
Real Recovery: How IV Therapy Helped One Athlete Bounce Back After a Marathon

Aiken, SC Runner’s Experience with IV Support at Novo Wellness
Finishing a marathon is a monumental achievement—but what comes after the finish line can be just as important. Fatigue, muscle soreness, dehydration, and delayed recovery are common challenges for endurance athletes, even those who train meticulously.
At Novo Wellness Center, with locations in Hilton Head Island and Aiken, we recently supported a local runner named Melissa through her post-marathon recovery using IV therapy—and the results speak volumes about what this modality can offer.
The Marathon High—Followed by a Crash
Melissa, age 42, completed her first full marathon on Hilton Head Island this past spring. She trained for six months, managed her pace well, and crossed the finish line injury-free. But the days that followed weren’t as smooth.
“I expected some soreness,” Melissa recalls. “But I didn’t expect to feel totally drained, mentally foggy, and like my legs were made of concrete three days later.”
Despite hydrating and eating well, Melissa experienced:
-
Extreme muscle soreness
-
Sleep disruption
-
Persistent fatigue
-
Mild dizziness
-
Brain fog
Her recovery lagged far behind what she was used to after shorter races. That’s when a friend recommended she visit Novo Wellness.
How IV Therapy Speeds Athletic Recovery
Post-exertional fatigue isn’t just about dehydration. It’s about cellular exhaustion, inflammation, and nutrient depletion. IV therapy delivers nutrients and fluids directly into the bloodstream, bypassing digestion and replenishing the body’s recovery systems more efficiently.
“Endurance athletes deplete B vitamins, magnesium, and glutathione at a high rate,” says Dr. William Durrett, Medical Director at Novo Wellness. “These nutrients are essential for mitochondrial function, muscle repair, and oxidative stress management.”
Melissa’s Customized IV Recovery Protocol
After a brief consultation and health review, Melissa received a targeted IV infusion designed for post-race recovery. Her blend included:
-
Vitamin C – to support immune function and tissue healing
-
B-Complex and B12 – to replenish energy stores and nervous system balance
-
Magnesium – to relieve muscle cramps and promote better sleep
-
Glutathione – to combat oxidative stress caused by prolonged exertion
-
Amino acids – to support muscle and tendon recovery
-
Hydration base – to restore lost fluids and electrolyte balance
The infusion took about 60 minutes, and Melissa was able to relax in one of Novo’s private treatment rooms during the session.
The Results: Faster, Clearer, Better
Melissa noticed a difference within 24 hours of her treatment:
-
Reduced muscle soreness
-
Improved sleep that night
-
Sharper mental focus
-
Boosted energy the following day
“I woke up the next morning feeling like I actually recovered. I’ve run half marathons before and felt worse. This IV made a huge difference,” she said.
She returned for a second infusion five days later to support ongoing healing and immune balance.
Why More Athletes Are Choosing IV Therapy
Recovery is no longer just about ice baths and protein shakes. Athletes and active individuals are turning to IV therapy for:
-
Faster muscle recovery and soreness relief
-
Better sleep and energy restoration
-
Hydration and electrolyte support
-
Immune system reinforcement post-race
-
Cognitive clarity and reduced post-race fatigue
Whether you’re training for a marathon, competing in triathlons, or simply engaging in regular fitness routines, IV therapy can shorten downtime and improve performance longevity.
Is It Right for You?
IV recovery therapy may benefit:
-
Marathon and half-marathon runners
-
Cyclists and triathletes
-
CrossFit or HIIT enthusiasts
-
Weekend warriors or recreational athletes
-
Anyone facing intensive physical or mental exertion
Even a single treatment post-event can reduce inflammation and support more resilient tissue repair.
Book Your Recovery Session Today
You don’t need to wait until you’re feeling run down. Whether you’re training, recovering, or just want to optimize performance, our team at Novo Wellness is here to help.
Aiken, SC Location
You Might Also Enjoy...


Bounce Back Faster: How IV Therapy Supports Recovery from Illness or Injury

Cravings and Cortisol: How to Manage Food Cravings During Stressful Times

Beyond One-Size-Fits-All: How Customization in Dermal Fillers Enhances Natural Results

The Unsung Hero: The Role of the Immune System in Regenerative Medicine
