Are you having a stem cell treatment and you’re not sure what to expect? You are not alone! Because platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and stem cell treatments are so new, many patients are unsure of what to expect. When you receive stem cell injections with Jersey Rehab, you will be given a full evaluation and patient-centered treatment plan that addresses your unique needs.

Here are some useful tips to help you prepare for your first stem cell therapy appointment.

Stop Taking Anti-Inflammatories

The first thing you’ll want to do is stop taking any anti-inflammatories such as Advil, Aleve and aspirin a week before treatment. The reason why is because you need a certain level of inflammation in the body to receive the therapy, as inflammation is part of your body healing itself. Anti-inflammatories can interfere with the inflammatory process and make your treatment less effective. The good news is that you can still take Tylenol if you need to.

Eat a Plant-Based Diet

A week before your stem cell treatment, you’ll want to improve your eating habits. We recommend avoiding dairy, gluten and red meat. Instead, focus on a plant-based diet that consists of organic fruits and vegetables. The reason why we recommend organic produce is so that you can keep pesticide levels down. Some patients also request a full detox to remove their bodies of waste and toxins.

Avoid Tobacco, Alcohol and Caffeine

Anyone undergoing stem cell therapy is advised against drinking alcohol, smoking nicotine or using other drugs, as these can interfere with the healing process. At the very least, do not drink alcohol 48 hours before the procedure and 72 hours after, and do not smoke cigarettes when undergoing the procedure. It’s also best to limit or avoid caffeine.

Drink Plenty of Water

In the two days leading up to the procedure, drink 64 ounces of water per day. On the day of the stem cell treatment, drink as much water as you can right before the procedure. Fluids carry nutrients to cells and flush bacteria from the body. Staying hydrated can also alleviate some of the side effects of stem cell therapy.

Stay Active and Exercise

Keep active before your procedure, as studies have shown that animals that are more active have better quality stem cells that create more bone. If you have an injury or illness, focus on doing what you can. There are plenty of light activities that you can do without causing pain or discomfort, such as walking, swimming or lifting weights.

Talk to Your Doctor about Supplements

It’s possible that your doctor will recommend taking supplements before your stem cell treatment because they are beneficial to stem cells and cartilage. These include vitamin D3, vitamin C, curcumin, glucosamine, resveratrol, fish oil and chondroitin. Talk to your doctor about taking these supplements. They may recommend individual supplements, a support formula or a certain diet.

Jersey Rehab provides innovative treatments such as PRP and stem cell therapy. Schedule an appointment to learn more about these procedures, how they can support your healing and how to prepare for the best results.