Inflammation Treatments NYC - Dr. John Salerno

Advanced Comprehensive Care for Chronic Inflammation by Salerno Wellness in Manhattan, NY and Connecticut

I know how overwhelming and disheartening it is when pain, fatigue, and unexplained illness start to take over your life and rob you of your quality of life. I’ve been hearing it for 30+ years from patients who’ve come to me after feeling like their chronic symptoms are falling on deaf ears in the mainstream medical system. I want to help you identify and remove what’s triggering your inflammation so you can heal your body and get your energy back. With modern, cutting-edge, complementary, functional, and integrative therapies, we can treat the root cause of your inflammation so you can return to the healthy, active you are meant to be.

-Dr. John Salerno

What is Chronic Inflammation?

Chronic inflammation is a prolonged biological response where your body's immune system remains in a state of high alert long after an injury or infection has healed. Unlike acute inflammation, which is a short-term healing process characterized by redness and swelling, this chronic variation operates silently beneath the surface and can damage healthy tissues over time. It occurs when the immune system gets confused and begins attacking the body's own cells, leading to a breakdown in normal physiological function. This persistent inflammatory state is often driven by lifestyle factors, environmental toxins, or unresolved infections that keep the immune system constantly activated.

Over months or even years, this low-grade fire inside the body can contribute to the development of serious diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and autoimmune disorders. Many patients do not even realize they are suffering from this condition until more severe symptoms or secondary illnesses begin to manifest. It serves as a foundational driver of aging and disease, making it crucial to identify and manage it before irreversible damage occurs. By understanding inflammation as a systemic issue rather than just a localized pain, we can begin to treat the whole person effectively.

Types of Chronic Inflammation

• Low-Grade Systemic Inflammation - This type is often called "silent inflammation" because it does not produce immediate pain but slowly damages organs and tissues throughout the entire body over years. It is typically detected through blood markers, such as C-reactive protein (CRP), rather than through physical symptoms.

• Autoimmune-Induced Inflammation - This specific form occurs when the immune system targets specific organs, such as the thyroid in Hashimoto's or the joints in rheumatoid arthritis. It requires targeted therapies to modulate the immune response without completely suppressing it.

• Metabolic Inflammation (Meta-flammation) - This type is closely linked to obesity and metabolic syndrome, originating from excess fat cells that release inflammatory cytokines. It primarily affects the liver, pancreas, and adipose tissue, driving insulin resistance.

• Infectious Chronic Inflammation - This occurs when the body fails to eliminate a pathogen, such as the Epstein-Barr virus or Lyme disease bacteria. The immune system remains in a constant state of combat, leading to fatigue and localized tissue damage.

• Environmental or Toxic Inflammation - Exposure to mold, heavy metals like mercury or lead, or industrial chemicals can trigger this persistent immune reactivity. The body struggles to detoxify these substances, leading to a continuous inflammatory response until the toxin is removed.

Common Symptoms of Chronic Inflammation

Recognizing the signs of this condition can be difficult because its symptoms are often vague and can overlap with those of many other health issues. Patients frequently report feeling generally unwell without a clear explanation, leading to years of misdiagnosis or dismissal by conventional practitioners. Below are the most frequent indicators that your body may be struggling with a persistent inflammatory load.

• Persistent Body Pain and Joint Stiffness - You may experience constant aching in your muscles or joints that does not seem to improve with rest or standard over-the-counter pain relief. This stiffness is often worse upon waking in the morning and can significantly limit your range of motion and daily activities.

• Chronic Fatigue and Lethargy - Many patients report a deep, unshakeable tiredness that persists even after a full night's sleep. This exhaustion goes beyond simple sleepiness and affects your mental clarity, physical stamina, and overall motivation to participate in life.

• Digestive Issues and Abdominal Discomfort - Inflammation often affects the gut, leading to recurring symptoms such as bloating, gas, constipation, or diarrhea that disrupt your daily routine. These gastrointestinal disturbances are frequently signs that the lining of your gut is compromised and reacting to dietary or environmental triggers.

• Frequent Infections and Weakened Immunity - When your immune system is distracted by fighting internal inflammation, it becomes less effective at warding off external threats like viruses and bacteria. You might notice that you catch colds more easily than others or that it takes you much longer to recover from minor illnesses.

