How to Prepare for the PRP/Stem-Cell Therapy Procedure
- Do not take any anti-inflammatory medicine like Aspirin or ibuprofen 7 days before your procedure. (no Motrin, Advil, Aleve or Naprosyn)
- Please tell us if you are on any blood thinning medications prior to procedure.
- 1-2 days before the procedure, drink 64 ounces of water per day. The day of your injection, drink as much water as you can – preferably, 64 ounces of water.
- Please have a driver check in with us before your procedure, if you have oral sedation.
Oral Sedation for Stem Cell Treatments
For the stem cell procedure, Dr. Nelson may provide a prescription for you to fill at your pharmacy Take the medication at least 30 minutes prior to your scheduled procedure. This is important for optimal effectiveness of the medications. If you have concerns about side effects or potential interactions these medications may have with other medications you are currently taking, please contact Dr. Nelson or one of his medical assistants right away to discuss.
What to Expect During the Procedure
Stem Cell Therapy and PRP are performed in our procedure suite using state of the art Fluoroscopic or ultrasound guidance. We use adult autologous (from one’s own body) stem cells only. This is a safe and effective way of allowing your body to potentially heal in a natural way.
Your appointment on the day of treatment should last approximately 90 minutes.
We use adult autologous (from one’s own body) stem cells only. This is a safe and effective way of allowing your body to potentially heal in a natural way.
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) injections:
- This procedure involves a blood draw, preparation of the PRP, and the injection: Blood will be drawn from a vein in your arm into a syringe (15 to 60mL, or 0.5 to 2 ounces, or more may be needed). The blood is processed using a highly sophisticated, state of the art, centrifuge machine. The centrifuged platelet-rich plasma is prepared for injection. After prepping and numbing the area, Dr. Nelson will inject the necessary amount of PRP into the affected area.
The platelet-rich plasma typically stimulates a series of biological responses, including inflammation, so the injection site may be swollen and painful for about 3 to 5 days.
Bone Marrow Aspiration:
Bone marrow aspirate is collected from the posterior hip area, called the iliac crest. The area is easily anesthetized using local anesthetic and a needle is placed painlessly into the center of the crest. We usually harvest the bone marrow and centrifuge the aspirate into a small injectable volume of bone marrow concentrate (BMAC).
Administering the Stem Cell Injection:
Using live x-ray (fluoroscopic) or ultrasound guidance, the cells and growth factors are injected into the affected site (joints such as knees, shoulders, hips, soft tissue, low or mid back) under sterile conditions with the use of local anesthetic. Dr. Nelson’s extensive experience with back and neck injections, as well injections for knees and other joints and soft tissue, ensures the cells are reaching their targeted area so patients have the best chance for improvement.
PRP/Stem Cell Therapy Post Procedure Care
What to Expect after the Stem Cell Procedure:
Patients walk out of our office with minimal discomfort and require no braces or crutches.
Patients may return to work the day after the procedure.
Post-procedure, patients walk out of our office with minimal discomfort and require no braces or crutches. Patients may begin to experience pain relief in as little as two to twelve weeks. Over a period of six to twelve months, most patients continue to have ongoing improvement, noting a decrease in inflammation, improvement in pain and an increase in mobility and function.
After the procedure, patients may experience mild tenderness or soreness in the posterior/hip/low back area..
During the week following treatment, we encourage patients to perform light activities. Patients may return to work the day after the procedure. Impact or strenuous exercise should be avoided for one month depending on the areas being treated. After 4-6 weeks, patients can return to normal activities. The vast majority of our patients are able to avoid invasive surgeries such as a knee replacement and spinal fusion.
Do not take any anti-inflammatory medicine for at least 6 weeks after the procedure. Such as: Aspirin, Motrin, Advil, Aleve or Naprosyn. We ask you to remain non-weight bearing for a short period, depending on the area that is treated.
