Berkshire Orthopedics LLC

A Division of Keystone Orthopaedic Specialists, LLC

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What Precautions Should Be Taken After PRP Injection?

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precautions after prp injection

PRP (platelet-rich plasma) injections are an up-and-coming treatment option for individuals with orthopedic problems such as knee arthritis, tendinitis and rotator cuff tears. If you are considering this cutting-edge therapy, it is important to familiarize yourself with the restrictions you may have during the rehabilitation process. This includes learning about precautions after PRP injection which you could be advised to take.

Precautions After PRP Injection: What to Expect Throughout Your Recovery

While each patient’s recovery timeline will be different, there are general guidelines you can use to prepare yourself for the procedure and the weeks after. Here are some precautions after PRP injection which you may be instructed to take during the various phases of your rehabilitation:

  • Phase 1 (0-3 days post procedure) – In the days following PRP injection, the primary goals will be to protect the affected joint and manage discomfort. The joint may be immobilized using a sling or a walking boot. If you receive injections in your knee, foot or ankle, you may be advised to use crutches.
  • Phase 2 (3-14 days post procedure) – During the second phase of recovery, you will begin to bear more weight as tolerated and slowly discontinue use of assistive devices. However, it is important to continue avoiding activities that may put too much stress on the tendon, including lifting and impact exercise.
  • Phase 3 (14 days to 6-8 weeks post procedure) – The focus during this phase will be to achieve full range of motion while increasing strength and balance. You may be instructed to perform therapeutic exercises which will help you reach these goals. Still, you should not resume strenuous exercise yet, and you should avoid activities that cause pain.
  • Phase 4 (around 6-8 weeks post procedure) – At this point, patients are usually cleared to return to their normal activities at full intensity. Keep in mind that soreness may occur after participating in athletics, but it should go away within 24 hours.

This is by no means a full list of precautions after PRP injection – this is simply a general overview of what patients can anticipate following this procedure.

See Dr. Gill & Dr. Soffer for Advanced, Innovative Orthopedic Care

If you are experiencing symptoms of an orthopedic condition or injury, Dr. Timothy Gill and Dr. Stephen Soffer can help you find the best course of treatment for your individual needs. With decades of combined experience in orthopedics, they specialize in performing PRP injections for joint issues – in addition to many other advanced treatments.

For patients seeking relief from a chronic orthopedic condition or a sports injury, Dr. Gill and Dr. Soffer are the most qualified care providers in the Reading, PA area. If you would like to set up an appointment with one of these skilled physicians, please call our office today at 610-375-4949.

How Do You Treat Tennis Elbow?

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how do you treat tennis elbow

Lateral epicondylitis, more commonly known as “tennis elbow,” is a type of tendinitis caused by overuse of the elbow. This common injury affects more than just tennis players and other athletes. It can happen to anyone who frequently engages in activities that involve repetitive gripping. Tennis elbow can cause pain and tenderness in the elbow as well as the wrist and upper or lower arm. If these symptoms persist, it may lead an individual to wonder: “How do you treat tennis elbow?”

Treatments to Consider for Tennis Elbow

With conservative treatment, tennis elbow will sometimes heal on its own over the course of a few days or weeks. How do you treat tennis elbow with first-line treatments? Here are a few methods to try, with the guidance of your orthopedic surgeon:

  • Resting the elbow and avoiding activities that cause pain
  • Icing the elbow to help ease swelling and relieve pain
  • Taking anti-inflammatory medications to manage discomfort and swelling
  • Wearing an elbow strap to protect the affected tendon from further injury/strain
  • Doing range of motion exercises to decrease stiffness and restore strength and flexibility
  • Getting steroid injections to reduce pain and swelling in the elbow joint

Many patients with tennis elbow experience relief after using a combination of these conservative treatment methods. In more severe cases, however, surgery may be needed to fully address symptoms of tennis elbow.

How do you treat tennis elbow with surgery? Typically, the procedure involves removal of the damaged section of tendon and repair of the remaining tendon. For more information on tennis elbow surgery and what to expect after tennis elbow surgery, please click over to our recent post on this topic.

Discuss Your Elbow Treatment Options with Dr. Soffer

Experiencing lingering elbow symptoms such as pain, weakness and reduced range of motion? It may be time to see Dr. Stephen Soffer for orthopedic care. As an elbow expert serving patients in the Reading, PA area, Dr. Soffer focuses on treating orthopedic conditions with skill and compassion. Along with Dr. James Andrews, Dr. Soffer coauthored the first elbow arthroscopy textbook published in the US.

If you or a loved one is suffering from persistent elbow discomfort, Dr. Soffer will use the most advanced diagnostic tools available to determine the cause and prescribe the most appropriate course of treatment.

To schedule an appointment with Dr. Soffer, please call our office at 610-375-4949. We look forward to making your acquaintance and providing the care you need to get back to your normal lifestyle as quickly as possible.

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