Inflammation Phase
Let’s talk about the phases of healing. During the first 24-72 hours of an injury, an inflammatory response has begun at your injured area. This can include swelling, muscle spasm, and guarding. Most people associate this phase with pain. If you are experiencing pain in an area of your body, then you are most likely in the inflammation phase. If it persists, then chronic inflammation results and then chronic non-healing or poorly healing tissue is the outcome. At Joint and Arthritis Pain Relief, it is our duty to help move you through the inflammation as quickly as possible in a natural manner by using your body’s natural repair process.
Repair Phase
The second, in the phases of healing is the repair phase. This phase typically lasts 6-8 weeks and can begin shortly after the first 2-3 days. Often it will overlap with the inflammation phase. During this time, your body lays down new tissue within the injured area and repairs nerve connections to damaged tissue. This is also the time when undesirable scar tissue may begin to form. During the Repair Phase it is our primary goal to:
- Acceleration of the repair and strengthening of damaged tissue
- Prevention of excessive scar tissue buildup, which can lead to recurring injuries
- Help in overall recovery, no matter how severe the injury is
- Decrease pain
- Increase delivery of nutrients and oxygen to the injured area
- Increase range of motion
Remodel Phase
The Remodeling Phase is the complete restoration of healthy function to the injured area, and may take as long as 3-12 months after your injury. Don’t be fooled into thinking you are healed just because you no longer have pain. Connective tissue heals over time. During the Remodeling Phase, we are correcting faulty spinal mechanics to achieve complete restoration of connective tissue health. The benefits provided by physical therapy include:
- Thickening (strengthening) of damaged tissue to prevent recurring injury
- Reduction of scar tissue buildup (accumulation of scar tissue can lead to recurring injury)
- Restoration of full elasticity and flexibility to muscles and joints
- Improving faulty mechanics of your joints and removing compensation patterns
- Improved blood circulation and oxygenation to the entire body
- Minimize development of chronic pain
- Maintaining your range of motion
- Work retraining or work simulated activities that help you stay on the job or return safely