Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy - Aftercare

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) works over about 6 weeks to stimulate healing. It is important to give it a chance to work so follow those directions closely.

​

Immediately after PRP injection

​

Keep your injection site clean, dry, and covered with a Band-Aid on the day of your procedure. You may shower at any time. You may experience some localized swelling or bruise at the injection site that may take 3-7 days to resolve.

​

Avoid ice to the injection site/joint if possible. Some swelling is normal and part of the inflammation/Healing process.

​

About 1 out of 20 patients will experience a post-injection flare due to their immune system being hyper-stimulated. This may cause significant pain and swelling and typically resolves in just a few days. If needed due to swelling or intense pain you may apply ice to the injection site/joint for 20 minutes every 2-3 hours. You might also need to take pain medication such as Tylenol, Tramadol, or Vicodin.

​

Do not use any prescription or over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medicines such as Motrin, Advil, Ibuprofen, Aleve, Naprosyn, Naproxen, Diclofenac, Meloxicam, Mobic, or Celebrex for 4 days before AND 7 days after the procedure. Ideally, we would like you to avoid the use of these medications for 6 weeks after your procedure.

​

Aspirin is a weak anti-inflammatory so does not interfere as much with the PRP process. If possible stop aspirin unless it is needed for heart or other conditions.

​

Prednisone or any other corticosteroid medications must be discontinued 2 weeks prior to and 4 weeks after PRP injections.

​

Contact your medical provider if you develop excess pain, drainage from the injection site, bleeding, or fever, if another physician would like to put you on a new medication or if you are not sure if a medication should be taken.

​

You may drive home from the procedure if you had an upper extremity injection and drive an automatic transmission. It is strongly recommended that if you have a lower extremity procedure, you have someone drive you home.