Recovering from Knee Pain with Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy: Success Stories and Rehabilitation Tips
PRP therapy is gaining popularity in knee pain treatment. Many people experience different recovery times, and Recovering times with PRP therapy can vary between people due to the different methods used to deliver PRP injections and the severity of the injury. However, you can improve your recovery time by adding some rehab exercises to your post-procedure care regime. Learn about rehab exercises and recovery tips for knee pain management with PRP therapy in this article. Log on to www.doralhw.org for a consultation.
What to expect after PRP injections?
After PRP injections, you may experience some soreness and tenderness in the injection site for a few days. This soreness and swelling are an indication that injections have started working. It can last for 3 to 7 days, and your movement at the joint gradually gets better after 2 weeks.
During the next 2 to 6 weeks, your body continues to heal itself. You don’t need to do anything besides following PRP treatment and paying attention to your body. If any physical activity or exercise causes pain, you should avoid that exercise or activity for some time.
Your body regenerates the new tissue in the next 6 weeks (about 1 and a half months) to 6 months. You’ve treated areas that become stronger, more resilient, and pain-free over time.
Recovery tips
To boost your recovery time for PRP treatment, you can use these tips:
- For the first 2 to 3 days, avoid physical activities that put pressure on the injected area. Don’t use any NASIDs medications as they reduce the effectiveness of PRP treatment.
- Avoid icing or heating the area for at least 3 days after the procedure. After that time, you can start icing the area for 15 to 20 minutes several times a day.
- Avoid blood-thinning herbs, supplements, or vitamins for at least 21 days (about 3 weeks) after the procedure.
- Systematic steroids for 6 weeks (about 1 and a half months) after the procedure.
- Don’t take a hot bath or sauna for the first few days after the PRP treatment.
- Avoid smoking or alcoholic beverages for the first few days after the procedure.
- Don’t take a bath for the first 24 hours after your PRP injections.
- Stay hydrated to promote healing.
Rehab exercises
Rehab exercises are used to promote better healing and faster recovery time. Keep in mind that patients may take different PRP methods in therapy, so the specific measures work differently depending on the timing of rehab exercises after platelet-rich plasma injections give different results. The rehab exercises are as follows:
- For the first 5 to 7 days:
The main goal during these days is pain management, along with regaining range of motion as your body begins its healing process. So, ideally, you can do these exercises 2 to 3 times per day for 10 to 12 reps each, including:
- Knee straightening.
- Knee bends with straight leg raise.
- Lateral kicks: perform it on both sides.
You can use your pain as a guide to gently complete each movement while avoiding putting pressure on your knee.
Bonus tip: Use a kitchen counter or a table for support as needed.
- In weeks 2-3:
In this period, the main goal is to start putting some load on joints once the pain is under control. It’s essential to ensure you’re not overcompensating with your other leg on any of these exercises. You can challenge your strength and balance in this stage, as both play an essential role in restoring optimal function. If you are having difficulty managing your pain, continue the above exercise until you find relief. Generally, you need to do these exercises at least once per day for 10 to 15 reps each. It includes:
- Supported squat
- Lateral step overs
- Alternating cone taps: you can use a cone-like structure or a household object for support.
- In 4 weeks +:
Now, once you have mastered the above exercises without a significant increase in pain, you can start focusing on your knee strength. Add these exercises to your list and perform at least once per day for 8-12 reps each. Avoid overdoing it and listen to your body. It includes:
- Supported lunge
- Tandem dumbbell swings, you can also do it without weights.
- Side stepovers, perform this exercise from both sides.
- Supported single-leg square, perform this exercise from both sides.
Recovering from PRP therapy can vary from person to person. However, adding recovery tips and rehab exercises after the procedure can reduce your recovery time and increase the chances for better outcomes in terms of strength, mobility, and overall functioning of the knee.
Need help with pain management after PRP therapy or looking for knee pain treatment, visit our pain management clinic in Brooklyn for professional medical treatment. Our doctors ensure that you get the best treatment for your pain problems. Our doctors guide you on how you can manage your chronic pain and provide regular monitoring services. Your knee pain needs professional assistance, visit our pain management clinic in Brooklyn today or call to get a consultation. The location at 1797 Pitkin Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11212 is well-served by public transportation, including many bus routes, and the subway line. Visit our website at http://www.painmanagementbrooklyn.com/ or contact us on +1-347-384-5690 for additional details.