What should I avoid after my treatment (alcohol, supplements, ice or heat)?

Do not take anti-inflammatory medication, or supplements such as omega 3, ginger or turmeric, unless your doctor approves it; for pain, paracetamol (Tylenol) and tramadol are the options that do not interfere. Do not apply ice or heat on the treated areas on the day of your treatment or the following day; from the third day, you may apply heat or ice for 10 minutes and then rest for 2 to 3 hours before applying again. Rest completely on the day of your treatment and the following day, keep drinking plenty of water and continue the pre-treatment diet for at least 4 weeks for better results. If in doubt, ask before deciding.

The weeks after your treatment are when your body responds to the cells and the platelet-rich plasma (PRP). What you do, and avoid, during this time supports that response. This guide explains each instruction in our post-treatment guidelines and the reason behind it.

Why aftercare matters

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and PRP work with your body's healing response. After the application, the treated area goes through a controlled inflammatory response, and the cells release signals, such as growth factors and cytokines, that help organize repair. Some substances and habits can interfere with this process, either by blocking these signals, by affecting blood flow or by harming the cells. Our aftercare instructions are designed to protect the treatment during this period.

1. Rest on the day of your treatment and the following day

Rest completely on the day of your treatment and the following day. Do not exercise. You spend the first night at our facilities under nursing and medical monitoring, and the next day you continue resting.

2. Avoid alcohol for at least 2 weeks

Alcohol can harm the cells, so we ask you to wait at least 2 weeks before drinking. Alcohol also causes dehydration and can interact with the pain medication you may take after the procedure.

3. No cannabis and no smoking

Avoid cannabis in any form and tobacco products. Smoking reduces blood flow and oxygen in the tissues, which the treated area needs to heal. If you smoke, the longer you stay off tobacco after treatment, the better.

4. No anti-inflammatory medication

Because the controlled inflammatory response after the application is part of how PRP and MSCs act, you should not take anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) after the treatment, such as ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil), naproxen, diclofenac, meloxicam, celecoxib, ketorolac or aspirin for pain, unless your doctor indicates otherwise.

For pain, paracetamol (acetaminophen, Tylenol) and tramadol are the options that do not interfere. Tramadol is not appropriate for everyone: according to MedlinePlus, it can interact with MAO inhibitors, such as selegiline, used in Parkinson's disease, and with some antidepressants. Ask the team before taking it if you use these medications.

Prescribed aspirin or blood thinners: if your doctor prescribed them for your heart or another condition, follow the plan agreed with our medical team and your prescribing doctor. Do not stop or start them on your own.

5. No omega 3, ginger or turmeric

Do not take omega 3 supplements, ginger, turmeric or other natural anti-inflammatory substances after your treatment, unless your doctor approves them. They have a milder but similar effect to anti-inflammatory drugs.

6. No ice or heat at first

• Day of treatment and the following day: do not apply ice or heat on the treated areas.
• From the third day: you may apply heat or ice for 10 minutes, then rest for 2 to 3 hours before applying again.

Ice reduces inflammation and blood flow, and heat increases blood flow and swelling. In the first two days, it is best to let the treated area go through its natural response without either.

7. Drink plenty of water

Hydration supports circulation and helps your body recover. Keep drinking water during the days and weeks after your treatment.

8. Continue the diet for at least 4 weeks

We suggest you continue following the pre-treatment diet for at least 4 weeks for better results:

• Avoid dairy products and their derivatives, such as milk, cheese, yogurt, butter and cream.
• Avoid fatty meals and breaded or fried foods.
• Avoid carbonated soft drinks.
• Choose lean proteins, vegetables, fruits, rice and whole grains.

9. Steroid injections

Avoid corticosteroid injections in or near the treated area after your treatment, unless your doctor indicates otherwise. Laboratory research has shown that some corticosteroids can be toxic to mesenchymal stem cells, and steroids may interfere with the regeneration process. If another doctor recommends a steroid injection, tell them about your recent stem cell treatment and contact our team first.

10. If in doubt, ask first

If you are unsure about a medication, supplement, activity or treatment, do not decide without consulting first. In our post-treatment instructions, we remind patients that not following them can affect the results.

What you can usually continue

• Your regular prescribed medications, such as blood pressure or thyroid medication, unless the doctor tells you otherwise.
• Some medications reviewed by the team, such as GLP-1 weight-loss injections, which in our experience can be continued after treatment.
• Paracetamol (Tylenol) for pain.
• Light daily activities after the first two days, following the activity guidelines.

Activity after treatment

• Day of treatment and the following day: complete rest, no exercise.
• After 10 days: you can walk for up to 30 minutes on flat ground, without over-exercising.
• The following weeks: your doctor and physical therapist guide the gradual return to exercise, avoiding heavy loads and high-impact activities on the treated area until you are cleared.

On your trip home

• Drink water during your trip and avoid alcohol on the flight.
• Carry paracetamol (Tylenol) in your hand luggage in case of soreness.
• Move your legs and walk in the airport or along the aisle when it is safe to do so.
• Avoid lifting heavy luggage with a treated shoulder, elbow or back; ask for help.
• Keep your discharge instructions with you, together with your advisor's contact information.

Questions to ask your doctor before discharge

• Which medications and supplements should I avoid, and for how long?
• When can I restart my regular supplements?
• When can I return to exercise or my sport?
• What signs should make me contact the team?

Summary table

When to contact us

Contact the team or seek medical care if you have a high or persistent fever, increasing redness, heat or swelling at an injection site, pain that gets worse after the first few days instead of improving, or new weakness or numbness in an arm or leg.

Common questions

Can I have a glass of wine at dinner a week after treatment? We ask you to wait at least 2 weeks before drinking alcohol.

My knee hurts the day after. Can I take ibuprofen? No. Use paracetamol, or tramadol if appropriate for you, and contact the team if the pain is severe.

When can I restart my fish oil? Ask your doctor during your follow-up. The doctor will tell you when you can restart it.

Can I get a massage? Avoid massage directly on the treated area in the first weeks after your application. Ask the doctor when it is appropriate.

Can I use a hot tub or sauna? Avoid them in the first days after treatment, especially while the injection sites heal, and ask the doctor when you can return to them.

Bottom line

After treatment, rest for two days, avoid alcohol for at least 2 weeks, avoid cannabis and smoking, skip anti-inflammatory drugs and supplements unless the doctor approves them, avoid ice and heat for the first two days, drink plenty of water and continue the diet for at least 4 weeks. When in doubt, ask first. A medical evaluation can help determine whether this type of regenerative treatment is appropriate for your condition, goals and medical history.