When you get a PRP Injection to heal your joint pain, tendon injuries, or soft tissues, you want to know how long before you can walk again.
Here is what to expect after getting the PRP Injection:
- The procedure uses your own body’s platelets (with lots of growth factors) to promote healing.
- Once your PRP Injection is done, your body begins the healing process right away!
Because PRP Injections target damaged/tormented tissue, your body starts to respond to the damage you have done.
So the aftercare you do (walking) is just as important as the injection itself.
Can You Walk Immediately?
In general, Yes! However, this does not mean you should go right back to your regular routine?
When you initially have a PRP Injection, it is common to have slight pain, stiffness, and swelling for up to 48 hours.
After that time frame (24 to 48 hours):
- Have your doctor tell you about how much walking to do
- You can typically walk in your house or moving around on the ground as needed
- However, long walks, standing for long periods of time, and having additional weight on an area treated with the PRP Injection all need to be avoided for 24 to 48 hours after
So once you get through this time frame, and if you’re feeling OK, you can likely return to regular activity soon after.
YOUR FIRST 24 TO 48 HOURS
This is an essential time for the healing process. Your body is responding to the injected medication and inflammation occurs naturally during the healing period.
During the first 24 to 48 hours after the injection you should:
• Limit walking as much as possible
• Avoid heavy exertion
• Rest the treated area whenever possible
If the injection was given in a weight-bearing joint such as knee or ankle, your doctor may provide you with some type of support to use temporarily (such as a brace or crutches).
AFTER 2 TO 3 DAYS
During this period, most patients find they will feel slightly more comfortable once the initial soreness has eased. They can then begin to gradually increase the amount of time spent walking.
It is still very important to:
• Avoid high impact activities
• Only walk on flat and stable surfaces
• Listen to their body and stop if they feel increased pain
Following this pattern of progression will help minimize the disruption of their healing process.
AFTER 1 WEEK OF PRP INJECTION
At the end of one week, most people will be back to their normal walking routines. Pain and stiffness will typically decrease, and mobility will improve substantially.
As with all things, everyone recovers differently. Each person’s recovery will vary based on their own injury (i.e. severity, location, and overall wellness) and the amount of time they required to receive their Platelet Rich Plasma Therapy for their injury.
Patients receiving Platelet Rich Plasma Therapy for chronic issues will typically take longer to recover than patients who receive Platelet Rich Plasma Therapy for acute conditions.
WHEN CAN YOU RESUME YOUR FULL ACTIVITY?
“Normal walking” at the end of the healing process does not mean that you can go back to exercising or participating in a sport. All other types of exercise, such as running, going to the gym, or participating in any type of sport, will need to be cleared by your physician prior to resuming any of these activities.
Most physician feel that:
• You should wait for 2–4 weeks to return to sports activities
• You should wait 2–4 weeks to return to running/exercising
Following a structured rehabilitation plan can significantly improve your results.
Guidelines for safely walking following treatment
Following these simple guidelines should help you in recovering faster:
- Begin slowly then gradually increase your time spent walking
- Wear shoes that are well supported and fit comfortably
- Avoid walking on uneven or slippery surfaces
- Drink plenty of fluids and eat healthy foods
- Follow any additional directions provided by your physician
Contact your physician immediately if you have unusual pain, swelling, or discomfort.
Importance of following guidelines
The purpose of a PRP injection is not only the immediate relief from pain, but also the ultimate long-term improvement of healing. Not following these recovery guidelines will cause the effectiveness of the procedure performed to be diminished.
Many clinics, such as total wellness medical center, emphasize developing a personalized recovery plan because each person responds individually, and proper post-injection care of the individual’s body will allow the platelets to perform their function properly.
In conclusion
So, when can you get back on your feet after receiving a PRP injection?
Fortunately, you should be able to do some light walking on that same day, but full recovery will take some time and patience. Consider it a journey toward eventual success rather than an overnight fix.
FAQs
1. Can I walk right after a PRP Injection?
Yes, light walking is usually allowed on the same day. However, it should be minimal and limited to basic movement.
2. How long should I rest before walking normally?
Most people can return to normal walking within 5 to 7 days, depending on the treatment area and condition.
3. Is pain while walking normal after the injection?
Mild discomfort is normal for the first few days. If the pain is severe or worsening, consult your doctor.
4. Can I go for long walks after treatment?
Long walks should be avoided for at least a few days. Gradually increase your walking distance as you recover.
5. When can I start exercising again?
Light exercise may begin after 2 weeks, but intense workouts should only be resumed after medical approval.
6. Do I need support like crutches after a PRP Injection?
In some cases, especially for knee or ankle treatments, temporary support may be recommended.
7. What happens if I walk too much too soon?
Overexertion can slow down healing and reduce the effectiveness of the treatment. It is important to follow recovery guidelines.