July 20, 2020 · Physiotherapy, Rehab

How long until I recover from an injury?

How long until I recover from an injury? Every situation is different. There are different levels of recovery. Here we list a few and tell you how they work

How long until I recover from an injury on the Gold Coast — this guide from Ace Health Centre walks you through what matters most: when to seek help, what treatment looks like, and what to expect from your recovery. Call (07) 5572 6222 to book.

How long until I recover from an injury on the Gold Coast — this guide from Ace Health Centre walks you through what matters most: when to seek help, what treatment looks like, and what to expect from your recovery. Call (07) 5572 6222 to book.

How long until I recover from an injury?

How long until I recover from an injury?

As we touched on last week, how long until I recover can vary depending on structures involved. This week we will focus on the healing time of soft tissues (muscles, tendons, and ligaments). Soft tissue repair can be broken down to 3 phases: Inflammation, Repair, and Remodelling phase. Each phase holds its own importance in recovery, as well as its own time frame.

Inflammation Phase

As a lot of us may have experienced when we first get hurt is swelling or bruising around the area. Some of the signs that may signal the beginning of inflammation is: Heat, Redness, Swelling, Pain, Loss of Function.

So we might ask what is the point of this and how long will it last?

Our body uses inflammation to bring in more blood and nutrients to the injured site to help begin the recovery process. The aim of inflammation is to contain and limit the injury. Initiate the repair process and splinting of the injured area. As this can be an uncomfortable feeling, we may think it will never end. However the typical length of this inflammation phase lasts anywhere up to 72 hours. This is not to say that we will have no swelling after 72 hours as we may see some lasting effects.

Repair Phase

When recovering from an injury the repair phase begins by overlapping with the inflammation phase. Within this phase we will see the beginning of scar tissue being formed. This scar tissue is weak and randomly laid down to quickly repair the injured area. Within this phase we will see an increase in movement, and decreased levels of pain. This phase can last anywhere up to 2-6 weeks.

Remodelling phase

The remodelling phase is further broken down to two stages. In the first phase the weaker scar tissue being put down begins to shift toward stronger scar tissue. This first stage takes up to 2 months before shifting to the second stage. Within the second stage the scar tissue is being remodelled.  This remodelling phase can last anywhere from 2-12 months. This scar tissue is remodelled through forces acting on the scar tissue which can consist of exercise, massage, or mobilization of the scar tissue.

From this we can better understand the question of ‘how long until I recover?’ Although we can be pain free within the first few weeks, it is important to know that healing can continue for up to 12 months. This continued healing is to better allow the tissue to return to its optimal level. Contact us now to get your recovery started.

What to Expect From How long until I recover from an injury at Ace Health Centre

Patients who book How long until I recover from an injury with our team get a clinic-grade assessment, a clear plain-language plan, and a structured progression rather than a one-off appointment. Furthermore, we coordinate care across podiatry, physiotherapy, dietetics and exercise physiology where relevant, so you are not bouncing between clinics. Authoritative information on this topic is also available from Australian Physiotherapy Association if you would like to read further before booking. As a result, you walk in informed and walk out with a plan you understand.

For more on what we do, see our main service page.

Frequently Asked Questions About How long until I recover from an injury

Do I need a referral? No referral is needed for physiotherapy in private practice. With a GP Chronic Disease Management plan you may be eligible for bulk-billed sessions.

Is physiotherapy covered by health funds? Most private health extras with physio cover offer a rebate. We process HICAPS on the spot, so you walk out knowing your gap.

How many sessions will I need? Acute issues usually settle in 4-6 sessions. Longer-standing conditions may need a 6-12 week structured program. Your physio will give a clear plan at the first assessment.

Book Your How long until I recover from an injury Appointment

Ready to get started? Call (07) 5572 6222 or book online. In addition, new patients can use our no-gap initial consult — straightforward, no surprises.

HICAPS on the spot with every major fund · Medicare CDM, DVA, NDIS & WorkCover accepted where applicable.
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(07) 5572 6222