What to expect and how to care for yourself after your PRP, protein concentrate, or BMAC injection. Every patient's plan is a little different, always follow the specific instructions we give you.
The treated area can feel sore, achy, or swollen for 1 to 4 days after the injection. This "flare" is actually a sign that your body's healing response is kicking in, it's expected, not a complication. It settles down on its own.
Keep avoiding anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs) for 14 days after your procedure, for the same reason as before, we don't want to quiet the healing response we just started.
Acetaminophen (Tylenol), taken as directed on the label, is acceptable and safe for the flare. If you need more help with pain, tell us, we control pain on a per-patient basis. For comfort, rest and gentle heat are fine.
You can shower normally. Just avoid submerging the injection site, no baths, pools, hot tubs, or lakes, for 48 hours. Keep the small bandage on until the next day.
No gym, no workouts, no exercise. You can go about your normal daily life, just no training or strenuous activity.
A shutdown, but not as strict. Keep activity light.
For some patients we begin physical therapy around week 3, focused on eccentric exercises.
Biologics work gradually. Many people don't notice improvement for several weeks, and the benefit keeps building over the first 2 to 3 months. For some conditions, full benefit can take anywhere from 12 weeks to 6 months. Patience is part of the process, we'll follow up with you along the way.
Call the office if you notice any of these:
For a true emergency, call 911. For non-urgent questions about your recovery, please contact our office.
When in doubt, reach out, we'd always rather hear from you.
Wichman Orthopedics