Did you know that platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy is used as treatment for sports injuries, wound healing, and recover after surgery? PRP therapy promotes tissue healing and growth. However, optimal healing and pain relief don’t stop once the procedure is over — in fact, a large part of it depends on what you do after. Here’s how you can stay healthy after PRP therapy and maximize its outcome.
Follow Post-Procedure Instructions
After the procedure, your doctor will most likely discuss the best routine to help produce optimal results. It’s crucial that you follow these instructions, so you don’t encounter complications and can enjoy the benefits of your PRP treatment. Some general guidelines include:
- Don’t touch, rub, or massage the injection site for at least 8 hours after the procedure.
- Don’t bathe or swim for the first 24 hours after the procedure.
- Don’t apply lotions, oils, or makeup to the injection site for 48 hours.
- Avoid applying ice or heat to the injection site for the first 72 hours after the procedure.
- Don’t take a hot bath or go to the sauna for a few days.
- Don’t take any vitamins or supplements unless approved by your doctor.
- Do some light stretching.
- Begin physical therapy as recommended by your doctor.
You may experience temporary pain, tenderness, swelling, redness, or bruising at the injection site. Make sure to contact your doctor if these symptoms worsen or if you’re worried about them.
Performing High-Intensity Cardio Exercise
Once you’re physically able or your doctor gives the go-ahead, you can begin high-intensity cardio exercises. It helps ramp up your production of red blood cells, strengthens your immune system, and facilitates healing. Just be sure to wait for your inflammation to go down and pain symptoms to subside before beginning intense activities.
Eat A Healthy Diet
Making dietary changes can be difficult. However, making small changes and gradually introducing more greens into your diet can help you maximize the benefits of PRP therapy. Cutting out sugary, processed, and fatty foods increases immunity, improves circulation, and regulates hormone levels — all of which are highly beneficial to staying healthy after your treatment.
Avoid Smoking, Drinking, And Drugs
This advice doesn’t only apply to PRP therapy, but also to your overall health and wellbeing. Smoking, in particular, has drastic effects on the outcome of PRP therapy and any surgical procedure. It essentially inhibits the body from healing, which is counterintuitive to PRP therapy.
Avoid Aspirin and Other Drugs
Unless your doctor specifically says so, don’t take medications after your procedure, particularly aspirin. If you experience any pain or discomfort at the injection site, consult your doctor for pain relief options and stay hydrated to promote healing.
PRP Treatment In Austin, TX
PRP injections are an effective way to heal sports injuries and musculoskeletal issues, but a significant part of your healing depends on what you do after the procedure itself. Carefully following the doctor’s instructions and listening to your body is crucial to obtaining maximum benefits.
If you’re looking for a clinic that offers PRP therapy in Austin, All-Star Orthopedics of Austin is here for you. Our highly-skilled, board-certified providers, led by Dr. Carolyn Hyde, offer only the highest quality service and results that will exceed your expectations. We’re committed to helping you recover from musculoskeletal problems in a safe, natural, and efficient way.
If you want to know more about our services, contact our friendly staff at (512) 346-4933 or schedule a consultation using our online appointment request form. We look forward to working with you on your journey to improved health!