• Skin Rashes and Dermatological Issues - The skin is often a mirror of internal health, and chronic inflammation can show up as psoriasis, eczema, or unexplained red rashes. These skin conditions are usually resistant to topical creams because the root of the problem lies deep within the body's systemic response.

• Mood Disorders and Brain Fog - Inflammatory cytokines can cross the blood-brain barrier, affecting neurotransmitter function and leading to symptoms of depression or anxiety. Patients often describe a sensation of "brain fog," where they struggle with concentration, memory recall, and mental sharpness throughout the day.

• Unexplained Weight Gain or Difficulty Losing Weight - Systemic inflammation can disrupt metabolic hormones such as insulin and leptin, leading the body to store fat aggressively, particularly around the abdomen. Even with a strict diet and exercise regimen, inflammation can create a metabolic blockade that makes weight loss incredibly difficult.

A sedentary lifestyle contributes significantly because physical inactivity leads to the accumulation of visceral fat, which itself releases pro-inflammatory chemicals. Conversely, over-exercising without adequate recovery can also keep the body in a state of stress and inflammation. Hidden infections, such as dormant viruses or imbalances in the gut microbiome, can constantly irritate the immune system without causing acute symptoms. Lastly, sleep deprivation prevents the body from performing necessary repair processes, leaving the system vulnerable to inflammatory cascades.

Related Medical Conditions That Can Be Treated

If left unchecked, chronic inflammation can serve as the precursor to a wide array of serious medical conditions that affect nearly every system in the body. By addressing the inflammatory root, we can often manage, reverse, or significantly improve the prognosis of these associated diseases. The following conditions are frequently associated with high systemic inflammation and respond well to integrative treatment.

• Cardiovascular Disease and Atherosclerosis - Inflammation damages the inner lining of blood vessels, promoting the buildup of plaque that can lead to heart attacks and strokes. Treating the inflammation can help stabilize these plaques and improve overall circulation and heart health.

• Type 2 Diabetes and Insulin Resistance - Inflammatory cells can interfere with insulin signaling, making it difficult for your body to regulate blood sugar levels effectively. Reducing systemic inflammation often improves insulin sensitivity and glycemic control in patients with diabetes.

• Autoimmune Diseases (Rheumatoid Arthritis, Lupus) - In these conditions, the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissues, a process driven by runaway inflammation. Integrative treatments aim to calm this overactive immune response, reducing flare-ups and preserving tissue function.

• Alzheimer’s Disease and Neurodegenerative Disorders - Chronic inflammation in the brain is believed to contribute to the accumulation of plaques and tangles associated with cognitive decline. Early intervention targeting inflammation may help slow the progression of memory loss and protect neural pathways.

• Cancer and Tumor Growth - An inflamed microenvironment can promote cell mutations and support tumor growth and spread. Reducing inflammation is a key component of a comprehensive strategy to support the body’s natural defenses against cancer.

• Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) - Inflammation in the airways leads to the constriction and tissue damage seen in chronic respiratory conditions. Managing this inflammation can help improve breathing capacity and reduce the frequency of exacerbations.

How Conventional Medicine Treats Inflammation

Conventional medicine typically addresses inflammation by focusing on symptom suppression rather than root-cause resolution. The standard of care usually involves the prescription of Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen or stronger corticosteroids like prednisone. While these medications can provide rapid relief from pain and swelling, they do not stop the underlying process that caused the inflammation in the first place. Long-term use of these drugs is often associated with significant side effects, including gastrointestinal bleeding, kidney damage, and weakened bones.



In cases of autoimmune disease, conventional doctors may prescribe immunosuppressant drugs or biologics that suppress key parts of the immune system. This approach can leave the patient vulnerable to severe infections and even certain types of cancer. Conventional practitioners rarely have the time or training to investigate dietary triggers, heavy metal toxicity, or hidden infections. As a result, patients often remain on medication indefinitely without ever achieving true remission or healing.

How Dr. John Salerno Treats Chronic Inflammation

My approach begins with comprehensive diagnostic testing that goes far beyond the standard blood panel to identify the specific triggers of your inflammation. I use functional testing to assess food sensitivities, heavy metal toxicity, vitamin deficiencies, and imbalances in the gut microbiome. Once we identify the root causes, I design a personalized treatment plan that prioritizes natural and restorative therapies. This often includes the Salerno Center’s signature IV vitamin therapies to flood your body with powerful antioxidants like glutathione and Vitamin C.

