Table 2.
The Acute Stage (Inflammatory response) 1‐6 days post‐injury | The Subacute Stage (Repair and Healing Phase) Begins as early as day 3 | Chronic Stage (Maturation and Remodeling Stage) Begins about 3 weeks post‐injury |
---|---|---|
Exudate (plasma and serum pr‐) leaks out of damaged vessels into surrounding tissue They function to repair damaged site, but can cause significant swelling Swelling → stress to free nerve endings → pain |
Fibroblast activity: synthesize new collagen, the collagen is formed and oriented in a haphazard fashion. Collagen is structurally thin and weak Overstressing/aggressive therapy may reinjure tissue Not stressing tissue may allow adhesions to form |
Collagen is remodeled along lines of applied stress Applying appropriate volume of stress to healing tissue will help to facilitate functional orientation of collagen and increase tensile strength capability |
Treatments: Modalities, gentle ROM, isometric strengthening | Treatments: initiate strengthening, continue ROM progression | Treatments: strengthening, functional strengthening, progress to plyometrics or power training as appropriate |