Summer Injuries

Common summer injuries include:

• Biking
• Sports
• Hiking 
• Strains
• Sprains
• Overuse

Healing Stages

Stage 1: Inflammatory

• This stage is less than 1 week, generally 0-72 hours. You may have swelling or redness. Elevate your injured area and let it rest during this stage. Only participate in gentle, pain-free motion.
• Inflammation is normal, too little or too much will affect healing

Stage 2: Fibroplasia and proliferation

• This stage begins 4-5 days after initial injury and can take 2-6 weeks. The injury begins to heal, you can engage in pain-free stretches and movement. Avoid rigorous or weighted activities with injured body part.   

Stage 3: Maturation and remodeling

• This stage begins 30 days post-injury. Scar tissue is formed and the injured tissue begins to have increased strength. Now you can engage in strengthening activities, begin slowly and increase gradually.

Factors Influencing Healing

Age

• As we age the healing process slows down. Nutrition, alcohol use, tobacco use, and other medical conditions (i.e. diabetes) all influence healing rate.

Healing Timeline

• Typical summertime injuries will heal within 4-8 weeks.
• Healing means the cells have healed, it does not mean that the injured site is back to its original strength. This takes strengthening and time.
• If the normal healing time has passed and you are still experiencing pain or discomfort, contact your physician regarding your injury.

Prevention

• If you are feeling pain, that is your body telling you it is time to stop.
• Don't overexert yourself, stick to what your body can handle. Pace yourself during activities.
• Stay hydrated and eat a well-balanced diet Engage in proper warm ups and cool downs during active physical movement. Wear appropriate activewear, including helmets and shoes etc.

This information is regarding non-emergency injuries. If you have a serious injury, contact your physician or go to the ER immediately.