Orthobiologics · Before your procedure

Preparing for your procedure

A few simple steps in the days before your PRP, protein concentrate, or BMAC injection help give it the best chance to work. Your care team will give you a personalized plan, these are the general guidelines.

The most important one: stop anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs) 10 days before your procedure.

1. Stop NSAIDs 10 days before

Biologics work by encouraging your body's natural healing and inflammation response. NSAIDs quiet that exact response, so we ask you to stop them 10 days before your procedure.

Common NSAIDs to stop: ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve), aspirin used for pain, meloxicam (Mobic), celecoxib (Celebrex), and diclofenac.

Fine to use for pain in the meantime: acetaminophen (Tylenol), it is not an NSAID.

Please don't stop a prescription blood thinner or a daily aspirin your doctor put you on without checking with us first, just let us know you take it.

2. Start hydrating the day before

Drink plenty of water the day before and the day of your procedure. Being well-hydrated makes the blood draw, and, for BMAC, the bone-marrow draw, easier and more comfortable.

3. Tell us your medications & supplements

Let us know everything you take, especially blood thinners and anti-inflammatory supplements (such as fish oil, turmeric, or high-dose vitamin E). We'll tell you if any should be paused beforehand.

4. Day-of basics

Eat a normal, light meal beforehand, don't come in fasting.
Wear comfortable clothing with easy access to the area being treated.
If we've arranged any sedation for your procedure, bring a driver.
Plan for a quiet first week afterward (see After Your Procedure).

Your plan is personal. Every patient and every joint is different. If anything we tell you at your visit differs from this page, follow the instructions we give you.

Questions before your procedure?

We're glad to answer your questions before your procedure.

Next: After your procedure →