• Ross Watkins, Georgina Young, Max Western, Keith Stokes, and Carly McKay.
• Department for Health, University of Bath, Claverton Down, Bath, BA2 7AY, UK; Centre for Sport, Exercise and Osteoarthritis Research Versus Arthritis, UK; Centre for Motivation and Health Behaviour Change, University of Bath, Claverton Down, Bath, BA2 7AY, UK. Electronic address: R.Watkins@bath.ac.uk.
• Phys Ther Sport. 2021 Mar 1; 48: 121-127.

ObjectivesTo elicit healthcare practitioners' views on treatment following sport-related knee injury in young adults (18-35) and the potential for individuals to self-manage joint health.DesignSemi-structured interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed and analysed systematically using an inductive approach.SettingSouth West UK.ParticipantsTwelve healthcare practitioners with experience of treating young adults.Main Outcome MeasuresUnderstanding how healthcare practitioners treat young adults following knee injury and to what extent individuals may be able to self-manage knee health.ResultsParticipants' perceptions were encapsulated in three consistent themes: [1] Treating patients; [2] Maintaining physical activity; and [3] Education and support. All participants described how staying physically active and maintaining a healthy weight were integral to conserving knee health, and that post-injury education was necessary to "empower" patients to self-manage knee health. A need for greater access to support, advice and guidance for patients was also articulated.ConclusionsHealthcare practitioners should tailor their treatment to young adults to account for individual characteristics, aspirations for sport and exercise participation, and their emotional wellbeing. Fulfilment of individuals' educational and supportive needs is key to the establishment of self-management behaviours that may help to conserve knee health.Copyright © 2020 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

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