Lyme Disease Treatment In Philadelphia At Meeting Point Health

Lyme Disease, a tick-borne illness caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi, has been on the rise in recent years, particularly in the northeastern United States. Philadelphia, situated in the heart of this region, has seen its fair share of Lyme Disease cases. Meeting Point Health, a leading healthcare facility in Philadelphia, has emerged as a beacon of hope for individuals grappling with this debilitating disease. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into Lyme Disease treatment at Meeting Point Health, exploring the state-of-the-art therapies, dedicated medical professionals, and holistic approach that sets them apart.

Understanding Lyme Disease

Before delving into the treatment options available at Meeting Point Health, it’s crucial to understand the disease itself. Lyme Disease is primarily transmitted through the bite of infected black-legged ticks, commonly known as deer ticks. The disease’s symptoms can range from mild to severe and often include fever, fatigue, joint pain, and a characteristic circular rash resembling a bull’s-eye. If left untreated, Lyme Disease can progress to more severe symptoms, affecting the heart, nervous system, and joints.

The Importance of Early Detection

Early detection and treatment of Lyme Disease are critical in preventing the progression of the illness to its later stages. This is where Meeting Point Health in Philadelphia plays a pivotal role. They emphasize the importance of early diagnosis through thorough evaluation and testing.

Diagnostic Testing

Meeting Point Health utilizes state-of-the-art diagnostic tests to confirm the presence of Lyme Disease from Vibrant Wellness, which has the most sensitive and specific Lyme test on the market.

Vibrant Wellness’ Tickborne Panel is the industry’s first test to run on a silicon micro-array platform. This platform provides the highest level of accuracy in detecting tickborne diseases, including Anaplasma, Babesia, Bartonella, Ehrlichia, Rickettsia, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and Lyme disease form Borrelia, which are the most common tickborne diseases in the United States.

The Tickborne 2.0 panel employs both antigen and PCR detection methods to identify Lyme and other tickborne diseases. This test is available in both a blood draw and a finger prick blood spot version. Specifically, the Tickborne Diseases panel examines IgG and IgM antibodies related to Borreliosis/Lyme disease, co-infections, and opportunistic infections from other tickborne illnesses. It also detects the DNA of the microorganisms responsible for these infections using an immunochip, which is a semiquantitative assay for IgG and IgM antibodies in human serum.

The PCR Test is a real-time PCR Assay designed to qualitatively detect infectious group-specific DNA in clinical samples. This assay allows for the detection of lower levels of antibodies compared to ELISA-Enhanced IgM, enabling much earlier detection. Additionally, this tests offers up to 16000-fold amplification, surpassing traditional methods such as a Western blot.

A Multidisciplinary Approach to Treatment

Once diagnosed, Meeting Point Health adopts a multidisciplinary approach to Lyme Disease treatment, recognizing that this complex illness can affect various systems in the body. Their team of experienced medical professionals works collaboratively to create customized treatment plans for each patient.

Certain Medications

While we do not use antibiotic therapy for chronic Lyme, certain medications such as methylene blue and ivermectin have shown some promise in treating chronic Lyme disease. Methylene blue, known for its antimicrobial properties, may help combat persistent infections often associated with Lyme disease. Meanwhile, ivermectin, primarily used against parasitic infections, exhibits potential in addressing the co-infections that frequently accompany Lyme disease. While research into these treatments is ongoing, their emergence as potential options offers new avenues of hope for individuals grappling with the challenges of chronic Lyme disease management.

