Our body is very complex with many tissues, systems and functions that work together.  When injured, different systems and tissues heal differently.  

Each area also rehabs differently as well.  One exercise may begin to function properly very quickly, while others may not. 

Here is an idea of general approximate healing times for different tissues after an injury:  We will get more in depth as this blog goes on….

1. Muscle: 2 weeks to a year 
2. Tendon: 2 weeks to a year
3. Bone: 6 to 12 weeks
4. Ligaments: 2 weeks to 12+ months
5. Cartilage: 9 weeks to 2 years
6. Nerves: 6 to 12 months (can grow back 1 inch per month)
   
   It is good to know that when injured, it is normally not just one tissue or system involved.  If you hurt your knee during soccer, the bone, ligaments, tendons and muscles are all involved.  
   
   Let’s talk about the different areas of the body and why they heal differently.

Muscles: 

These tissues have a lot of blood supply and elasticity.  When there is a good blood supply, healing is quicker and easier.  Soft tissue therapies along with stretches or muscle building exercises can help not only faster healing but better healing.

When we work a muscle, we increase blood supply and help build new stronger tissue.  

Most of the strongest muscles are the ones that promote movement while other muscles may be weaker but maintain posture.  Our postural muscles are always firing to maintain appropriate position.  This is based on gravity and they will fire more often with bad posture or physical trauma to the area.  

If these muscles become over worked and fatigue, it will lead to pain and injury.  Correcting muscle imbalance helps function and keep this system healthy and injury free.  

Muscle strain healing guideline:
Grade 1: 2-8 weeks
Grade 2: 2-4 months
Grade 3: 9-12 months

Tendons:

Tendons are tissues that are at the end of a muscle and attach to the bones for movement.  Blood supply on these tissues is a lot less than on the muscle.  Stimulation of blood flow is key for healing.  Movement of the muscle and tendon will promote more blood flow.  Heat will also promote more blood flow.

Tears and tension of tendons can send a lot of pain signals and tendons will heal slower than the muscle.

Guidelines:
Acute: 2-6 weeks
Subacute: 2-4 months

Chronic: 3-9 months

Tear/surgery/rupture: 4-12 months

Bones:

Bones will heal faster when there is increased load applied.  Anything that is weight bearing and applying pressure to the tendons attached will stimulate bone growth.  If there is a fracture, non-movement is recommended for healing before loads are applied to the joints and bones.  

Fracture: 6-12 weeks

Ligaments: 

Ligaments attach one bone to the other and stabilize the joints.  They do have blood supply but it is not measurable to muscle.  Tears and sprains will heal much slower. 

Here are the different levels of sprains:

Grade 1: Mild sprain: No swelling, small amount of bruising (2-8 weeks)

Grade 2: Moderate sprain: small tear with swelling (2-6 months)

Grade 3: Complete tear: Very unstable. (6-12 months) Surgery is often recommended

If torn ACL after surgery (graft) it can be 12+ months for healing

Treatments for each grade will be individualized depending on activity, body alignment, over all health.

Cartilage: (9-24 months)

This tissue has no blood supply directly to the area but does have blood vessels close by.  This tissue is very slow healing.  Cartilage gets its lubrication or “oil” from joint movement.  

Pain in cartilage does not happen until the joint is severely damaged.  This is because cartilage has no nerve supply and pain is only felt when other areas are involved.  

Sedentary lives and little movement has a large effect on cartilage.  

Nerves: 

Nerves are very important for the brain, muscles and all other areas of the body.  This is why chiropractors focus on the nerves and where they supply signals to.  

They transmit signals regarding movement, sensations to the skin, temperature, pressure, pain and body position in regards to where we are located to the horizon.  

They branch from the brain all the way down to the toes and back up.  They relay signals every second to analyze our body and systems.  

If injured or irritated, pain, numbness, tinging, weakness will eventually occur.  

Normalizing posture, mobility and function all lead to healing. 

What is a pinched nerve and how long does it take to heal?  

A pinched nerve is a common diagnosis which really means that there is increased pressure on the nerves.  Any type of pressure will irritate nerves and impact the signals sent to all other parts of the body.  

Wherever this nerve goes, will impact the body.  This can be the muscles, organs and systems.  This can last for 6-12 weeks for a bruised or traumatized nerve.  Depending on age, it can take 6- 12 months to heal.

Irritation to the nerves can happen with micro or macro trauma.  Arthritis, gland issues, diabetes, spinal stenosis, repetitive bad habits, pregnancy, weight gain.  

As a chiropractor, my goal is to help your body move properly and heal quickly. Pain will go away quickly but if function is not restored, it will come back.  Your body will heal but it does take work and there is no magic potion. Just a little patience and the body will restore.  

Dr. Amie Gregory, DC, CCEP, ANF is a San Francisco, CA and San Carlos, CA chiropractor that understands full body health.  She works with athletes, expectant moms, office workers and everyone else in between.  Contact our San Francisco, CA chiropractic office or San Carlos, CA chiropractic office today!