glands by the autonomic nerves. There can be considerable emotional and social stigma attached to the condition, which can affect your confidence and self-esteem.
Botox® for hyperhidrosis has been proven to be effective in decreasing both palmar and axillary hyperhidrosis (sweating of the armpits and hands) by blocking the release of the chemical responsible for stimulating the sweat glands. An injection to the affected area may provide relief from excessive sweat within one week of your treatment, for three months up to one year. Botox® for hyperhidrosis is the only prescription medicine for excessive underarm sweating that has been approved by Health Canada. Please note: Dr. Fleming currently only treats hyperhidrosis of the palms and armpits.
The Botox® Therapeutic for migraines is injected directly into specific trigger points, which may involve multiple injections. This causes the muscles in the face, neck and head to relax which significantly reduces the frequency and severity of migraines. You should experience the results of Botox® for migraines within two weeks of treatment, but it can sometimes it may take longer to get the full result.
The joint on both sides of the head where the jawbone meets the skull is called the temporo-mandibular joint (TMJ). TMJ syndrome occurs when this joint becomes overworked due to excessive teeth grinding or clenching of the teeth, and may result in tension headaches, jaw clicking or extreme pain in the jaw. Botox® for TMJ is injected into the muscles that control the often involuntary movements of the joint and causes them to relax, alleviating your TMJ symptoms. Many people experience relief with two weeks, but it may take longer to get the full benefit of the treatment.
For additional information, please see the FAQs section or contact us to make an appointment to talk to one of our doctors about Botox® Therapeutic.