An Interventional Pain and Sports Medicine Practice

An Interventional Pain & Sports
Medicine Practice

Several light blue medication capsules scattered randomly on a white surface, shown in a close-up overhead view.

Glucagon-like peptide-1, or GLP-1, medications are widely known for supporting blood sugar control and weight loss. Emerging research and clinical experience suggest that GLP-1 receptor activation may also help reduce systemic inflammation, improve mitochondrial function, and modulate pain signaling.

At Barr Center and our partner practice, Hang 10, we take a precision-guided, root-cause approach. In select patients, carefully supervised microdosing of GLP-1 medications may help reduce chronic pain and inflammatory burden, often at doses significantly lower than those used for diabetes or weight loss. We have several GLP-1 options available for our patients.

What Are GLP-1 Medications?

GLP-1s are naturally occurring hormones that help regulate blood sugar, reduce insulin resistance, slow gastric emptying, signal satiety in the brain, and reduce inflammatory signaling.

Common GLP-1 receptor agonists include semaglutide, tirzepatide, and liraglutide. While these medications are FDA approved for diabetes and weight management, research suggests they may also have broader anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects.

What Is Microdosing?

Microdosing refers to the use of lower-than-standard doses of GLP-1 medications to achieve metabolic and anti-inflammatory benefits while minimizing side effects.

Instead of focusing only on weight loss, microdosing protocols may aim to improve insulin sensitivity, reduce systemic inflammation, lower neuroinflammatory signaling, support mitochondrial efficiency, and reduce central pain sensitization.

Through the careful supervision of the medical staff at Hang 10, patients are monitored for weight, body composition, symptom patterns, metabolic markers, and inflammatory markers. Dosing is individualized, and patients are guided to maintain adequate protein and water intake as appetite decreases. We also assess factors that may limit successful weight loss and create treatment plans to help patients get back on track.

How GLP-1 Activation May Reduce Inflammation

Downregulation of Pro-Inflammatory Cytokines

GLP-1 receptor activation may help reduce inflammatory markers such as TNF-alpha, IL-6, and CRP.

Improved Insulin Sensitivity

Better insulin sensitivity may help reduce oxidative stress and advanced glycation end products that can contribute to inflammation and pain.

Reduced Neuroinflammation

GLP-1 receptors in the brain and spinal cord may help reduce central sensitization and microglial activation.

Mitochondrial Support

GLP-1 signaling may help improve mitochondrial efficiency and cellular energy production.

Conditions That May Benefit

Conditions that may benefit from this approach can include chronic low back pain, osteoarthritis, peripheral neuropathy, fibromyalgia, autoimmune-related pain, post-COVID inflammatory syndromes, and metabolic-associated joint pain.

Potential Benefits

Patients may experience reduced joint pain, improved morning stiffness, better energy, reduced brain fog, improved body composition, and lower inflammatory markers, even without significant weight loss.

Safety Considerations

GLP-1 medications are generally well tolerated when prescribed and monitored appropriately. They may not be appropriate for individuals with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma, MEN2 syndrome, severe gastroparesis, or certain pancreatic conditions.

A medical evaluation and baseline labs are recommended before starting treatment, and periodic lab monitoring is also advised.

GLP-1 Microdosing in Virginia Beach

At Barr Center for Innovative Pain & Regenerative Therapies, in conjunction with Hang 10 in Virginia Beach, we evaluate chronic pain through a metabolic and cellular lens. Microdosing GLP-1 therapy represents one of several innovative tools used to help patients reduce inflammation, restore function, and reclaim quality of life.

To learn more, call Hang 10 at 757-974-5828.

INNOVATIVE PAIN & REGENERATIVE THERAPIES
INNOVATIVE PAIN & REGENERATIVE THERAPIES
Expert care for spine, joint, nerve, sports injuries, and chronic pain.

Find Relief From the Conditions Holding You Back

Dr. Lisa Barr is a leading pain management physician in Virginia Beach with over 35 years of experience diagnosing and treating spine, joint, nerve, and musculoskeletal pain. As a Board Certified PM&R specialist, she focuses on whole-body, non-surgical solutions that uncover the true root cause of pain. She is also the international bestselling author of Outsmart Your Pain and one of the region’s most experienced experts in regenerative medicine, PRP, and advanced biologic therapies.

