Our shots are intramuscular injections, meaning the fluid gets injected into your muscle. If you’re simply getting B12 alone, it can be injected into the deltoid muscle of the upper arm. Shots other than a straight B12 shot will be administered in the upper outer quadrant of the gluteal muscle. But no worries … we don’t need much ‘southern exposure’! It’s not technically on the buttocks, it’s just above it!

Everyone’s pain tolerance is different. Our staff is very proficient + a shot typically causes little to no pain. It has a lot to do with how relaxed you are during the injection (mind + body), if you have just exercised (causing tense muscles) + how hydrated you are (as well as the awesome technique, of course)! We will instruct you on how to stand + breathe for relaxation for the most comfortable experience. Being well-hydrated (+ nourished) is beneficial. If you come in wearing heels, it may be beneficial to kick them off.

Everyone is different. If you are taking a medication or supplement that thins the blood – warfarin, Coumadin, aspirin, fish oil, ginkgo biloba, garlic – your risk of bruising from a shot increases. Other reasons for bruising include, but are not limited to, thinning skin, vasculitis, purpuric dermatosis, platelet deficiency, liver disease, vitamin K deficiency, vitamin C deficiency, moving your body during the injection, or dehydration. It’s important to remain still + relaxed until you’re told “you’re all set”!

Many people have trouble with nutrient absorption due to the presence of intestinal inflammation, poor gut health, or a deficiency of Intrinsic Factor – a glycoprotein produced in the stomach that is essential for B12 absorption, whether from an oral supplement or food providing B12 (mostly liver, red meat + clams). Injecting nutrients intramuscularly sidesteps this issue by delivering nutrients directly to the cells, feeding your body instantaneously for immediate utilization.

Everyone can certainly benefit from receiving a B12 shot. People who are most at risk of being B12 insufficient or deficient are vegans, vegetarians – or those who do not eat much red meat — older adults, individuals with atrophic gastritis, pernicious anemia, gastrointestinal disorders, those who have had gastrointestinal surgery + people who take certain medications including, but not limited to, birth control pills, H2 receptor antagonists (such as Tagamet®, Pepcid® + Zantac®), PPIs (Proton Pump Inhibitors, such as Prilosec® or Prevacid®), Chloramphenicol (Chloromycetin®) + Metformin.