IV Therapy

Infusion therapies can be a part of the treatment approach for chronic Lyme disease, although it’s important to note that their efficacy can vary from person to person. Here are some of the various infusion therapies that have been explored for chronic Lyme disease:

  1. Ozone Therapy: Ozone therapy involves the infusion of ozone gas into the bloodstream. It’s believed to have antimicrobial properties and can stimulate the immune system.
  2. High-Dose Vitamin C: Intravenous (IV) vitamin C is administered at high doses, which is thought to have immune-boosting effects and may help with symptoms of Lyme disease.
  3. Glutathione Therapy: Glutathione is an antioxidant that can be administered through IV. It may help reduce oxidative stress and support detoxification processes in the body.
  4. Myers’ Cocktail: This is a blend of vitamins and minerals delivered through IV, including vitamin C, B vitamins, calcium, and magnesium. It’s often used to improve overall health and energy.
  5. Chelation Therapy: Chelation involves the use of IV medications like EDTA to remove heavy metals from the body. Some practitioners believe it can help with detoxification in Lyme disease cases.
  6. Phosphatidylcholine (PC) Therapy: PC is a component of cell membranes, and IV administration may support cellular health and detoxification.
  7. UV Blood Irradiation: This therapy exposes a small amount of a patient’s blood to ultraviolet (UV) light outside the body before returning it through an IV. It’s believed to have antimicrobial effects.
  8. Methylene Blue: an antimicrobial agent and powerful antioxidant, is effective in targeting persistent infections associated with Lyme disease.

It’s essential to consult with a healthcare provider experienced in treating Lyme disease to determine which, if any, of these infusion therapies might be suitable for your specific case. Treatment plans should be individualized and may involve a combination of therapies along with antibiotics or other medications. Additionally, the effectiveness of these therapies can vary, and more research is needed to establish their benefits conclusively.

Osteopathy

For individuals with Lyme Disease who experience joint pain and muscle weakness, physical therapy can be a crucial component of their treatment plan. Meeting Point Health’s physicians use Osteopathic Manipulation Therapy to reduce pain and restore mobility and strength.

Holistic Approach

Their holistic approach to Lyme Disease treatment sets Meeting Point Health apart. They understand that the disease affects not only the body but also the mind and spirit. As part of their holistic care, they offer complementary therapies such as:

  • Nutritional Counseling: A healthy diet plays a vital role in supporting the immune system during Lyme Disease treatment. Meeting Point Health’s nutritionists provide guidance on foods and supplements that can aid in recovery.
  • Acupuncture: This ancient Chinese practice has been shown to alleviate pain and improve overall well-being in Lyme Disease patients.
  • Mindfulness and Meditation: Techniques to reduce stress and promote relaxation can be valuable in managing Lyme Disease symptoms. Meeting Point Health offers mindfulness and meditation sessions to interested patients.
  • Herbal Medicine: Some individuals with Lyme Disease explore the benefits of herbal medicine as a complementary treatment. Meeting Point Health’s integrative medicine practitioners can provide guidance in this area.

Ongoing Monitoring and Follow-Up

Lyme Disease treatment does not end with antibiotics. Meeting Point Health understands the need for ongoing monitoring and follow-up care. Patients are routinely assessed to track their progress and ensure that treatment adjustments are made as needed.

The Expert Team at Meeting Point Health

Meeting Point Health’s success in Lyme Disease treatment can be attributed to its team of dedicated and experienced healthcare professionals. Their integrative medicine physicians and providers work collaboratively to provide comprehensive care.

Schedule an Appointment Today for Lyme Disease Treatment!

Lyme Disease can be a debilitating illness, but with the right treatment and support, recovery is possible. Meeting Point Health in Philadelphia stands out as a beacon of hope for individuals facing this complex condition. Their commitment to early diagnosis, personalized treatment plans, and holistic care approach sets them apart in the field of Lyme Disease treatment.

If you or a loved one is grappling with Lyme Disease in the Philadelphia area, consider reaching out to us at Meeting Point Health for comprehensive and compassionate care. Your journey to recovery begins here. Visit Meeting Point Health to learn more about our Lyme Disease treatment program and schedule a consultation with our expert team.

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Medically reviewed by Dr. Stephen Matta, DO, MBA CAQSM and Mary Anne Matta, MS, MA, LAC

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