What To Expect During A PRP Injection

Prior to any regenerative medicinal therapy, you will first meet with our expert team to determine whether platelet-rich plasma injections are the right treatment for you. There are multiple factors that make a particular treatment more or less effective for an individual injury, so this consultation is essential to ensure you get the perfect treatment for you.

If we move forward with PRP injection treatment, you will need to start preparing for the procedure. Anti-inflammatory medications can reduce the effectiveness of PRP treatment, so you will need to discontinue taking them at least three days prior to your procedure. Blood-thinning agents such as certain herbs, supplements, vitamins or medications will also need to be discontinued. We also recommend that patients eat a full, protein-rich meal the day of the procedure and be sure to drink plenty of water.

When you come in for your Platelet Rich Plasma Injection, your doctor will begin by taking some of your own blood, usually only a few tubes worth if not less. This blood will then be run through a centrifuge that concentrates the platelets, activating them.

This plasma full of activated platelets is then injected directly into the injured or weakened area, where it uses its natural healing properties to stimulate and increase the amount of reparative cells within your body.

What To Expect After A PRP Injection

After treatment, you may experience some mild to moderate pain and discomfort at the injection site. This is perfectly normal and is a sign that your body is doing its job to heal the area. While it’s important that you do not take any medications for the first few days following your procedure unless explicitly instructed by your doctor, remember to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water to support your body’s natural healing processes.

It’s important to leave the injection site mostly alone for the first three days after your procedure. Avoid moving the affected area around, icing the injection site or conversely taking any hot baths for these first few days. After this initial recovery time, ice can also be applied to the area 3-4 times a day for 15-20 minutes at a time to minimize pain. Anti-inflammatory medications can also be taken at this time, as directed by your doctor. The entire healing process should take a few weeks, and we recommend you continue your long-term healing with physical therapy.

If you’d like to learn more about Platelet Rich Plasma Injections, or to schedule your initial consultation, call our office at (540) 232-8405 or schedule your first appointment online.