Practitioner perspectives on integrating Platelet-rich Plasma (PRP) therapy into biokinetic rehabilitation for hip and knee injuries

Practitioner perspectives on integrating Platelet-rich Plasma (PRP) therapy into biokinetic rehabilitation for hip and knee injuries | Research Square window.SnipcartSettings = { analytics: { enabled: false } }; (function() { var accessVector = localStorage.getItem('access_vector') || ''; window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; if (accessVector) { window.dataLayer.push({ user: { profile: { profileInfo: { snid: accessVector } } } }); } })(); (function(w,d,s,l,i){w[l]=w[l]||[];w[l].push({'gtm.start':new Date().getTime(),event:'gtm.js'});var f=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0],j=d.createElement(s),dl=l!='dataLayer'?'&l='+l:'';j.async=true;j.src='https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtm.js?id='+i+dl;f.parentNode.insertBefore(j,f);})(window,document,'script','dataLayer','GTM-K279D39R'); Browse Preprints In Review Journals COVID-19 Preprints AJE Video Bytes Research Tools Research Promotion AJE Professional Editing AJE Rubriq About Preprint Platform In Review Editorial Policies Our Team Advisory Board Help Center Sign In Submit a Preprint Cite Share Download PDF Research Article Practitioner perspectives on integrating Platelet-rich Plasma (PRP) therapy into biokinetic rehabilitation for hip and knee injuries Ameera Darsot, Tamar Levy, Sithabile Ndlovu, Talita Spies, Dr. Simoné Ferreira This is a preprint; it has not been peer reviewed by a journal. https://doi.org/ 10.21203/rs.3.rs-8646093/v1 This work is licensed under a CC BY 4.0 License Status: Under Review Version 1 posted 16 You are reading this latest preprint version Abstract Background Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy is increasingly used as a minimally invasive intervention to support tissue healing and reduce recovery time in musculoskeletal injuries. While PRP has become common in sports medicine, its integration into rehabilitation, particularly exercise-based biokinetic rehabilitation, remains poorly defined. Although rehabilitation is central to restoring function, preventing re-injury, and facilitating return to activity, limited evidence exists to guide how rehabilitation protocols should be adapted following PRP administration. Methods A qualitative study using semi-structured interviews was conducted to explore clinicians’ perspectives on the integration of PRP therapy within biokinetic rehabilitation. Purposive sampling was used to recruit clinicians with direct experience managing patients who have received PRP therapy. Participants included twelve biokineticists, six physiotherapists, and two orthopaedic surgeons practicing in Johannesburg, South Africa. Interviews were conducted in person or via Microsoft® Teams and analyzed using inductive thematic analysis to identify recurring patterns and themes. Results Participants reported broad support for incorporating PRP therapy as an adjunct to rehabilitation, particularly in the management of chronic overuse injuries. Perceived benefits included reduced pain, accelerated recovery, and improved patient engagement. However, substantial variability was identified in clinicians’ understanding of PRP mechanisms, recommended post-injection rest periods, loading progression, and rehabilitation timelines. Inconsistent communication across disciplines and the absence of standardised post-PRP rehabilitation guidelines were identified as key challenges influencing clinical decision-making. Conclusion PRP therapy may meaningfully influence rehabilitation processes by altering pain management strategies, healing trajectories, and return-to-activity planning. However, the lack of evidence-based, standardised rehabilitation frameworks limits consistency in clinical practice. Development of interdisciplinary, guideline-informed post-PRP rehabilitation protocols is warranted to optimise patient outcomes and support effective integration of PRP into exercise-based rehabilitation. platelet-rich plasma musculoskeletal rehabilitation biokinetics