Millions of people suffer from chronic musculoskeletal pain, and sometimes, the body needs a boost to kickstart its natural healing process. That’s where Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy comes in! You can maximize the effectiveness of PRP and pain relief with a few simple steps.

At Chattanooga Non-Surgical Orthopedics, under the guidance of Dr. Jeff Hall, we specialize in using PRP injections to treat a variety of soft-tissue injuries, including:

• Chronic musculoskeletal pain
• Acute sports injuries
• Osteoarthritis
• Tendinitis

But PRP doesn’t simply work alone. While it harnesses your body’s superheroes (your platelets!) to accelerate healing, you can play a crucial role in maximizing its effectiveness. Here’s how to get the most out of your PRP treatment:

Understanding the Process:

• Don’t expect instant results: PRP takes time. You might even experience temporary increased pain due to initial inflammation – a sign your platelets are getting to work!
• Patience is key: Over time, as the platelets release growth factors, you’ll see a gradual reduction in pain and improvement in the treated area.

Taking Care of Your Injection Site:

• Watch for unusual reactions: Minor discomfort is normal, but report any excessive swelling, redness, or severe pain to Dr. Hall.
• Keep it clean and dry: Prevent infection by keeping the injection site clean and dry for 12-24 hours.
• Embrace the swelling: While it might feel counterintuitive, swelling is a natural and necessary part of the healing process. Avoid using ice on the PRP site.
• Managing Pain:
  • PRP ultimately reduces pain, but it may worsen temporarily. You might experience increased pain for 24-48 hours.
  • Medications to avoid: For two weeks after your injection, avoid Aspirin, Ibuprofen, Naproxen, and other anti-inflammatory medications (Motrin®, Advil®, Aleve®) that can actually hinder healing.
  • Dr. Hall will direct you on the best options for managing the temporary discomfort in your healing process.

Taking it Easy, Then Slowly Returning to Regular Routines:

Dr. Hall will provide personal and specific guidelines based on your individual need for PRP. Generally:

• Upper Body: Avoid excessive pulling, lifting, or repetitive movements for six weeks for arm, wrist, or shoulder injections. They key is to start back slowly.
• Lower Body: You might need to take it slow initially after hip, knee, ankle, or foot injections. Gradually, you can then ease back into normal paced walking and climbing  stairs.

Boosting Your Healing Journey:

• Hydration is key: Drink plenty of water to support healing.
• Fuel your body: Eat a nutritious diet rich in vitamins, minerals, and omega-3 fatty acids to provide essential building blocks for healing.
• Gentle exercise is your friend: Light walking or stretching improves circulation and recovery.
• Ditch the tobacco: Smoking restricts blood flow and oxygen to the tissues, hindering healing. Avoid tobacco products for at least two weeks before and after your treatment.
• Hold the alcohol: Alcohol disrupts inflammation and healing, so avoid it during recovery.
• Don’t miss your follow-up appointments: Regular check-ins with Dr. Hall are vital for monitoring your progress and adjusting your care plan as needed.

By following these tips and working alongside Dr. Hall at Chattanooga Non-Surgical Orthopedics, you can empower your body’s natural healing potential and maximize the benefits of PRP therapy.

Ready to take control of your pain and get back to life? Contact Chattanooga Non-Surgical Orthopedics today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Jeff Hall and explore if PRP therapy is right for you!

423-499-0003