Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy harnesses your body’s natural healing capabilities, but the success of the treatment can often be enhanced by proper preparation. Just as you might prepare for any medical procedure, taking certain steps before your PRP injection can contribute to optimal results. This article outlines key considerations and tips for patients in Australia embarking on PRP therapy for their orthopaedic injuries.
Discuss your medical history and medications
Before your PRP procedure, it’s critical to have a thorough discussion with your orthopaedic doctor about your complete medical history, including any pre-existing conditions, allergies, and all medications you are currently taking. Certain medications, particularly those that thin the blood or reduce inflammation, can interfere with the platelet function or the healing process. Your doctor may advise you to temporarily stop taking specific drugs, such as some common pain relievers, for a period before your treatment. This is because these substances can inhibit the very inflammatory processes that PRP aims to leverage for healing. Never discontinue any prescribed medication without explicit guidance from your doctor. Being transparent about your medication regimen allows your doctor to provide the safest and most effective pre-procedure advice.
Stay hydrated and eat well
On the days leading up to your PRP injection, maintaining good hydration is important. Being well-hydrated makes blood drawing easier, which is the first step in the PRP process. Dehydration can make veins harder to locate, potentially prolonging the blood collection part of the procedure. Along with hydration, focusing on a balanced and nutritious diet can support your body’s overall healing capacity. While no specific “PRP diet” exists, ensuring your body has adequate vitamins, minerals, and proteins can help set the stage for a robust healing response post-injection. Avoiding excessive alcohol consumption and smoking in the days or weeks leading up to your treatment is also advisable, as these can negatively impact healing and circulation.
Arrange for transport and support
Depending on the location of your PRP injection and your individual pain tolerance, you may experience some mild discomfort or stiffness immediately after the procedure. While many patients can drive themselves home, it’s often a good idea to arrange for someone to drive you, especially if the injection is in a lower limb joint or if you anticipate any post-procedure discomfort that might affect your ability to drive safely. Having someone available to support you, even if just for a short period after the injection, can provide peace of mind and allow you to focus on your initial recovery.
Avoid strenuous activity before the injection
It is generally recommended to avoid strenuous physical activity involving the injured area in the 24-48 hours leading up to your PRP injection. This helps ensure that the area is not overly inflamed or stressed before the procedure, allowing the PRP to work on a relatively calm baseline. Your doctor will provide specific advice tailored to your injury and planned injection site. The aim is to minimise any additional irritation to the area that could complicate the immediate post-injection experience or impact the early stages of healing.
Plan for post-procedure rest
While PRP typically involves less downtime than surgery, planning for a period of relative rest immediately after the injection is crucial for optimal results. Your doctor will provide specific guidelines, but generally, it involves avoiding strenuous activity, heavy lifting, or high-impact exercises for several days to a few weeks. This allows the injected growth factors to initiate the healing cascade without disruption. Having a clear plan for post-procedure activity modification will help you avoid accidentally overstressing the treated area and support the initial phases of your recovery.
By following these tips for preparing for PRP therapy, you can help set the stage for a smoother procedure and contribute to the best possible healing outcome. If you have any questions about preparing for your PRP injection, please don’t hesitate to contact our clinic.
