Recovering from knee stem cell therapy is an exciting journey toward pain relief and improved mobility, but the initial recovery period requires careful management to ensure long-lasting results. Dr. Chris Garcia, a leading expert in stem cell recovery, shares essential tips on what to avoid post-therapy to reduce the risk of painful flare-ups and set yourself up for a successful recovery. Here are the top three things to avoid in the first few weeks after your knee stem cell procedure.

1. Limit Long-Distance Walking

In the initial two weeks after knee stem cell therapy, minimizing long-distance walking is crucial. Even if you’re accustomed to taking 5,000 steps a day, consider reducing that amount by half, aiming for around 2,500 steps. Excessive walking places undue pressure on the knee joint, which may still be inflamed from the procedure.

If you’re unsure of how many steps you’re taking daily, use a wearable device, such as a fitness watch or a ring, to track your activity. This will help you maintain a safe limit and prevent unnecessary irritation during the early stages of recovery.

2. Avoid Squatting Movements

While you may not be hitting the gym just yet, squatting movements can sneak into your daily activities. Actions like getting in and out of a car or sitting down and standing up involve squatting motions that can strain your knee joint. Each time you bend and straighten the knee, you’re applying pressure to a delicate area that’s still healing, which may lead to inflammation.

The knee joint has limited space within its structure, and the injection can initially create irritation if the knee is repeatedly flexed. By avoiding excessive squatting movements, you can keep the joint calm and aid in a smoother healing process.

3. Minimize Stair Usage

Stairs are another potential source of flare-ups during recovery. If you live in a multi-story home or frequently encounter steps in your daily routine, be mindful of the repetitive bending and straightening motion required to navigate stairs. Each step can exacerbate inflammation, especially within the first two weeks post-procedure.

Whenever possible, limit stair usage to reduce stress on the knee joint. If avoiding stairs entirely isn’t an option, take it slow, and focus on controlled, gentle movements.

Timeline for Recovery and Gradual Reintroduction of Activities

After the first two weeks, you can start reintroducing some movements under the guidance of a physical therapist. From weeks two to six, a professional can help you gradually increase your activity level, ensuring you don’t overdo it and that your knee is ready for more intense movements.

In general, flare-ups are most likely to occur within the first two weeks and again between weeks four and six. By avoiding long-distance walking, squats, and stairs early on, you can reduce the likelihood of these setbacks, giving your knee the best chance at healing without interruptions.

Need More Guidance?

For more resources or assistance with your recovery, feel free to contact the Stem Cell Recovery Experts who specialize in stem cell rehabilitation. For more recovery tips and long-lasting results, feel free to call us (619-397-1391). We’re here to help!

If you found these tips helpful, don’t forget to subscribe to our YouTube channel (CLICK HERE) for weekly updates on how to recover safely and effectively after stem cell therapy.

If you’re a visual learner, check out the YouTube video I created on this topic:

Sincerely,

Dr. Chris Garcia, PT, DPT, SCS, CSCS, USAW