We also employ bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) if hormonal imbalances are driving your inflammatory response. I place a heavy emphasis on nutritional counseling, guiding you toward an anti-inflammatory diet that eliminates common triggers like gluten, dairy, and sugar. We may also utilize chelation therapy to remove heavy metals that are keeping your immune system in a state of alarm. My goal is to modulate and balance your immune system naturally, allowing your body to heal itself without dependence on harsh pharmaceuticals.

Possible Side Effects of Treatment

Because my treatments focus on natural restoration and detoxification, side effects are generally mild and transient compared to conventional drugs. When starting a detoxification protocol or changing your diet, you may experience a temporary "Herxheimer reaction," which can feel like mild flu symptoms as toxins are released. Some patients report temporary fatigue or headaches after their first few IV treatments as their body adjusts to the influx of nutrients.

Chelation therapy, if needed, can occasionally cause temporary changes in mineral levels, which we monitor closely and correct with supplementation. In rare cases, patients may have minor bruising or discomfort at the injection site for IV therapies or blood draws. However, the vast majority of my patients report feeling significantly better, with increased energy and mental clarity, rather than worse. We monitor your progress carefully and adjust protocols to ensure your comfort and safety throughout the healing process.

What Can Happen if Left Untreated?

Ignoring chronic inflammation is dangerous because it allows the silent damage to accumulate over the years, often leading to irreversible health consequences. Without intervention, the constant immune attack can destroy healthy tissue in joints, leading to debilitating arthritis and loss of mobility. It significantly accelerates the aging process, damaging DNA and shortening telomeres, which can shorten your lifespan. Unchecked inflammation is a primary driver of cardiovascular events, meaning untreated patients are at a much higher risk for sudden heart attacks or strokes. It can also lead to the development of severe autoimmune conditions where the body aggressively attacks its own organs.

Metabolic function can deteriorate to the point of Type 2 diabetes, bringing with it a host of complications like neuropathy and vision loss. Furthermore, the risk of developing neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's increases significantly the longer inflammation remains in the brain. Ultimately, leaving this condition untreated compromises your quality of life and leaves you vulnerable to life-threatening diseases.

Patient Case Study

"Michael," a 52-year-old executive, came to Salerno Wellness complaining of severe joint pain, brain fog, and an inability to lose weight despite a rigorous exercise routine. He had visited three other specialists who prescribed him strong anti-inflammatories and told him his symptoms were just a part of aging. Michael was frustrated because the medication upset his stomach and made him feel groggy, affecting his performance at work. Upon his first visit, I conducted a thorough evaluation, including heavy metal testing and a detailed food sensitivity panel.

The results revealed that Michael had high levels of mercury in his system and a severe sensitivity to gluten, both of which were fueling his inflammation. We immediately started him on a chelation protocol to remove the heavy metals and transitioned him to a strict gluten-free, anti-inflammatory diet. I also administered high-dose Vitamin C and Glutathione IVs to support his liver and quench the systemic fire.

Within six weeks, Michael reported that his joint pain had vanished completely without the use of any painkillers. He lost 18 pounds of inflammation-related water weight and fat, and he noted that his mental clarity was better than it had been in his thirties. Six months later, his blood markers for inflammation were well within the normal range, and he felt revitalized. Michael’s success demonstrates how identifying and removing the root cause can resolve symptoms that conventional medicine deemed permanent.

Why Patients Choose Dr. John Salerno

Patients choose Salerno Wellness because they are tired of the "15-minute appointment" model, which leaves them with more questions than answers. They seek my care because I combine the diagnostic rigor of a medical doctor with the holistic philosophy of a natural healer. My thirty years of experience allow me to see patterns and connections that less experienced practitioners often miss. Patients appreciate that I use cutting-edge functional testing to validate their symptoms rather than dismissing them as psychological. They value my commitment to using natural, low-risk therapies whenever possible, reserving drugs only for when they are absolutely necessary.

Salrno Wellness offers a warm, supportive environment where patients feel truly heard and partnered with in their healthcare decisions. Ultimately, they choose me because I provide hope and tangible results for complex conditions that others have failed to treat. I am dedicated to restoring not just health, but vitality and longevity for every person who walks through my doors.

Additional References

• Inflammation - National Institute of Health Sciences
• Immune Response - MedlinePlus