PRP Injection (Joint & Sports Injury) Aftercare Instructions
A day-by-day recovery guide for prp injection (joint & sports injury): what to expect, how to care for yourself, and when to call. Free to read and print.
PRP Injection (Joint & Sports Injury) recovery, day by day
What is normal after your PRP injection
- Because PRP is concentrated from your own blood, allergic reaction is extremely rare.
- Expect soreness, stiffness, and mild swelling in the treated area for 2 to 5 days; this flare is the platelets doing their job and often peaks around day 2.
- Rest it for the first 48 hours and let the soreness guide you.
Do NOT use anti-inflammatory medication (no NSAIDs, no ice)
- Avoid ibuprofen, naproxen, aspirin, other NSAIDs, and ice for at least 1 to 2 weeks unless your physician tells you otherwise.
- PRP works through a controlled inflammatory signal, and anti-inflammatories and ice suppress it.
- Use acetaminophen (Tylenol) for pain. Call the clinic if that is not enough rather than taking an NSAID.
Rest, then a staged return
- For the first 48 to 72 hours, avoid impact, heavy loading, and sport-specific training. Gentle range of motion and easy walking are fine.
- This is a relative rest window, not full immobilization.
- Athletes: do not train through the flare; the early rest protects the result.
Hydrate and support healing
- Drink at least 64 ounces of water daily for the first week, eat protein-forward meals, avoid alcohol for 48 hours, and avoid nicotine.
- Hold new anti-inflammatory supplements for 1 to 2 weeks for the same reason you are holding NSAIDs.
Progressive loading and return to play
- As the flare settles, rebuild activity in stages: mobility first, then controlled strength, then sport-specific movement, then full return.
- Most patients resume light training within 1 to 2 weeks and progress to full activity over 3 to 6 weeks depending on the tissue treated and their sport.
- Add load in steps and stop anything that causes sharp pain. If your physician set a physical therapy plan, follow it.
Assess response and plan next steps
- PRP results build over several weeks. Many patients feel meaningful improvement by weeks 4 to 6.
- Your physician will assess your response and discuss whether a follow-up injection or a small series makes sense, since some tendon and joint indications respond best to 2 to 3 sessions spaced several weeks apart.
- Track your pain and performance so that decision is grounded in real data.
Medications you may be given
Acetaminophen (Tylenol) 500mg
Take 1 to 2 tablets by mouth every 6 hours as needed for soreness. Do not exceed 3000mg in 24 hours. Do NOT substitute an NSAID.
Always follow the exact directions your own provider gives you. This is general information, not a prescription.
When to call your provider or 911
- •Redness, warmth, or swelling that worsens after day 3 to 4
- •A joint that becomes hot and very painful
- •Fever over 101F or chills
- •Drainage or pus at the injection site
- •Calf pain or swelling
- •Pain not controlled by acetaminophen
When in doubt, call your clinic. For a medical emergency, call 911.
Recovery milestones
- Day 0
Injection day
Rest the area; expect a soreness flare; no NSAIDs and no ice; acetaminophen only.
- Day 2
Flare peaks
Soreness typically at its worst around now, then eases.
- Day 10
Light training resumes
Mobility and easy strength work; still avoiding NSAIDs and impact.
- Day 28
Return to sport
Staged return to full activity as comfort and strength allow.
- Day 45
Response check
Assess with your physician; plan any follow-up in the series.
For clinics
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