Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy is a regenerative medicine technique that uses a concentrated solution of a patient’s own blood components to stimulate tissue repair and healing. The process involves drawing blood, spinning it in a centrifuge to concentrate the platelets, and then injecting this substance into an injured area, such as a joint, tendon, or ligament. These concentrated platelets release growth factors that accelerate the body’s natural healing processes and promote tissue regeneration. Since the treatment uses the patient’s own blood (autologous), the risk of allergic reaction is virtually eliminated. Understanding the post-procedure experience is important, as the body’s reaction is necessary for the long-term therapeutic effect.
The First 48 Hours: Managing Acute Symptoms
Patients should anticipate a significant increase in localized discomfort immediately following a PRP injection. This temporary pain increase is an expected outcome, as the procedure initiates a robust inflammatory response at the injection site. The concentrated platelets activate and release growth factors, triggering a localized inflammatory cascade essential for tissue repair. This intense initial reaction sets the stage for the healing process.
The physical sensations typically include soreness, noticeable swelling, and stiffness in the treated area. Inflammation usually peaks within the first 24 to 48 hours. Patients may find the discomfort worse than their pre-procedure pain, but this indicates the treatment is working as intended.
Bruising at the injection site is common and typically subsides within three to seven days. While acute pain and swelling are strongest during the first two days, they should gradually diminish afterward. If pain or swelling unexpectedly worsens after 48 to 72 hours, or if signs of infection develop, immediate medical attention is necessary.
Activity Progression and Medications
Following specific post-injection instructions regarding activity and pain management is crucial for successful PRP treatment. During the first 24 to 48 hours, relative rest is advised to allow the initial inflammatory response to take hold. Depending on the treated area, this may involve limiting weight-bearing or using a sling.
Patients must strictly avoid Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen or aspirin, for a minimum of two weeks. NSAIDs inhibit the cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes, which are vital for platelet function and the release of growth factors. By interfering with this pathway, NSAIDs can disrupt the inflammatory process the PRP injection is designed to create, limiting the therapy’s effectiveness.
Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is the preferred alternative for pain management, as it does not interfere with platelet function. Physical therapy is often a required component and is usually initiated one to two weeks after the injection. This delayed start allows the early healing phase to conclude before controlled movement and strengthening exercises begin.
Activity progression after the initial rest period should be gradual, moving from gentle range-of-motion exercises to a structured rehabilitation protocol. Strenuous activities, heavy lifting, or high-impact exercise are typically restricted for several weeks, depending on the injury’s severity and location. Following the customized activity plan supports the regenerating tissue and maximizes therapeutic benefit.
The Timeline of Therapeutic Effect
Unlike corticosteroid injections that provide immediate but temporary pain relief, PRP therapy is a regenerative process requiring time for tissue remodeling and repair. Symptom improvement does not happen overnight, and the initial feeling is often increased discomfort. The growth factors stimulate cellular activity, including the formation of new tissue, a process that unfolds over weeks and months.
Initial, subtle improvements, such as a gradual decrease in pain or stiffness, may become noticeable approximately four to six weeks following the procedure. This time frame marks the beginning of tissue regeneration as the body rebuilds the damaged area. More substantial improvements typically occur between two and three months post-injection, as the new tissue matures and functional capacity increases.
Maximum benefit is often reported between three and six months after treatment, reflecting the full duration of the regenerative cycle. The exact timeline varies based on the severity of the original injury, the patient’s overall health, and adherence to the rehabilitation plan. For chronic or extensive injuries, a second or third injection may be recommended if the desired improvement is not achieved within four to eight weeks.