New Hope for Long COVID at Riordan Clinic

"This is a circulation upgrade." —Dr. Ron Hunninghake

Many people recovering from COVID continue to deal with fatigue, brain fog, and symptoms that don’t fully resolve. For some, standard testing comes back normal, even when they don’t feel back to baseline.

In this episode of the Real Health Podcast, Dr. Ron Hunninghake and Dr. Michelle Niesley discuss long COVID, microclots, and how changes in circulation are being studied in relation to ongoing symptoms.

They walk through what clinicians are seeing in practice and why long COVID can be difficult to define. Symptoms can show up in many different ways, which makes it harder to pinpoint a single cause. This has led to more attention on how blood flow and capillary function may influence how the body feels and functions over time.

Dr. Hunninghake shares emerging research around microclots and how they may affect circulation at the smallest levels of the body. Dr. Niesley connects that to what co-learners are experiencing and why some people continue to search for answers even after being told everything looks normal.

They also discuss a protocol being explored at the clinic that includes HOT UBI and intravenous vitamin C, along with how often treatments are given and what the process looks like. Early experiences are shared, along with the importance of continuing to learn through observation and data over time.

👉 Learn more about HOT UBI with IVC and how it’s being used as part of an individualized approach.

You’ll also hear how this approach fits into the broader Riordan model—looking at nutrient status, environmental factors, and the full picture of a person’s health.

If you’re navigating lingering symptoms after COVID or trying to understand what may be contributing to them, we hope this conversation offers a place to start.

👉 Learn more or request an appointment at riordanclinic.org

✨ Riordan Clinic is also celebrating 50 years of care at the upcoming Pearls & Purpose Gala. This evening brings together community, research, and the future of care.

👉 Reserve your seat at gala.riordanclinic.org

Episode links and resources

Explore integrative services at Riordan Clinic

Become a Riordan Clinic co-learner

Learn more about Dr. Ron Hunninghake

Learn more about Dr. Michelle Niesley

Reserve your seat at the Pearls & Purpose Gala

Watch more Real Health Podcast episodes

Episode chapters

00:00 Welcome to the Real Health Podcast

00:57 What long COVID can look like

02:06 Microclots and circulation

03:35 Microclots vs. larger clots

03:53 Challenges with testing

05:05 Exploring new approaches

05:23 HOT UBI and IV vitamin C

07:36 Treatment frequency

09:33 Safety and process

11:23 Side effects and observations

11:52 Looking ahead

13:25 Final thoughts

Disclaimer

The information contained on the Real Health Podcast and the resources mentioned are for educational purposes only. They are not intended as and shall not be understood or construed as medical or health advice. The information contained on this podcast is not a substitute for medical or health advice from a professional who is aware of the facts and circumstances of your individual situation. Information provided by hosts and guests on the Real Health Podcast or the use of any products or services mentioned does not create a practitioner-patient relationship between you and any persons affiliated with this podcast.

Topics we explore in this episode include:

long COVID symptoms, microclots and circulation, fatigue and brain fog, integrative medicine, HOT UBI therapy, intravenous vitamin C, chronic illness patterns, functional medicine approach, Riordan Clinic, Real Health Podcast