If you’ve heard great things about PRP injections but aren’t sure what to do after the shot, you’re not alone. Many patients (and plenty of clinicians) get stuck on the “now what?”, especially around timing for laser therapy, brace use, and topicals. This lack of guidance can slow recovery and inflate costs. Here’s a clear, practical guide to how PRP injections fit into treating tendon pain, tendonitis, partial tears, and scar tissue, plus the simple adjuncts that help you heal faster.
What PRP Is (and Why It Helps)
PRP—platelet-rich plasma—is made from your own blood. It’s spun to concentrate the plasma and growth factors, then injected into the injured tendon. In clinic, we see PRP help with:
- Chronic tendonitis (e.g., Achilles, peroneal, posterior tibial)
- Partial tendon tears
- Scar tissue that keeps a tendon irritable and weak
While the science focuses on biologic healing, outcomes depend on what you do around the injection. Think of PRP as the engine—and your aftercare as the fuel and steering.
The Adjuncts That Accelerate Recovery
1) Laser therapy (timed right)
- When: Begin ~2 weeks after the PRP injection (you can do the same day, but waiting lets you see what PRP accomplishes first).
- Why: Specific wavelengths can reduce pain, calm inflammation, and help remodel scar tissue.
- How often: Start at 2 weeks post-PRP, then about once monthly until symptoms resolve.
2) Short-term bracing for support
- When: Immediately or within 2 weeks after PRP if injury mechanics need support (e.g., ankle or foot braces).
- Limit: Don’t exceed 2 weeks of routine brace use too long can hinder tendon remodeling and strength.
- Goal: Protect while re-introducing activity then wean.
3) Topical analgesics (with intention)
- When: Add ~2 weeks post-PRP so you can first gauge PRP’s effect.
- Use: Before and after activity to manage flares without masking overload signals.
4) A ceiling for injections
- Rule of thumb: No more than 3 PRP injections per year.
- Why: If two or three well-timed injections plus the right adjuncts aren’t moving the needle, reassess diagnosis, biomechanics, or consider alternative treatments.
A Simple PRP Timeline You Can Follow
- Week 0: PRP injection; relative rest, protected loading as advised.
- Weeks 0–2: Optional brief bracing; gentle range of motion; avoid anti-inflammatories unless directed.
- Week 2: Start laser therapy; begin topical analgesics as needed; progress loading under guidance.
- Weeks 3–8: Monthly laser sessions; graded strengthening, mobility, and return-to-sport plan.
- Ongoing: Reassess function and pain. Consider additional PRP only if clearly indicated.
Foot & Ankle Focus—But Applicable Elsewhere
In podiatry, we see excellent responses in the foot and ankle (soft tissue to the knee), yet these principles apply to tendons throughout the body. The key is matching biology (PRP) with smart mechanics (support, load, and tissue remodeling).
Bottom Line
PRP injections can jump-start healing but results are best when you pair them with the right adjuncts at the right time. Use laser strategically, brace briefly, layer in topicals thoughtfully, and cap your yearly injections. With a clear plan, you move from “I hope this works” to a structured path that protects the tendon, reduces pain, and restores function.
