Injury Recovery Timelines

“How long will it take for this injury to heal and to get back to normal?” 

That is the #1 question that I get from clients early in the rehab process. 

At times, it can be hard to provide an estimate because the duration of injury recovery varies based on a variety of individual factors (age, overall health and fitness, severity of injury, etc.). Though we have general guidelines for injury healing times that help provide clients with clear expectations for their recovery. 

Let’s dive into a few common injuries and the expected healing times for each one. 

Ankle Sprain

Estimated Recovery Time: 2-12 weeks

Ankle sprains and other ligament injuries are often caused by traumatic accidents such as rolling your ankle while walking or running on uneven ground. The injury causes the ligaments to stretch or tear, which leads to pain and swelling in the area. The healing time depends on the severity of the sprain. A mild ankle twist or roll (Grade I) will usually heal within 2-4 weeks. A moderate sprain with partial tearing (Grade II) will heal within 3-6 weeks. A severe sprain with full tearing or rupture (Grade III) will usually heal within 6-12 weeks. 

Ways to assist healing:

• Elevation and compression of the injured ankle

• If unable to put weight on ankle to stand or walk, recommend getting an x-ray to rule out fracture

• Continue to move as tolerated (ankle pumps or ankle circles) to pump fluid and inflammation out

• Seek assistance from a physical therapist to guide recovery and address potential deficits in weakness and balance

ACL Tear/Sprain

Estimated Recovery Time: 2-12 months 

The ACL is one of the major ligaments of the knee. Injury to the ACL most commonly occurs in sports involving sudden stops, quick changes of direction, jumping, or landing. There will often be a loud “pop” or “popping” sensation with rapid swelling and severe pain around the knee. The healing timeline depends on the severity of the tearing of the ligament. Grade I sprains with minimal to no tearing will likely heal in up to 3 months with rehabilitation. Grade II sprains with partial tearing may or may not require surgery and will likely take up to 6 months to heal. Grade III sprains or complete tears/ruptures of the ligament require surgical repair and will likely take at least 9-12 months to return to activity. 

Ways to assist healing:

• Have your knee examined by an orthopedic doctor/surgeon as soon as possible after injury

• Elevation and compression of the knee to help manage swelling

• Start rehabilitation with a physical therapist as soon as you can - it will help improve knee stability, strength, and mobility

• Key: physical therapy pre-surgery is just as important and rehab after surgery. The stronger you are going in, the better the outcomes after!

Hamstring Strain

Estimated Recovery Time: 3 weeks - 12 months

Muscle or tendon strains often occur with overuse of the muscle or a sudden stretch of the muscle. The severity of strain depends on the mechanism of injury and will impact healing time. Mild strains (Grade I) with minimal tearing of muscle fibers will likely heal within 2-4 weeks. Moderate strains (Grade II) with partial tearing of the muscle fibers will take 2-4 months to heal. Severe strains (Grade III) with complete tear of the muscle will likely require surgical repair and will take at least 9-12 months to heal completely with rehab.

Ways to assist healing:

• Utilize elevation and compression for swelling management

• Seek assistance from a physical therapist to help guide you through stretching and strengthening exercises for the injured muscle

• If pain and swelling does not subside within a few days of relative rest, go see a doctor for a consultation

Tennis or Golfer’s Elbow (Tendinitis)

Estimated Recovery Time: 1-12 months

Tendinitis is inflammation or irritation of a muscle tendon, which often occurs with overuse of that muscle, change in level of activity, or acute trauma. Tennis or golfer’s elbow do not just occur in tennis players and golfers. It is common among weightlifters, repetitive occupational movements (painters, plumbers, etc.), frequent use of a computer mouse, and throwing sports. The timeline of healing often depends on how long the injury has been there. More acute or subacute (recent) injuries will often heal within 1-4 months. More chronic conditions can take up to 9 months to heal. While surgical tendon repairs will take at least 12 months to heal.

Ways to assist healing:

• Try to reduce the frequency of aggravating activities or movements to reduce stress to the irritated tendons

• Seek help from a physical therapist for guidance in rehabilitation exercises

• Utilize a compression band around your elbow during activity to help distribute forces across the tendon

Broken Bone

Estimated Recovery Time: 6-12 weeks

Bone fractures often occur with traumatic injury, such as a fall or motor vehicle accident. Bone is unique and simply requires waiting for bone to heal. There is not much you can do besides trying to maintain a healthy lifestyle (see below) as your body heals. Healing time will vary based on individual factors and the location and type of fracture.   

Ways to assist healing:

• Go to doctor for an x-ray as soon as possible

• Do not put pressure on the broken bone (standing, walking, or leaning on arm) during initial healing phase

• Focus on getting at least 8 hours of sleep, eating nutritious meals with high protein, and remaining active in whatever way you can.

• Physical therapists can help come up with ways to stay active while wearing a boot or cast

• Go see a physical therapist once the boot or cast is removed to help regain strength, mobility, and function

Final Thoughts

Remember this: every injury and individual are unique. Your story may look a little different than a friend healing from the same or similar injury. Try to resist the temptation to compare your recovery to someone else’s. 

If you or someone you know have had a recent or old injury and want to know when it is realistic to get back to normal activity, go see a PT. A good PT will help provide a realistic timeline for return to activity and ways to improve healing along the way to reduce risk of re-injury down the road.