"Our goal is to provide patients with individualized, state-of-the-art treatment,
returning each patient to their natrual mobility as quickly as possible."

PRP/Stem Cell Therapy Post Procedure Care

 

What to Expect after the Procedure:

The posterior hip/low back may be sore at the aspiration site(s) for a few days, which is normal. For pain, we suggest you take acetaminophen (Tylenol) or you may be prescribed a medication for pain by your doctor. Do not take any anti-inflammatory medicine for at least 6 weeks after the procedure. Such as: Aspirin, Motrin, Advil, Aleve or Naprosyn. The doctor may ask you to remain non-weight bearing for a short period, depending on the area that is treated.  

Post Procedure Care Instructions:

  • Rest, ice, and elevation are suggested for the first 24-48hrs after your procedure for PRP. You can then return to normal daily activities as tolerated. For stem cell therapy, you activity level will be modified for the next 6 weeks (light-moderate physical activity).
  • Near waterproof dressings will be placed on the aspiration site(s), as well your injection site(s). These can all be removed 24hrs after your procedure is completed. A small bandaid is suggested for all areas for 1-2 days, but not required. *NOTE: At the site of your aspiration on the lower back/posterior hip,steri-strips are placed and special care is needed and listed below.

When can I resume physical activity?

The most important part of any stem cell therapy is adhering to your post-procedure restrictions, which are covered before your procedure. For the procedure to have the best chance to yield lasting benefit, our physician strongly recommends:
  • No anti-inflammatory medications for a minimum (preferred) 6 weeks
  • Rest for the first 24–48 hours, but do not lie sedentary
  • Start Physical Therapy within a week
Removal time of Steri-strips: The strips should fall off within a week. If not, you can manually remove them 7 days after treatment. You will receive a prescription for Physical Therapy: This is to be started no later than 1 week post procedure. This helps your body adjust to the new procedure and provides the best outcome post injection.
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*Call the doctor immediately if you experience any unbearable pain, bleeding, or signs of infection, such as: fever, pus, strange odor, redness at the site, or unusual body chills (within 24-48 hours).

Recovery Summary

In the early stages of recovery after injection (weeks 1–4), you may start with gentle myofascial release, kinesiology taping, gentle stretching, ROM, isometrics, and mat-based core stabilization exercises. Stationary bike, elliptical, and swimming are acceptable early in the recovery phase (Swimming should be avoided until incisions are healed). Avoid traction, heavy load or resistance, and NSAIDs the first six weeks of recovery. Ultrasound/STIM/TENS units are not suggested for therapy during this time. In weeks 4–8, you can progress to more activity and gradually add more resistive load to workouts. This is a great time to incorporate core yoga, Reformer Pilates, TRX, and light weights, with a gradual increase in resistance (50–75% of pre-injection workouts). Avoid any forceful rotation or manual manipulation. Remember that good healing during the first two months after the procedure will give you the best chance for success. The cells are fragile, and you need to be cautious that you don’t overload them or cause too much stress or shearing on them. Have your physical therapist call us with any questions. In general, we always try to look at more than one injured part. As a result, it is very likely we will recommend other types of conservative care to restore normal biomechanics. This might include physical therapy, gait/grip strengthening, different types of myofascial release, and specific home exercises. Every case is unique and side effects differ for each person. Some patients may experience more pain and inflammation than others; please contact us if you have any questions or concerns. Certain joints and body areas can be more painful to inject, such as the ankles/thumbs/toes. Expect varying degrees of pain in the first few days after the procedure, and treat with ice and prescribed medication if necessary. If your severe pain lasts for more than a few days, contact your provider for advice.