qualitative research overuse injuries Full Text Additional Declarations No competing interests reported. Supplementary Files Supplementaryfile1InterviewGuides.pdf Cite Share Download PDF Status: Under Review Version 1 posted Editorial decision: Revision requested 26 Feb, 2026 Reviews received at journal 21 Feb, 2026 Reviews received at journal 20 Feb, 2026 Reviews received at journal 20 Feb, 2026 Reviews received at journal 17 Feb, 2026 Reviewers agreed at journal 15 Feb, 2026 Reviews received at journal 15 Feb, 2026 Reviewers agreed at journal 12 Feb, 2026 Reviewers agreed at journal 12 Feb, 2026 Reviewers agreed at journal 12 Feb, 2026 Reviewers agreed at journal 12 Feb, 2026 Reviewers invited by journal 12 Feb, 2026 Editor assigned by journal 12 Feb, 2026 Editor invited by journal 03 Feb, 2026 Submission checks completed at journal 03 Feb, 2026 First submitted to journal 03 Feb, 2026 You are reading this latest preprint version Research Square lets you share your work early, gain feedback from the community, and start making changes to your manuscript prior to peer review in a journal. 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Rehabilitation","twitterHandle":"BMC_series","acdcEnabled":true,"dfaEnabled":false,"editorialSystem":"em","reportingPortfolio":"BMC Series","inReviewEnabled":true,"inReviewRevisionsEnabled":true},"keywords":"platelet-rich plasma, musculoskeletal rehabilitation, biokinetics, qualitative research, overuse injuries","lastPublishedDoi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-8646093/v1","lastPublishedDoiUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-8646093/v1","license":{"name":"CC BY 4.0","url":"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/"},"manuscriptAbstract":"\u003ch2\u003eBackground\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003ePlatelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy is increasingly used as a minimally invasive intervention to support tissue healing and reduce recovery time in musculoskeletal injuries. While PRP has become common in sports medicine, its integration into rehabilitation, particularly exercise-based biokinetic rehabilitation, remains poorly defined. Although rehabilitation is central to restoring function, preventing re-injury, and facilitating return to activity, limited evidence exists to guide how rehabilitation protocols should be adapted following PRP administration.\u003c/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eMethods\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eA qualitative study using semi-structured interviews was conducted to explore clinicians\u0026rsquo; perspectives on the integration of PRP therapy within biokinetic rehabilitation. Purposive sampling was used to recruit clinicians with direct experience managing patients who have received PRP therapy. Participants included twelve biokineticists, six physiotherapists, and two orthopaedic surgeons practicing in Johannesburg, South Africa. Interviews were conducted in person or via Microsoft\u0026reg; Teams and analyzed using inductive thematic analysis to identify recurring patterns and themes.\u003c/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eResults\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eParticipants reported broad support for incorporating PRP therapy as an adjunct to rehabilitation, particularly in the management of chronic overuse injuries. Perceived benefits included reduced pain, accelerated recovery, and improved patient engagement. However, substantial variability was identified in clinicians\u0026rsquo; understanding of PRP mechanisms, recommended post-injection rest periods, loading progression, and rehabilitation timelines. Inconsistent communication across disciplines and the absence of standardised post-PRP rehabilitation guidelines were identified as key challenges influencing clinical decision-making.