Orthopedic PRP Injections

Prior to your PRP Therapy session, our physician will discuss what to expect during your treatment. However, it is helpful to remember that there are a few things to take into consideration before your session:

• Discontinue anti-inflammatory medications such as Ibuprofen, Motrin, Naproxen, Aleve for 3 days prior to treatment.

• Discontinue blood-thinning medications or supplements (multivitamin, Vitamin E/A, Fish Oil, Aspirin) one week prior to treatment. Consult with your provider if these are taken for a medical condition.

• Refrain from alcohol and smoking for three days prior to your PRP treatment

• One to two weeks before your procedure, discontinue systemic steroids (must have prescribing physicians approval)

• At least one month before your procedure, discontinue steroid injections

• On the day of your procedure, eat a full, healthy breakfast and be sure to drink plenty of water. Consider eating a snack before your appointment.

**Please be advised that if you take chronic oral steroids, a discontinuation plan will need to be discussed with your primary care provider as abrupt stoppage may cause side effects. 

After your PRP Therapy session, we recommend that all patients rest on the day of their procedure. For the next 2 days, we advise limited use of the injection area, but movement is encouraged. This helps the joint recover as the injection is absorbed by the area’s surrounding tissues.

0 – 3 days post-procedure guidelines.

After your treatment, there is a chance you’ll experience some mild to moderate pain or discomfort at the injection site. This is normal, and it is a sign that your body is healing as it adjusts to the injection. It is best to stay hydrated and drink plenty of water to help promote healing.

Therefore, discontinue use of any of these medications post-procedure for best results:

• Anti-inflammatory medications for at least 4 weeks post-procedure

• Blood-thinning herbs, supplements, or vitamins for 21 days post-procedure

• Systemic steroids for 6 weeks post-procedure

Other important guidelines to follow after your PRP procedure are:

• Avoid applying ice or heat to the injection site for the first 72 hours post-procedure

• Don’t take a hot bath or go to a sauna for the first few days post-procedure

• Avoid consumption of any alcoholic beverages for 2 days post-procedure

• Avoid baths for the first 24 hours following your procedure

• Avoid smoking

4 weeks post procedure guidelines.

At this point in your healing, you should gradually increase your daily activities. This is also when you can begin exercises. Proper exercise is a vital part of long-term results, and we can help you determine which exercises are best suited for your needs prior to your procedure.

• Ice can be applied 3-4 times a day for 15-20 minutes as needed for comfort

• Anti-inflammatory medications (such as Ibuprofen and Naproxen) can be taken to help manage any residual pain at this time, take as directed

• Continue to avoid alcoholic beverages, smoking, or excessive amounts of caffeine

5 weeks post-procedure guidelines.

At this point in your healing, we highly encourage you to begin physical therapy to aid in your long-term healing and continued recovery. A follow-up appointment will be made for you to meet with our physician or medical team to review your healing process. It is important that you keep this follow up visit even if your recovery is going well. If there are any adjustments to your customized treatment plan, this is when our physician will be able to make those decisions.

Traditional medicine typically treats tears and soft tissue joint related ailments by utilizing corticosteroid injections or surgery. We encourage you to do your own research; studies show surgery may cause scar tissue to develop and corticosteroid treatments are typically short term and not regenerative.

Many patients begin to feel relief after just one treatment, which may even be a permanent result. Some people may need multiple PRP injections at least 4-6 weeks apart to achieve best results. Have patience, understand that the full benefits of PRP injections may take several weeks or months to manifest. Be patient and consistent with your aftercare routine.

The road to your recovery is just as important to us as it is to you! Therefore, if you have any questions along the way, it would be our pleasure to discuss them with you. We look forward to working with you on your journey to improved health.