|
Physicians and
therapists identify three main phases in soft-tissue healing.
Phase one:
Inflammation. This initial phase lasts 72 hours or more. The impact of
an auto injury ruptures the tissues, particularly the capillaries, resulting in
debris-strewn gaps between the healthy tissues. With the oxygen-carrying
capillaries damaged, an oxygen-poor environment is created. The immediate
response is from cells that require little oxygen, such as mast cells,
macrophages, and granulocytes. (These are all immune system "clean-up"
cells.) Visible signs such as swelling, redness and pain may or may not be
present at this time.
 Phase
two: Repair and regenerations. This phase lasts up to six weeks or
more. The early part of this phase is concerned with capillary restoration
and the clean up of the debris. Macrophages and granulocytes devour debris
(similar to the cleaning crew on a construction site) as the capillary
system regenerates and brings oxygen and nutrients back into the injured
area. Once there is available oxygen, collagen proteins are necessary to
bridge the gaps in the soft tissue created by the injury and clean up.
Unfortunately, instead of being a strong, flexible criss-cross pattern of
the original tissue, this repair tissue is characterized by a weaker,
stiffer and more pain-sensitive, rope-like pattern.
Phase
three: Remodeling. This final phase of healing lasts up to 12 months or
more. In this phase, collagen is remodeled to increase functional
capabilities in the healing region. It is important that controlled motion
be introduced during this phase. When motion is introduced, the collagen
fibers will slowly arrange themselves more like the original pre-injury
tissue. Motion also minimizes the weakness, stiffness and pain-sensitivity
of the healing tissue. Each of the three types of motion has a role in the
remodeling process (active—the patient moves, passive—someone else moves the
area and paraphysiological—the end range of motion.) The more complete the
remodeling process, the less likely the patient will suffer future
aggravations or exacerbations of areas injured by the car accident.
214.361.2772
Pain Control Institute, Inc.
Immediate
Appointments
Free
Consultation
Open Late
and Weekends
|