\u003c/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eConclusion\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003ePRP therapy may meaningfully influence rehabilitation processes by altering pain management strategies, healing trajectories, and return-to-activity planning. However, the lack of evidence-based, standardised rehabilitation frameworks limits consistency in clinical practice. Development of interdisciplinary, guideline-informed post-PRP rehabilitation protocols is warranted to optimise patient outcomes and support effective integration of PRP into exercise-based rehabilitation.\u003c/p\u003e","manuscriptTitle":"Practitioner perspectives on integrating Platelet-rich Plasma (PRP) therapy into biokinetic rehabilitation for hip and knee injuries","msid":"","msnumber":"","nonDraftVersions":[{"code":1,"date":"2026-02-17 19:59:28","doi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-8646093/v1","editorialEvents":[{"type":"communityComments","content":0},{"type":"decision","content":"Revision requested","date":"2026-02-26T10:04:36+00:00","index":"","fulltext":""},{"type":"editorInvitedReview","content":"","date":"2026-02-21T13:05:52+00:00","index":"hide","fulltext":""},{"type":"editorInvitedReview","content":"","date":"2026-02-20T20:10:03+00:00","index":"hide","fulltext":""},{"type":"editorInvitedReview","content":"","date":"2026-02-20T18:01:03+00:00","index":"hide","fulltext":""},{"type":"editorInvitedReview","content":"","date":"2026-02-17T17:33:29+00:00","index":"hide","fulltext":""},{"type":"reviewerAgreed","content":"139306801798178180096722292447955965771","date":"2026-02-15T18:56:37+00:00","index":"hide","fulltext":""},{"type":"editorInvitedReview","content":"","date":"2026-02-15T05:41:49+00:00","index":"hide","fulltext":""},{"type":"reviewerAgreed","content":"113863079247377867391996810672933641497","date":"2026-02-12T23:17:18+00:00","index":"hide","fulltext":""},{"type":"reviewerAgreed","content":"137838400756470822828444973201478321665","date":"2026-02-12T15:47:27+00:00","index":"hide","fulltext":""},{"type":"reviewerAgreed","content":"280633417610741698539702198821240772330","date":"2026-02-12T15:06:18+00:00","index":"hide","fulltext":""},{"type":"reviewerAgreed","content":"274861566773790812064252745662222562276","date":"2026-02-12T11:09:16+00:00","index":"hide","fulltext":""},{"type":"reviewersInvited","content":"","date":"2026-02-12T10:44:36+00:00","index":"","fulltext":""},{"type":"editorAssigned","content":"","date":"2026-02-12T10:38:34+00:00","index":"","fulltext":""},{"type":"editorInvited","content":"","date":"2026-02-03T14:19:57+00:00","index":"","fulltext":""},{"type":"checksComplete","content":"","date":"2026-02-03T11:30:41+00:00","index":"","fulltext":""},{"type":"submitted","content":"BMC Sports Science, Medicine and Rehabilitation","date":"2026-02-03T10:32:22+00:00","index":"","fulltext":""}],"status":"published","journal":{"display":true,"email":"[email protected]","identity":"bmc-sports-science-medicine-and-rehabilitation","isNatureJournal":false,"hasQc":true,"allowDirectSubmit":false,"externalIdentity":"ssmr","sideBox":"Learn more about [BMC Sports Science, Medicine and Rehabilitation](http://bmcsportsscimedrehabil.biomedcentral.com/)","snPcode":"","submissionUrl":"https://www.editorialmanager.com/ssmr/default.aspx","title":"BMC Sports Science, Medicine and Rehabilitation","twitterHandle":"BMC_series","acdcEnabled":true,"dfaEnabled":false,"editorialSystem":"em","reportingPortfolio":"BMC Series","inReviewEnabled":true,"inReviewRevisionsEnabled":true}}],"origin":"","ownerIdentity":"2c0b293f-1a44-43ac-963b-42fe86f44239","owner":[],"postedDate":"February 17th, 2026","published":true,"recentEditorialEvents":[],"rejectedJournal":[],"revision":"","amendment":"","status":"under-review","subjectAreas":[],"tags":[],"updatedAt":"2026-03-06T09:08:29+00:00","versionOfRecord":[],"versionCreatedAt":"2026-02-17 19:59:28","video":"","vorDoi":"","vorDoiUrl":"","workflowStages":[]},"version":"v1","identity":"rs-8646093","journalConfig":"researchsquare"},"__N_SSP":true},"page":"/article/[identity]/[[...version]]","query":{"redirect":"/article/rs-8646093","identity":"rs-8646093","version":["v1"]},"buildId":"XKTyCvWXoU3ODBz1xrDgd","isFallback":false,"isExperimentalCompile":false,"dynamicIds":[84888],"gssp":true,"scriptLoader":[]}