Mission Prep: Getting Ready for Your Visit
A short checklist to complete before you set foot on Fort Carson — so your appointment starts on time and your recovery starts on the right foot.
BEFORE YOU ARRIVE
BEFORE YOUR APPOINTMENT
Get The Most From Your PRP
Platelet rich plasma relies on the quality of what your own body brings to the table. A few simple steps in the days before your appointment can meaningfully improve how well it works.
It is absolutely critical that you do not take any anti-inflammatories — naproxen, Motrin, aspirin, ibuprofen, or other NSAIDs — for 5 days prior at a minimum for the alert. Taking these medications can significantly diminish the efficacy of your PRP.
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Get Moving Beforehand
To help optimize what an orthobiologic treatment can do for your underlying injury, we recommend a brisk walk or light exercise the day before — or even the day of — your appointment. Physical activity beforehand can enhance the quality of your platelets.
Go for a brisk walk or light workout the day before or day of your appointment
Fuel & Hydrate
Drink plenty of water and eat a healthy diet rich in fiber and vegetables in the days before your visit, and avoid high-fat foods. Diet plays a real role in the quality of your PRP.
Stay well hydrated and eat fiber- and vegetable-rich meals; skip high-fat foods
Logistics
If your procedure involves a sling, brace, or crutches afterward, plan ahead so you're not scrambling post-appointment.
Arrange a ride home if needed, and plan light duty for the rest of the day
AT YOUR APPOINTMENT
Finding the Right Treatment For You
Your Evaluation
When you arrive for your appointment, you'll be evaluated by one of our experts to determine which treatment — PRP, a steroid injection, hyaluronic acid, or one of our other services — is the best fit to help meet your goals and treat your underlying pathology.
Is PRP Right For You?
Not everyone is a good candidate for PRP. If that's the case for you, we'll let you know at your appointment and work with you to build a plan for the next steps in your treatment.
DAY OF
What To Expect
ARRIVE EARLY
Plan for base traffic and check-in
Arrive 20–30 minutes before your appointment to account for gate lines and hospital check-in / vitals.
CHECK-IN
Front desk & intake
Confirm your referral and insurance, and complete any pre-visit paperwork or pain/function questionnaires.
EXAM
Physical assessment
Your physician will assess strength, range of motion, and may use in-clinic ultrasound to evaluate the injury.
PLAN OF CARE
Discuss options
Review treatment options — injections, therapy referrals, or a rehab protocol — and next steps.
CHECK-OUT
Rehab handout & follow-up
Leave with a printed rehab protocol (matching the phase timelines on our PRP Protocols page) and a follow-up plan.
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NOT SURE WHERE TO START?
Review the PRP Protocols page for the exact phase-by-phase timeline tied to your injury, so you know what recovery looks like before you’re in the chair.