Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy is a regenerative treatment that utilizes a concentration of a patient’s own platelets to stimulate healing in damaged tissue. The process involves drawing a small amount of blood, processing it to concentrate the platelets and their growth factors, and then injecting this solution into the injured area. Because the treatment relies on initiating a controlled, localized inflammatory response, successful outcomes depend heavily on meticulous post-procedure care. Following a PRP injection, specific restrictions must be observed to protect the injected material and ensure the growth factors can effectively begin the healing cascade. These prohibitions prevent the disruption of the platelet matrix, mechanical washout, and chemical interference with the body’s intended healing process.
Prohibited Medications and Supplements
The most significant restriction following PRP therapy involves the avoidance of medications that interfere with the inflammatory process. Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, naproxen, and aspirin, must be strictly avoided for a specified period both before and after the injection. These common pain relievers function by inhibiting cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes, which are necessary to produce the inflammatory signals that PRP is trying to stimulate. By blocking this inflammation, NSAIDs can effectively neutralize the regenerative effect of the injected growth factors.
The typical avoidance timeline for NSAIDs is two weeks before the procedure and for at least two to four weeks afterward. Patients experiencing discomfort are advised to use acetaminophen (Tylenol) for pain management, as it works through a different mechanism that does not inhibit the necessary inflammatory pathways. Systemic steroids, such as prednisone, must also be avoided, as they are powerful anti-inflammatories that can suppress the healing response. Additionally, certain supplements and herbs with blood-thinning properties should be stopped several days pre- and post-procedure to minimize the risk of bruising and bleeding:
- High-dose Vitamin E
- Fish oil
- Ginkgo biloba
- Garlic
Movement and Load Restrictions
Physical activity and mechanical loading must be carefully controlled in the days and weeks following PRP treatment to safeguard the injected plasma. During the first 24 to 48 hours, the primary restriction is on strenuous activity and heavy lifting, as excessive physical stress can disrupt the delicate platelet matrix before it can integrate into the tissue. For injections in joints or lower extremities, this initial period often requires immobilization with a brace, sling, or the use of crutches to limit weight-bearing and protect the area. The goal of this immediate rest is to prevent mechanical washout or displacement of the concentrated platelets from the treatment area.
For the first week, patients must not engage in high-impact exercises, aggressive stretching, or any activity that puts significant load or shear stress on the treated tendon or joint. While gentle, limited movement or range of motion is often encouraged to prevent stiffness, it must be performed without resistance or pain. The body needs time for the growth factors to be released and for the initial repair phase to stabilize before controlled rehabilitation can begin. A gradual return to light activities like walking or stationary cycling is typically introduced between one to three weeks, with more strenuous activities like running and heavy weightlifting restricted for at least four to eight weeks, depending on the injury and the healing progress.
Local Care Avoidances
External factors applied directly to the injection site must also be avoided, as they can interfere with the biological processes that PRP is designed to initiate. Immediately after the procedure, patients must avoid applying ice to the treated area for at least 48 to 72 hours. While ice is a common treatment for pain, its vasoconstrictive effect can inhibit blood flow and suppress the local inflammatory response, which is a necessary initial step for tissue regeneration. Similarly, the application of excessive heat, such as hot tubs, saunas, or direct sun exposure, should be avoided for the first few days, as temperature extremes can also disrupt the healing environment.
Hygiene and topical product use require specific restrictions to minimize the risk of infection and chemical interference. Patients are often instructed to avoid showering for at least 24 hours and to refrain from swimming or soaking the area in a bath for several days until the injection site has fully closed. Harsh topical products, including exfoliants, strong cosmetic serums like retinoids or alpha hydroxy acids, and strong chemical hair products, should not be applied near the treatment site for up to two weeks. Finally, patients should not touch, press, rub, or massage the injection site for several hours to prevent the premature spread or displacement of the injected material. Any signs of fever, spreading redness, or severe pain that does not respond to recommended pain relief should be immediately reported to the healthcare provider.