Tissue Healing Times

March 02, 2025•3 min read

Phases of Healing

Hemostasis:
This is the initial phase, where the body works to stop any bleeding. Blood vessels constrict, and platelets form clots to seal the wound. This phase typically lasts minutes to a few hours after injury.
Inflammatory Phase (0-72 hours):
This is the initial phase following an injury where the body reacts with inflammation. Swelling, redness, warmth, and pain are common. The body’s immune system is active in clearing out damaged tissue and preventing infection.
Goals: Reduce inflammation, pain, and protect the area.
Proliferation Phase (3-7 days to 6 weeks):
During this phase, the body begins to rebuild tissue by forming new cells (collagen, fibroblasts) to repair the injury. New blood vessels form, and tissue regeneration begins.
Goals: Promote healing, protect the injured area, restore mobility and flexibility, and prevent further injury.
Remodeling Phase (6 weeks to several months):
This phase involves the maturation of the new tissue. Collagen fibers align, and the tissue gains strength and structure. The injury is less swollen, and you may be able to increase activity, but it's essential to avoid pushing too hard.
Goals: Gradually restore strength, flexibility, and function, while avoiding re-injury

📊 Tissue Healing Time Frames

🦵 Muscle:

Mild Strain (Grade I): 2-4 weeks
Moderate Strain (Grade II): 4-12 weeks
Severe Tear (Grade III): 3-6+ months
Note: Muscle heals relatively quickly but needs proper loading to restore full function.

🔗 Tendon:

Mild Tendonitis: 2-8 weeks
Partial Tear: 3-6 months
Full Tear: 6-12+ months
Note: Tendons heal slowly due to low blood supply and require gradual loading for resilience.

🦵 Ligament:

Grade I (Mild Stretch): 3-6 weeks
Grade II (Partial Tear): 2-6 months
Grade III (Full Tear): 6-12 months
Note: Ligament healing is slower and requires careful rehabilitation to regain stability.

🧱 Cartilage (e.g., Meniscus, Labrum):

Minor Injury: 6-12 weeks
Post-Surgery: 3-12 months
Note: Cartilage has limited blood flow, making healing slower and sometimes incomplete.

During recovery, you move less, leading to muscle loss and reduced strength. Even after the tissue heals, the surrounding muscles may still be weak.
Example: After an ankle sprain, stabilizing muscles may stay weak, increasing the risk of re-injury. ✅ Solution: Progressive strength training and targeted rehab rebuild lost strength and stability.

Injury can cause your body to compensate—shifting how you move to avoid pain. These patterns often stick around even after healing.
Example: After a knee injury, you might favor the other leg, leading to long-term dysfunction. ✅ Solution: Corrective exercises and movement retraining restore natural, efficient patterns.

Healing tissues form scar tissue. If excessive, it can restrict movement or cause stiffness. Prolonged inactivity.
Example: Post-surgery scar tissue can limit your range of motion. ✅ Solution: Manual therapy, stretching, and mobility training can restore mobility & flexibility.

Your nervous system can become hypersensitive to pain signals—even after the tissue heals.
Example: Chronic back pain can persist despite no structural damage because the brain still perceives a threat. ✅ Solution: Gradual exposure to movement and desensitization strategies retrain your nervous system.

Fear of re-injury or a lack of confidence can lead to avoiding activity, which slows your full recovery.
Example: Someone with a past shoulder injury might avoid overhead movements, limiting their function. ✅ Solution: Gradual exposure to safe but challenging movements helps rebuild confidence.

Many people stop rehab as soon as pain decreases—but before full strength and mobility return. Attempting to return to the activities at the same intensity they did prior. Doing too much too quickly and before they are ready.
Example: Stopping PT after 6 weeks when the tissue heals but the tissue isn't prepared for the same intensity just yet! ✅ Solution: A comprehensive rehab plan that progresses from pain relief to full performance is key.