You’re in pain, you’re tired of pills and “wait-and-see,” and you want to know if PRP can help you — not in theory, but in real life. The internet is full of generic checklists, contradicting rules about ice vs. no ice, and almost no clarity on what happens after the injection. This guide fixes that. It tells you exactly what to do before and after PRP, why each step matters biologically, and how to pace recovery so you don’t sabotage your own results.

We break it down by indication — joints/tendons (orthopedic), hair, and skin — because aftercare is not copy-paste. You’ll see which meds to pause (and which are okay), how to handle the first 48–72 hours, when to start moving, and realistic timelines for change (weeks for joints/tendons; months for hair/skin). We also flag the must-call-now situations so you’re never guessing.

If you want PRP to be more than an expensive experiment, follow the plan: prep right, protect the early inflammatory window, then progress on schedule. The checklists below make it simple — and they’re built for real life.

Ready to stop guessing and start healing? Book your PRP consult at NexGenEsis Healthcare – today. Get a straight plan, not vague promises.

Key Takeaway

• PRP works best with a plan, not vibes. Prep right, protect the early inflammatory window, and progress on schedule.
• Meds matter. Avoid aspirin/nonselective NSAIDs 7–10 days before and a few days after (if your prescriber agrees). Use acetaminophen for pain.
• No icing/heat for 48–72 hours (if following a pro-inflammation protocol). A short flare is normal.
• Care isn’t one-size-fits-all. Follow the right checklist: Ortho, Hair, or Skin.
• Rehab timeline (Ortho): Days 0–2 relative rest → Days 2–7 gentle ROM → Weeks 2–3 light strengthening → ~Week 6 gradual return to impact.
• Results take time. Joints/tendons: weeks to months. Hair/skin: months, usually with a series + maintenance.
• Red flags = call now. Fever >38 °C, rapidly worsening pain after 48 h, hot/red joint, spreading redness, pus, calf pain/swelling.
• Be honest about cost. Many PRP uses are cash-pay; know the total series pricing before you start.

Glossary (quick meanings) 

• PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma): Your blood is spun to concentrate platelets and growth factors, then injected to support repair.
• Inflammatory window: The early period after PRP when controlled inflammation kick-starts repair.
• Tendinopathy: Pain/irritation/degeneration of a tendon (Achilles, patellar, tennis elbow, etc.).
• NSAIDs: Anti-inflammatory meds (ibuprofen, naproxen); often paused around PRP.
• COX-2 inhibitor: NSAID type that spares platelets (e.g., celecoxib); clinic policies vary.
• MCID: Smallest improvement that feels meaningful to you.
• VAS: 0–10 pain scale.
• WOMAC/KOOS, VISA-A, QuickDASH/SPADI: Standard scores that track knee, Achilles, elbow/shoulder function.
• DVT: Blood clot in the leg, needs urgent assessment.
• Anticoagulants (“blood thinners”): Medicines that reduce blood clotting

What is PRP?

PRP is made from your blood, spun in a centrifuge to concentrate platelets, then injected into the target tissue (joint/tendon/scalp/skin). Platelets release growth factors that modulate inflammation and support tissue repair. Results build over weeks to months, not overnight.

How solid is PRP — by use case (not hype)

Knee osteoarthritis (KOA)

• Multiple meta-analyses report PRP > hyaluronic acid (HA) for pain/function at short–mid term; leukocyte-poor PRP often trends better than leukocyte-rich. Studies vary a lot, so interpret effect sizes carefully.
• Practical: Expect modest-to-meaningful gains in the right patients, especially with series protocols and structured rehab. Timelines are weeks–months, not days.

Tendinopathy (lateral epicondyle, rotator cuff, patellar, etc.)

• Reviews suggest PRP can reduce pain and improve function in chronic cases and may outlast steroid mid-term; protocols differ, and long-term certainty is limited.
• Practical: Best after first-line care (load management, physio) has stalled. Pair PRP with a graded return-to-load for credible gains.
  

Hair loss (androgenetic alopecia)

• Meta-analyses show PRP often increases hair density at 3–6 months vs placebo; hair shaft diameter data are mixed; safety is favorable.
• Practical: Plan a series (3–4 sessions) plus maintenance; measure change in months with photos.
  

