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Types of injuries: Acute vs. Chronic
Injuries happen to all of us, and they are often labeled as acute or chronic. These terms can be misunderstood, which leads to confusion about the best treatment options.
In medicine, an acute injury is one that is of recent occurrence and is early in its healing process. Acute injuries develop rapidly, often as a result of sudden force or trauma. Examples of acute injuries are sprains, contusions (bruises), and muscle pulls. The acute phase of an injury is generally the first 24 to 72 hours post trauma. The word acute can also be defined as sharp, intense, and severe, which can be misleading. To complicate matters further, the early recovery or healing phase post trauma is referred to as
the acute phase.
Once an injury moves well past the acute phase, it may be labeled as chronic. Chronic injuries may have been going on for weeks, months, or even years. They generally develop slowly, and are long lasting, persistent, and/or recurring. These are often overuse injuries caused by repeated motions, trauma, improper mechanics, or postural issues causing stress to supportive tissues. Unfortunately, the term chronic is often associated with habits or diseases, and in these cases, it is implied that change is impossible, or at least very difficult and highly unlikely. Use of the word “chronic” when labeling an injury may leave many hopeless, feeling that their condition will no longer respond to treatment. Rest assured that this is not the case. Physical therapists treat chronic conditions daily, and although outcomes are typically better with acute injuries, the prognosis for
chronic injuries and dysfunction can be positive with the right treatment approach.
Click to read more about the bodies healing process (PDF) >
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