What to Expect Before and After PRP Therapy for Joints

Before undergoing platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy at Nasseri Clinic of Arthritic and Rheumatic Diseases, you may need to adjust or temporarily stop certain medications. This step is particularly important because some medications commonly used by patients with arthritis or rheumatic conditions can interfere with platelet function, potentially reducing the effectiveness of the PRP treatment. Common recommendations include discontinuing medications that thin the blood or inhibit platelet aggregation, such as aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, or other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), typically several days to one week prior to your procedure. Additionally, anticoagulant medications, including warfarin, clopidogrel, rivaroxaban, or apixaban, may also need to be paused or adjusted carefully under close supervision from your prescribing physician.

At Nasseri Clinic, patient safety and effective treatment are our top priorities. Therefore, it is crucial not to stop or alter your medication regimen without first consulting your rheumatology specialist or healthcare provider at our clinic. Before your PRP therapy session, our medical team will thoroughly review your current medications, medical history, and individual health circumstances to determine if adjustments are necessary. Always follow the guidance provided by your healthcare professional to ensure the safest and most effective outcomes from your PRP therapy treatment.

A typical platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy session generally takes about 30 to 60 minutes, tailored specifically to the joint affected by arthritic or rheumatic conditions and the individual needs of each patient. The session begins with drawing a small blood sample from the patient’s arm, which is then processed in a specialized centrifuge to isolate the platelet-rich plasma. This step, central to the regenerative therapy we offer, typically takes about 15 to 20 minutes.

Once the PRP is carefully prepared, our experienced specialists inject it precisely into the affected joint area to help reduce inflammation, relieve pain, and promote healing. The injection itself lasts only a few minutes, though additional time is dedicated to patient preparation, including careful positioning, sterilizing the injection site, and ensuring patient comfort. At Nasseri Clinic, patient safety is paramount; thus, we also allocate time for observation after the procedure to confirm that patients are comfortable and ready to safely resume their daily activities.

Overall, a complete PRP therapy session at our clinic typically concludes within an hour, offering patients a convenient and minimally invasive treatment option aimed at improving joint function, alleviating symptoms of arthritis and rheumatic diseases, and enhancing overall quality of life.

Post-Treatment Instructions for Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy

At Nasseri Clinic of Arthritic and Rheumatic Diseases, your wellness and comfort are our top priorities. Following your PRP therapy, please carefully observe these post-treatment guidelines to facilitate optimal healing and achieve the best possible outcomes related to your arthritic or rheumatic condition.

Activity Level and Rest

After receiving PRP therapy, it is essential to rest the treated area thoroughly. Please refrain from strenuous physical activities, vigorous exercise, or heavy lifting for at least 24 to 48 hours following treatment. Allowing time for your joints or soft tissues to rest adequately is critical to reducing inflammation, swelling, and discomfort, thereby promoting a smooth recovery and optimal joint healing.

Managing Discomfort and Swelling

It is common to experience mild soreness, tenderness, or swelling at the injection site shortly after your PRP treatment. To alleviate discomfort, intermittently apply ice packs or cold compresses for the first 24 hours. Ensure that ice is wrapped in a cloth or towel to prevent direct skin contact, thus avoiding irritation or injury to the skin.

Pain Medications

For the first week following your procedure, avoid anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen, naproxen, or aspirin. These medications interfere with the beneficial inflammatory response triggered by PRP therapy, potentially limiting your body’s ability to heal joint and tissue damage associated with arthritis and rheumatic conditions. If you require medication to manage discomfort, acetaminophen (Tylenol) is an appropriate alternative.

Diet and Hydration

Proper hydration and a nutrient-rich diet can significantly enhance your body’s healing capabilities. Drink plenty of water to help your body regenerate healthy cells and tissues. Additionally, consuming a balanced diet abundant in nutrients, vitamins, and minerals supports the body’s natural recovery processes and may improve outcomes related to inflammatory and degenerative arthritic conditions.

Alcohol and Smoking Restrictions

Please avoid alcohol consumption for at least 48 hours following PRP therapy, as alcohol can negatively affect your body’s healing capabilities. Smoking should also be discontinued or strictly limited, as tobacco significantly slows the healing process and may reduce the therapeutic efficacy of PRP treatment for arthritic and rheumatic conditions.

Injection Site Care

Keep the injection site clean and dry to minimize the risk of infection. For several days following your procedure, avoid activities that involve extended exposure to moisture or heat, such as hot tubs, swimming pools, baths, or saunas. Showering is generally safe 24 hours post-treatment; however, avoid vigorously scrubbing or rubbing the treated area.

Follow-Up Care

Please attend your scheduled follow-up appointment with Nasseri Clinic of Arthritic and Rheumatic Diseases. This visit allows us to monitor your progress, address any concerns, and determine if additional treatment sessions or therapeutic interventions are beneficial for your arthritic or rheumatic condition.

Warning Signs

If you experience unusual symptoms such as severe or worsening pain, significant swelling, persistent redness, warmth, fever, or other signs of infection, contact Nasseri Clinic immediately for prompt evaluation and appropriate care.

The number of PRP sessions needed is influenced by several factors, including the severity and chronic nature of your arthritic or rheumatic condition, your body’s individual healing response, and your overall health status. Patients experiencing mild or acute symptoms of arthritis or rheumatic pain may experience noticeable relief after just one or two PRP treatments. However, chronic conditions or more severe forms of arthritis and rheumatic disorders often require three or more sessions administered over several months to foster sustained healing, pain reduction, and improved joint function.

At Nasseri Clinic, our experienced healthcare providers will thoroughly evaluate your progress after each PRP session and recommend additional treatments based on your individual healing response and therapeutic objectives. We encourage you to maintain open communication regarding your symptoms, progress, and any questions you may have. Personalized assessments and regular follow-up evaluations ensure that PRP therapy delivers optimal outcomes tailored specifically to your rheumatic and arthritic health needs.

Visit Nasseri Clinic today to discover the benefits of PRP therapy for joints. For more information, contact us or request an appointment online. We serve patients from Catonsville MD, Rosedale MD, Columbia MD, Glen Burnie MD, Edgewater MD, North Baltimore MD, Hebbville MD, Woodlawn MD, Pasadena MD, Jacobsville MD, Ellicott City MD, Laurel MD, Dundalk MD, Halethorpe MD, Overlea MD, Parkville MD, Riva MD, Annapolis MD, Ferndale MD, and surrounding areas.