Medication effects (why the “no-NSAIDs” rule matters)

• Mechanism: Aspirin and many NSAIDs inhibit platelet activation (COX-1) and can reduce growth-factor release, possibly lowering PRP bioactivity.
• Clinical guidance: Reviews show common meds (aspirin, acetaminophen, NSAIDs, statins) don’t lower platelet counts but can change function — supporting a clinician-directed pause for aspirin/NSAIDs around PRP.
• Bottom line: Do not stop anticoagulants. Align any holds with your prescriber. (Function changes matter more than the raw platelet number.)
  

Safety

Across uses, PRP is generally safe with low serious-event rates when sterile technique is used. Most post-injection issues are temporary flares (soreness, swelling). Use red-flag criteria to catch outliers early.

The Big Rules Most People Miss (applies to all PRP)

7–10 days before (clinician-directed)

• Discuss all meds (especially aspirin/NSAIDs, anticoagulants). If your prescriber agrees, pause NSAIDs; avoid intra-articular steroids into the same joint for weeks before PRP if feasible.
• Acetaminophen is typically allowed for pain (dose per label/clinician).

48 hours before & after

• No alcohol; go easy on smoking — both can hinder healing.
• Hydrate well; eat normally on procedure day so the blood draw is easy.
• Do not take “just one” ibuprofen after the shot — the early inflammation is part of the therapeutic cascade. Use acetaminophen instead unless your clinician says otherwise.
• Expect a flare. Soreness and swelling for a few days is common.PMC
  

Indication-Specific Checklists

1) Orthopedic PRP (tendons, early OA, soft tissue)

Before (7–10 days)

• Clear meds with your clinician (aspirin/NSAIDs, anticoagulants).
• If approved by your prescriber, pause NSAIDs; avoid recent steroid shots in the same joint when possible.
• Hydrate; eat a normal meal the day of injection.

After

• Days 0–2: Relative rest, normal ROM only. No ice/heat for 48–72 h if your clinic preserves the inflammatory phase. Take acetaminophen if needed. PMC
• Days 2–7: Start gentle mobility + stretching. PubMed
• Weeks 2–3: Add light strengthening (isometrics → isotonic as tolerated).  PubMed
• Around Week 6: Gradual return to higher-impact loading if symptoms allow. Progress with criteria, not the calendar (work with PT/clinician). PubMed

Why these phases?
Most protocols delay heavy loading for 1–2 weeks, start stretching by days 2–7, then strengthen in weeks 2–3. Rationale: let PRP’s early inflammatory window run, then build capacity.

Pain expectations & products:
Post-injection flares are common and usually resolve within a week; serious events are rare with sterile technique.

Evidence note:
AAOS patient guidance is neutral on PRP for knee OA (neither for nor against). Results vary; set expectations early and decide with your clinician.

2) Hair/Scalp PRP (± microneedling)

Before:

• Review hair products/meds with your clinician. Many clinics pause minoxidil and strong topicals for a couple of days before/after; others don’t. When unsure, keep scalp product-light for 48 h pre-procedure.
• Avoid NSAIDs 7–10 days if your prescriber approves; avoid alcohol 48 h.

After:

• 0–24 h: Do not wash or touch the scalp.
• 24–72 h: Gentle wash only; avoid pressure (hats/helmets), heavy sweating/sauna, sun, pools/hot tubs.
• 72 h+: Resume styling and topicals (e.g., minoxidil) if cleared. Take photos monthly for tracking.

Expectations
Hair PRP is a series — often 3–4 sessions spaced 4–6 weeks apart, then maintenance. Visible change = months, not days. Johns Hopkins Medicine

3) Skin/Aesthetics PRP (± microneedling)

Before:

• Stop strong retinoids/acids for a few days; avoid NSAIDs if approved. No alcohol 48 h.

After:

• 0–24 h: Hands off; no makeup.
• 48–72 h: Avoid hot yoga/sauna, intense sun, pools. Gentle cleanse/moisturize; add mineral sunscreen once skin allows.
• Day 3+: Resume activities gradually if irritation-free (follow your clinic’s product ladder).

