Healing Timelines

1. Stages of Injury Healing:

Phase One
  • Acute
  • 3 – 6 days
  • Swelling, redness, painful
Phase Two
  • Sub-acute
  • Up to 10 weeks
  • Scarring, pain stiffness, reduced activity, weakness, muscle imbalance
Phase Three
  • Chronic
  • Up to 2 years
  • Scarring and reshaping of the scar tissue continues

2. How Physiotherapy can help:

Phase One
  • Reduction in swelling & pain
  • Prepare wound site for healing
  • Reduce time of acute phase
Phase Two
  • Minimize scarring, pain & stiffness
  • Early return to work and leisure activities
  • Can reduce length - phase 2 up to 70%
  • Ensure better healing with normal muscle tone, muscle length and strength
Phase Three
  • Ensure scarring is occurring along normal lines of force for maximum strength of healing
  • Ensure normal muscle control – length, strength
  • Normalize movement patterns
  • Ensure minimal risk of re-injury

3. What is a normal treatment plan?

Phase One
  • Minimum of 2 – 4 times per week
  • Rest, Ice, elevation
  • Education about your injury
Phase Two
  • Minimum of 2 - 3 times per week
  • Gradual return to activity

Your treatment may include:

- Joint mobilization
- Exercise/early intervention rehab
- Modalities
- Taping

Phase Three
  • If you have been unable to return to your normal activities, you may be placed on a intensive rehab program
  • Exercise will be the major component of your treatment