Spinal Conditions
  • Neck Pain
  • Mid Back Pain
  • Low Back Pain
  • Pelvic Pain
  • SacroiIiac Joint Pain
  • Hypermobility
  • Myofascial Pain
    • Trigger Point
      injections
    • What is Sarapin?
  • Fibromyalgia
  • EOS/Hypermobility
    Syndrome
  • Autoimmunity
    • LDN (Low dose
      Natrexone)
    • Testing
  • Prolotherapy
  • Neuroprolotherapy
  • Neural Therapy
  • Cold Laser
  • Entrapment Neuropathy
    • Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
    • Radial & Ulnar Nerve Entrapment
    • Lower Extremity Entrapment
    • Occipital Neuritis
  • Scar Tissue
  • Peripheral Neuropathy
    • Fatty Acid Testing & Specialized Therapies
    • Cold Laser
    • Nutritional Support
  • Neck Pain
  • Mid Back Pain
  • Low Back Pain
  • Pelvic Pain
  • SacroiIiac Joint Pain
  • Hypermobility
  • Inner Arsenal
  • Vagus Nerve Support
  • Power over Pain Mindset
  • Breathing Practices
Resources

Chronic Pain Management Articles

Barr Center Video Playlist

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OVERVIEW

The Barr Center for Innovative Pain and Regenerative Therapies, led by Dr. Lisa Barr, is dedicated to helping people in pain. With over forty years of experience, Dr. Barr and her staff offer a range of evaluation and treatment options, including osteopathic assessment, trigger point injections, prolotherapy, and regenerative therapies. They prioritize a caring atmosphere and involve patients in their own care, ensuring they understand the recommended treatments. If necessary, they collaborate with other professionals to provide a comprehensive approach. Dr. Barr’s expertise has been recognized with the Top Doc award for thirty years.

FAQ

Pain Management and Treatment

The Barr Center for Innovative Pain & Regenerative Therapies is located at:

933 First Colonial Road, Suite 200
Virginia Beach, VA 23454

Phone: 757-578-2260
Email: info@BarrCenter.com

Monday–Thursday: 8:30 am–5:00 pm

Friday: Closed (note: physician on call)

Not always. Some insurance plans—especially HMOs—require a referral before seeing a specialist. To confirm what your specific plan requires, call your insurance provider or contact our office at 757-578-2260.

We accept most major insurance plans (except Medicaid). If your plan requires a referral or pre-authorization to see a specialist, you will need one for your first visit. After your initial consultation, our office obtains any future pre-authorizations, sometimes with assistance from your referring provider. Visit our Patient Resources page for details.

Yes. We offer telemedicine visits for certain appointment types, including follow-up visits and treatment discussions. Some procedures require in-office evaluation, and our team will help determine whether a virtual visit is appropriate.

Conditions and Treatment Questions

Led by pain management specialist Lisa Barr, M.D., the Barr Center provides comprehensive musculoskeletal and pain treatments including:

• Acupuncture
• Mind-body medicine and lifestyle optimization
• Interventional spinal procedures
• Sports medicine
• Physical therapy
• Regenerative medicine (PRP, prolotherapy)

We treat a wide range of pain and musculoskeletal conditions, including:

• Neck, shoulder, hip, back, and knee pain
• Sports injuries and repetitive strain conditions
• Posture, sleep, and movement-related pain
• Car accident injuries, including whiplash

Our approach provides proven alternatives to surgery and long-term medications through targeted injections, hands-on physical therapy, acupuncture, lifestyle guidance, and regenerative medicine.

If your pain is persistent, recurring, or limiting daily activities, it is time for an evaluation. We assess how your joints move, how your muscles function, and whether lifestyle factors are contributing to your symptoms.

We offer a comprehensive, root-cause approach to pain in a boutique practice setting.

Our team is highly specialized, and we combine interventional pain medicine, regenerative therapies, physical therapy, and whole-person care—all under one roof.

Our team includes board-certified physicians, licensed physical therapists, regenerative medicine specialists, acupuncture providers, and experienced clinical support staff with focused expertise in musculoskeletal medicine and pain management.

Preparing for your First Appointment

To help make your first visit efficient, please bring:

• Photo ID
• Insurance card
• Referral (if required by your insurance)
• Completed new-patient paperwork
• Co-pay, if applicable

If you have MRIs, CT scans, X-rays, or lab results, please have your referring provider fax them to our office. You may also download our Medical Records Request Form to expedite the process.

Experiencing Pain? Reach Out For Medication-Free Treatment