How long is recovery after a PRP injection, and when can I return to activity?

A brief period of relative rest (typically the first 24 to 48 hours) is generally recommended after PRP, along with avoiding NSAIDs (ibuprofen, naproxen) for a period around the injection, since they can blunt the inflammatory response PRP is intended to trigger. Some soreness or mild swelling at the injection site is common in the first few days. Beyond that initial window, activity is usually reintroduced gradually — walking and daily activities first, then sport-specific loading — guided by symptoms rather than a rigid protocol.

Published PRP protocols vary in their specific return-to-activity timelines, but generally agree on a short period of relative rest followed by progressive loading, rather than prolonged immobilization.

Recovery pacing is individualized rather than templated — it depends on the joint, the patient's baseline activity level, and how the tissue responds. Structured follow-up, typically at 6 to 10 weeks, is used to assess progress and adjust the plan rather than assuming every patient follows the same timeline.