Medication Rules (the part that actually matters)

• Avoid pre-/post-procedure aspirin & nonselective NSAIDs (ibuprofen, naproxen) unless your prescriber says you must continue.
  • Why: They inhibit platelet COX-1 and reduce thromboxane-mediated activation; lab and clinical data suggest they may diminish PRP bioactivity.
• Acetaminophen (paracetamol) is typically allowed for pain control (follow the label; ask if liver disease/alcohol use). PMC
• COX-2 inhibitors (e.g., celecoxib) are platelet-sparing, but many clinics still prefer a brief avoidance — defer to your prescriber. New England Journal of Medicine
• Mind interactions (e.g., ibuprofen can block aspirin’s antiplatelet effect if taken beforehand).
  

Rehab Roadmap (orthopedic)

• Days 0–2: Relative rest; normal ADLs; no ice/heat first 48–72 h if following pro-inflammation protocol; acetaminophen OK.
• Days 2–7: Gentle ROM/stretching; zero ballistic loading.
• Weeks 2–3: Begin light strengthening; progress volume slowly.
• Weeks 4–6: Build capacity; add low-impact cardio and controlled plyometrics as tolerated.
• Week 6+: Gradual return to sport/high impact if criteria are met (low pain, minimal swelling, function improving). Protocols vary — follow your clinician/PT.

Stop rules: Pain >3/10 during sets, or pain/swelling worse the next day → back off 10–20% and retry.

What Results to Expect (and When)

Orthopedic: Improvements typically accumulate over 4–10 weeks, sometimes 3–6 months for full effect. Some people need repeat injections depending on the severity.

Hair: First visible change often occurs around 6 months after a series; maintenance is common.

Reality check: Major societies (e.g., AAOS) are cautious/neutral for knee OA because trials vary. Individual response differs. Manage expectations up front.

How Many Sessions?

Orthopedic OA/tendinopathy: Many protocols use 3–4 injections spaced weeks apart; some data suggest 4–5 can be optimal in select cases — apply clinical judgment.

Hair: Commonly 3–4 sessions (4–6 weeks apart) + maintenance every 4–6 months. Follow your specialist’s plan.

Cost & Coverage

PRP is often cash-pay for hair/skin and many orthopedic uses. Insurers may not cover OA/tendon PRP given mixed guidelines. Ask for total series pricing and any package discounts before you start. (AAOS offers neutral education, not coverage.)

Red Flags — Call Your Clinic Immediately If You Notice:

• Fever >38 °C, shaking chills
• Rapidly worsening pain after 48 h, severe swelling, hot/red joint
• Spreading redness, pus/drainage at the site
• New calf pain/swelling (concern for DVT).

(Serious complications are rare, but timing matters. Don’t wait.)

Mini Checklists

Orthopedic PRP — Quick List

• 7–10 days before: clear meds; avoid aspirin/NSAIDs if prescriber approves.
• 48 h before/after: no alcohol; hydrate; normal meals.
  0–48 h: rest; no ice/heat; acetaminophen if needed.
• 2–7 d: gentle ROM/stretch.
• 2–3 weeks: light strengthening.
• ~6 weeks: gradual higher impact if criteria met.
  

Hair PRP — Quick List

• Prep: scalp product-light; avoid NSAIDs if cleared.
• 0–24 h: no washing/touching.
• 24–72 h: gentle wash; avoid sweat/sauna/sun/hats.
• 72 h+: resume styling/minoxidil if cleared; photo log monthly.
  

Skin PRP — Quick List

• Prep: pause strong actives; avoid NSAIDs if cleared.
• 0–24 h: no makeup; hands off.
• 48–72 h: avoid heat/sun/pools; gentle skincare; mineral SPF when allowed.
  

Final Word

PRP isn’t magic — it’s biology + plan. Nail medication timing, respect the early inflammatory window, and follow a phased progression. For hair/skin PRP, protect the area for the first 72 hours and track progress over months, not days. When clinics are vague, this checklist keeps you honest and safe.

You’ve got the checklist — now get the results. Schedule your visit at NexGenEsis Healthcare – and follow a proven path from PRP injection to recovery. Lock in your appointment today.

FAQs (Real Questions, Straight Answers)