How long does it take to recover from injury?  Injury healing times explained 

Published 1 April 2025

In the world of musculoskeletal (MSK) injuries, one of the most common questions we get asked at the Rehab Hub is; “How long will it take to heal?” The truth? It depends! Healing times vary based on the type of tissue involved, the severity of the injury, and factors like age, overall health, activity level and rehabilitation compliance. But don’t worry, we’re here to break it all down for you. 

Bone healing – 6-12 weeks 

Bones have an excellent blood supply, allowing them to heal relatively quickly compared to some other tissues. A simple fracture usually takes 6-8 weeks to heal, but weight-bearing bones (like the tibia or shin bone) may take up to 12 weeks or more. Factors like smoking, poor nutrition, and inadequate rehabilitation can slow this process down. 

Stages of bone healing 

1. Inflammatory phase (0-7 days) 

The body forms a clot around the fracture, and inflammatory cells initiate the healing process. 

2. Soft callus formation (1-3 weeks) 

New blood vessels develop, and a soft callus (cartilage-like tissue) begins forming. 

3. Hard callus formation (4-8 weeks) 

The soft callus is replaced with woven bone, strengthening the area. 

4. Remodelling phase (months to years) 

The bone gradually reshapes itself to restore normal strength and function. 

Key facts about healing bones 

• A child’s bones heal faster than an adult’s due to higher cellular activity. 

• Immobilisation (casts, splints) helps initial healing, but controlled loading such as resistance exercises is crucial for regaining strength. 

• Severe fractures may take months and sometimes require surgical intervention with metal plates or screws. 

• Weight-bearing activities after initial healing stimulate bone remodelling and strength recovery. 

Muscle healing: 2-8 Weeks 

Muscles have a great blood supply, which helps them heal faster than tendons or ligaments. Minor muscle strains can heal in 2-4 weeks, while more severe tears may take 6-8 weeks or longer. 

How muscles heal: 

1. Destruction phase (0-3 Days): The injured muscle fibers break down, leading to inflammation and swelling. 

2. Repair phase (3 Days – 3 Weeks): Satellite cells regenerate damaged fibers, and scar tissue starts forming. 

3. Remodelling phase (3 Weeks – Months): Muscle fibers realign and strengthen to restore function. 

Key factors for muscle recovery: 

• Rest vs. Movement: Too much rest can lead to stiffness and muscle atrophy, while early controlled movement aids recovery. 

• Nutrition: Adequate protein intake supports muscle repair. Research suggests that 20-30g of protein per meal enhances muscle recovery. 

• Rehab Exercises: Strengthening exercises, progressive loading, and eccentric movements (slow, controlled lengthening) are key for full recovery. 

• Blood Flow Stimulation: Massage, light activity, and modalities like heat therapy can enhance circulation and speed up healing. 

Tendon healing: 6-12 weeks (or longer!) 

Tendons, which connect muscle to bone, have a poor blood supply, meaning they heal slower than muscles. Minor tendon injuries (like mild tendinopathy) can improve in 6-8 weeks, but more severe damage, like partial tears, may take 3-6 months to heal fully. Chronic tendinopathies can persist for 6-12 months if not managed correctly. 

Phases of tendon healing: 

1. Inflammation (0-7 days): White blood cells arrive to clean up damaged tissue. 

2. Proliferation (1-6 weeks): Collagen fibers are produced, but they are disorganized and weak. 

3. Remodelling & maturation (6 weeks – 6 months+): The collagen strengthens and aligns with loading. 

Why tendon healing is slow: 

• Tendons rely on diffusion (not direct blood flow) for nutrient exchange, slowing down healing. 

• Eccentric loading (slow, controlled lengthening exercises) stimulates proper tendon remodelling. 

• Corticosteroid injections can reduce pain but may weaken tendon structure over time, increasing re-injury risk. 

Ligament healing: 6 weeks – 12 months 

Ligaments connect bone to bone and play a key role in joint stability. Unfortunately, they also have a limited blood supply, making healing slower than muscle injuries. Healing time varies greatly depending on the severity and location of the injury. 

Typical healing times: 

• Grade 1 sprain (mild microtears): 2-4 weeks. 

• Grade 2 sprain (moderate partial tear): 6-12 weeks. 

• Grade 3 sprain (severe full tear): 6-12 months (and may require surgery, e.g., ACL tears). 

Why ligaments take such a long time to heal: 

1. Inflammatory phase (0-72 hours): The body responds with swelling and pain to protect the area. 

2. Proliferation phase (3 days – 6 weeks): New collagen is formed, but it is weak and disorganised. 

3. Remodelling phase (6 weeks – 12 months): The ligament gradually strengthens with the right mechanical load. 

Rehabilitation and considerations for strengthening ligaments: 

• Early movement as pain allows is crucial and will prevent stiffness. 

• Progressive loading (e.g., resistance bands, proprioceptive training) restores function and stability. 

• Bracing may help protect the ligament initially but should not be over-relied on, as it prevents full use and healing  

• Surgical vs. Non-Surgical: Some ligaments, like the MCL, often heal well without surgery, whereas the ACL often requires reconstruction.  Although, research on this is ever-developing, and depends on you and your rehab goal 

Factors that influence healing times 

No two injuries heal at the same rate. Several factors can speed up or slow down the process: 

✅ Age: younger individuals heal faster due to better cellular turnover.  

✅ Nutrition: protein, vitamins (especially C & D), and minerals like calcium & magnesium are essential.  

✅ Blood supply: tissues with poor blood flow (like tendons and ligaments) take longer to heal.  

✅ Rehab & load management: a structured rehab program is essential—too much rest slows healing, while overloading too soon increases re-injury risk.  

✅ Lifestyle choices: smoking, alcohol, stress, and sleep deprivation can all negatively impact healing. 

Come back stronger 

Healing isn’t just about waiting. Your old ‘normal’ won’t return without the right rehabilitation. The key to a successful recovery is building strength and resilience so you can get back to doing what you love, even better than before! 

Understanding how different tissues heal helps set realistic expectations and ensures a proper rehab strategy, especially when guided by a professional sports therapist, physiotherapist, or musculoskeletal expert. If you’re recovering from an injury focus on smart rehab, proper nutrition, and patience. Your body knows how to heal—you just need to give it the right tools! 

Need support with an injury? We’re here to help at every stage, from diagnosis to full recovery. Book a Pain & Injury session or reach out — send us a message or give us a call. We’re ready when you are!