Important things to remember after your platelet rich plasma injection:
Heat can help reduce pain and facilitate platelet signaling. Apply heat to the injection site after the procedure. Continue to do so for the first week. Avoid ice.
Injection site pain can be treated with Acetaminophen or prescription pain medications.
Avoid strenuous or repetitive physical activity for one week.
Avoid all NSAID type medications for at least 2 weeks post injection, the longer the better. This includes aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, celecoxib, meloxicam, etc.
What to expect after your platelet rich plasma injection:
The goal of a platelet rich plasma injection is to change the biology of the tissues and joints. This takes time. Joints can expect to see improvements in 6-8 weeks. Tendons take longer. Tendons can take up to 3 months to see improvements.
Some patients may get worse before symptoms get better. A small number of patients will have a heightened inflammatory reaction after getting a platelet rich plasma injection. This is a normal process. It is due to the body responding to the release of growth factors. This resolves on its own after a few days.
Fevers, significant redness, purulent drainage, or persistent swelling or pain at the site of the injection are NOT normal. Let your physician know immediately as these could be signs of an infection.
Rehabilitation can be just as important as the platelet rich plasma injection. If you are going to physical therapy, use the following as a guide for progression.
