Post Treatment Care

Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) injections use your body’s own healing factors to support tissue repair and reduce inflammation. Mild discomfort after treatment is expected and part of the healing response.

1. What to Expect After Treatment

Common and expected symptoms include:

• Soreness or aching in the injection site
• Mild swelling or stiffness
• A feeling of pressure or fullness
• Temporary increase in pain during the first few days

These symptoms typically peak within 24–72 hours and gradually improve over the following days to weeks.

2. Activity Restrictions

• Day of treatment:
  • Limit activity and rest the injection site.
  • Avoid strenuous activity, heavy lifting, running, or high-impact exercise.
• First 48–72 hours:
  • Light exercise is allowed.
  • Avoid squatting, jumping, pivoting, or deep knee bending.
  • Do not resume intense exercise unless cleared by your provider.
• After 3–7 days:
  • Gradual return to normal activity as tolerated.
  • Physical therapy or strengthening exercises should follow provider guidance.

3. Pain and Swelling Management

• Acetaminophen (Tylenol) may be used for pain if needed.
• Do NOT use ice on your treated injection site for at least 7 days.
• Do NOT take NSAIDs (ibuprofen, naproxen, aspirin, meloxicam, etc.) for at least 7 days after treatment, unless otherwise directed, as they may interfere with the PRP healing response.
• Avoid alcohol for 24–48 hours after treatment.

4. Injection Site Care

• Keep the injection site clean and dry for 24 hours.
• You may shower the next day.
• Avoid soaking the injection site (baths, hot tubs, pools) for 48 hours.
• Mild bruising or redness at the injection site is normal.

5. Heat and Compression

• Avoid heat (heating pads, saunas) on the treated knee for 7 days.
• Light compression may be used if swelling occurs, unless otherwise instructed.

6. Results and Healing Timeline

• PRP works gradually by stimulating tissue repair.
• Pain relief and functional improvement may begin within 2–6 weeks.
• Continued improvement can occur over several months.
• Some patients require more than one PRP session depending on condition and response (typically up to 3).

7. When to Contact the Office

Please contact the clinic if you experience:

• Increasing pain, swelling, or redness after the first few days
• Fever, chills, or signs of infection
• Severe pain not relieved with rest or acetaminophen
• Any symptoms that feel unusual or concerning

8. Follow-Up

• A follow-up appointment may be scheduled to assess progress.
• Your provider will advise when additional injections, physical therapy, or activity progression is appropriate.