Wound healing phases

Phase 1: The inflammation phase (3-5 days)

When an injury occurs, such as a muscle tear or a torn muscle fiber, the body starts the inflammation phase almost immediately. During this phase, the tissue repairs the damage caused by the bleeding. Signs of inflammation include redness, swelling, warmth, restricted movement and pain. These reactions are completely normal and a sign that the body is working on healing. Lymphocytes and granulocytes migrate to the site of injury and begin to remove dead tissue and pathogens.

It is particularly important to ensure rest during this phase. Excessive stress and the careless use of anti-inflammatory medication can disrupt the natural inflammatory process and delay healing. Medication, if not used responsibly, can suppress inflammation and thus impair wound healing. Your pain is a signal from the body that should be heeded to promote optimal healing. Edema and tension in the connective tissue can also occur and require special attention.

Phase 2: The proliferation phase (up to 28 days)

After the inflammation phase, the body produces new tissue elements in the proliferation phase, which are necessary for healing. This is crucial for injuries such as muscle tears, torn muscle fibers and muscle strains. Fibroblasts migrate to the injury site and start producing type III collagen, which is later converted into more robust type I collagen.

During this phase, specific stimuli and early functional treatments are crucial. Particularly in the first four weeks, appropriate treatments such as targeted stretching should be continued to ensure adequate fiber alignment. The duration of this phase varies for different tissue types: ligaments require around three weeks, muscles around four weeks, bones up to six weeks and tendons between one and three months for significant healing.

Phase 3: The remodulation phase (up to 500 days)

The final phase, the remodulation phase, can last up to 500 days. Here, the previously produced collagen is further restructured and aligned to restore the normal function and strength of the tissue. If functional stress is applied during the proliferation phase, the collagen fibers orient themselves correctly in the functional plane. However, if there is no stressful impact, collagen does not build up adequately and the tissue remains more susceptible to new injuries.

The tissue can only be expected to be fully resilient once this phase has been completed. Too early loading can lead to a prolongation of the inflammatory phase, increased collagen deposition and ultimately to crystallization and ossification. Stress and hormonal dysregulation such as adrenaline/noradrenaline release can also impair the healing process.

It is important to respect these phases and, particularly in the case of muscle tears, muscle fibre tears, muscle strains or bursitis, to recognize that the healing process often takes longer than with a bone fracture. The ability to move and function is promoted not only by the right timing, but also by targeted intervention at every stage of wound healing.

Patience and thoughtfulness are the key to healing

Injuries such as muscle tears, muscle fiber tears or muscle strains are often associated with a lengthy healing process. While it can be difficult to be patient, it is essential to guide the body through the various phases of wound healing and give it the space it needs to regenerate. Edema, tension in the connective tissue and other complications are normal, but can be managed effectively with rest, appropriate therapeutic measures and careful reintegration into physical activities.

We hope that this overview has provided you with more clarity about the healing process after an injury. If you have any further questions or specific concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us at Physiotherapy Waidfuss in Höngg. Your health and recovery are our priority, and you are welcome to schedule a Book an appointment with us.