Effectiveness of a Structured Post‐Platelet Rich Plasma Rehabilitation Approach on Pain and Function in Subacromial Pain Syndrome: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Pelin Karakaya, Berrak Varhan, Hande Cagliyan ErdoganABSTRACT
Background and Purpose
Subacromial pain syndrome (SAPS) causes pain and functional limitation. Platelet‐Rich Plasma (PRP) is increasingly used as a supportive treatment. Optimal rehabilitation after PRP is unclear. This study investigated the effectiveness of a structured post‐PRP rehabilitation approach on pain and function.
Methods
Sixty participants with SAPS were randomized to two groups; 54 completed the study and were included in the final per‐protocol analysis (27 per group). During a 21‐day period, the study group received a structured post‐PRP rehabilitation approach in addition to standard conventional physiotherapy, while the control group received standard conventional physiotherapy alone. Range of motion, muscle strength, and posture were evaluated. In addition, outcome measures included the Short‐Form McGill Pain Questionnaire (SF‐MPQ), Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand Questionnaire (DASH), Functional Impairment Test‐Hand and Neck/Shoulder/Arm (FIT‐HaNSA) and Constant‐Murley Shoulder Score, which were administered for assessment purposes.
Results
Corbin Posture Scale scores decreased in both groups ( p < 0.05). Pain reduction was greater in the study group (VAS: from 9.00 ± 0.67 to 2.92 ± 1.14 versus from 9.11 ± 0.64 to 7.96 ± 0.75; SF‐MPQ: from 27.07 ± 4.41 to 10.07 ± 3.33 versus from 21.33 ± 2.46 to 19.37 ± 2.35; p < 0.001). Improvements in Constant‐Murley, DASH, and FIT‐HaNSA scores, shoulder muscle strength, and active and passive range of motion were significantly greater in the study group ( p < 0.001).
Discussion
Adding a structured post‐PRP rehabilitation approach to standard conventional physiotherapy may provide additional short‐term improvements in pain, muscle strength, range of motion, and shoulder function compared with standard conventional physiotherapy alone in individuals with SAPS. However, long‐term follow‐up was not conducted. Therefore, the sustainability of the observed improvements remains unclear. Future studies should investigate the long‐term effects of structured post‐PRP rehabilitation approaches.
Trial Registration
ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT07410208; registered on January 21, 2026