Regenerative Medicine Instructions
Before Your Procedure
Arrival Time
Please arrive 45 minutes before your scheduled procedure time. Unlike a standard injection appointment, regenerative procedures require a blood draw and preparation time before we can begin. Arriving on time ensures your procedure starts on schedule and your sample is processed properly.
Hydration
Stay well hydrated for the full 24 hours leading up to your procedure. Drink plenty of water throughout the day and evening before your appointment. Good hydration improves the quality of your blood draw and helps ensure we get an adequate sample volume for processing. Avoid alcohol the night before, as it can contribute to dehydration.
Anti-Inflammatory Medications — Stop 1 Week Before
Do not take any non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) for 7 days before your procedure. NSAIDs directly suppress the inflammatory pathways that regenerative treatments rely on to stimulate healing. Taking them before your procedure can blunt its effectiveness.
NSAIDs to avoid include:
Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin)
Naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn)
Diclofenac (Voltaren)
Meloxicam (Mobic)
Celecoxib (Celebrex)
Aspirin (at anti-inflammatory doses)
Ketorolac (Toradol)
Indomethacin
If you are unsure whether a medication you take is an NSAID, call our office before your appointment. If you take aspirin for cardiac reasons, do not stop it without speaking with your prescribing physician first.
What to Wear
Wear loose-fitting, comfortable clothing that can be easily adjusted or moved to access the treatment area.
After Your Procedure
Injection Site Healing
Keep the injection site clean and dry. If a band-aid or other dressing was placed, it can typically be removed the same day of the procedure. Avoid baths, pools, hot-tubs, jacuzzi’s, and swimming for the first 48 hours. Showering is fine.
What to Expect — Soreness Is Normal
Regenerative injections intentionally trigger a healing response. It is completely normal — and expected — to experience increased soreness the day of your procedure and for approximately one week afterward. For many patients, this soreness is more intense than what they experienced before the procedure. This is a normal part of the healing process, not a sign that something went wrong. Symptom improvement typically begins after this initial soreness resolves.
Do Not Use Anti-Inflammatories After the Procedure
For 2 weeks after your procedure, avoid all anti-inflammatory medications, ice, and corticosteroids. The inflammatory response your body mounts after the injection is the mechanism through which regenerative treatments work. Suppressing that response — even briefly — can significantly reduce the effectiveness of your procedure.
Avoid the following for at least 2 weeks after your injection:
All NSAIDs listed above (ibuprofen, naproxen, diclofenac, meloxicam, celecoxib, ketorolac, indomethacin)
Ice or cold packs applied to the treated area
Oral corticosteroids (prednisone, methylprednisolone, dexamethasone)
Corticosteroid injections at or near the treated site
Topical anti-inflammatory gels or creams (Voltaren gel, diclofenac cream)
For pain management, you may use:
Acetaminophen (Tylenol) as directed on the packaging
Any pain medication specifically prescribed by your physician for this procedure
Heat
Avoid applying heat to the treated area for the first 48–72 hours after your procedure. After that window, heat may be used sparingly for comfort if needed.
Activity and Return to Exercise
Your activity level in the weeks following the procedure plays an important role in your recovery. Follow this general progression:
Days 1–2: Relative rest. Stick to light daily activities and gentle walking. Avoid anything strenuous, including gym sessions, heavy lifting, running, or high-impact activity.
Days 3–7: Low-impact activity as tolerated. You may gradually increase your movement, but avoid heavier lifting, high-impact exercise, and anything that significantly loads the treated area.
Weeks 2–6: Progressive return to full activity as tolerated. Advance at a pace that feels comfortable. If you experience a significant flare of pain with a specific activity, scale back and progress more gradually.
Your physician may provide a more specific timeline based on what was treated and the extent of your procedure. Always defer to individualized guidance when provided.
Driving
You will likely be able to drive yourself home after the procedure. If you are unsure, please bring a responsible driver to help you home.
When to Call Us or Seek Emergency Care
Contact our office right away if you experience any of the following:
Fever over 101°F or chills
Rapidly increasing pain, swelling, redness, or warmth beyond what is expected
Drainage or discharge from the injection site
New numbness, weakness, or loss of bladder or bowel control
Anything that doesn’t feel right — when in doubt, call us