Acute vs Chronic: How Long Does Recovery Take?

Injuries or other physical conditions come in many forms. Some announce themselves suddenly, arising from a specific activity or accident. Others can be long-held problems that have built over time or are the result of a past health problem.

Both can be painful and interrupt your life. The good news is, they can both be treated. The question is, how long will it take?

It’s a valid question. When you are in pain or discomfort  you want to feel normal and return to normal activities. However, the length of recovery will be different for everyone and depend on the cause and longevity of your injury. 

What’s The Difference Between Acute and Chronic?

The main difference between acute and chronic injury or pain is the length of time that they have been impacting you, as well as the length of time it took for them to develop.

Acute

An acute injury or condition occurs suddenly and is typically short-lived, often resulting from a specific event such as a fall, accident, or infection. They are usually characterised by a rapid onset and severe, intense symptoms that usually improve with proper treatment and time – think sprained ankles, broken bones, or muscle strains. 

Acute injuries or conditions generally last from a few days to weeks (up to 3 months) and require immediate treatment focused on healing, pain relief, and preventing complications. Prompt intervention often leads to full recovery.

Chronic

Chronic injuries or conditions develop gradually and persist over a long period, often without a single identifiable cause. They are characterised by a slow onset and symptoms that may be less intense than acute conditions but are persistent and can fluctuate in severity. Examples include chronic tendonitis, arthritis, or chronic back pain. Chronic injuries or conditions typically last for 3 months or longer, sometimes for a lifetime, and require long-term management.

Both acute and chronic conditions can cause pain and can impact daily activities and quality of life. Therefore, both need to be treated properly.

How Physiotherapy Works To Treat Different Injuries

Physiotherapy plays a vital role in managing both acute and chronic injuries or pain, but the treatment approach differs significantly based on the nature, stage, and goals of recovery. 

For acute injuries or pain, the goal is usually to promote healing, reduce pain, and restore function as quickly as possible. Physios will often engage different techniques and approaches to ensure proper treatment, including:

Pain and Inflammation Management: Techniques like ice therapy, compression, and elevation as well as gentle manual therapy or soft tissue massage may be applied to alleviate discomfort.
Protection and Rest: Physiotherapists may recommend immobilisation like braces or slings or modified activity to protect the injured area and prevent further damage.
Early Mobilisation: Once the acute phase subsides, gentle range-of-motion exercises are introduced to prevent stiffness and maintain joint mobility.
Strengthening and Stability: Gradual strengthening exercises are introduced to rebuild muscle strength and support the injured area.

For chronic injuries or pain,the goal is often to manage symptoms, improve function, and enhance quality of life over the long term. This treatment can include:

Pain Management: Techniques like heat therapy, TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation), or acupuncture may be used to alleviate chronic pain. Manual therapy and myofascial release can help reduce muscle tension and improve mobility.
Functional Rehabilitation: Focuses on restoring or improving the ability to perform daily activities through tailored exercises and adaptive strategies.
Strengthening and Conditioning: Progressive strengthening and endurance exercises are used to address muscle weakness and improve overall fitness.
Movement Re-education: Patients are taught proper movement patterns and ergonomic techniques to reduce strain on affected areas.

Often physiotherapy will be combined with other rehabilitation like holistic osteopathy, to ensure a well-rounded approach to care and recovery.

Acute vs. Chronic: Recovery Timelines

Recovery means different things to different people. Expectations of recovery should be aligned with the individual injury and what is possible to achieve. Are your goals total elimination of pain or simply being able to resume certain activities? 

Recovery is also heavily aligned to the type of injury or pain you’re experiencing. Acute injuries can usually be recovered from in a matter of weeks, as the body naturally heals from the sudden trauma of the injury. A combination of physiotherapy, light activity and rest is often enough to heal and strengthen the area, and return to normal activity.

Chronic recovery is like the pain itself – a long term exercise. Depending on the type of condition you’re experiencing, it can take months or even years of work to improve. It’s best to take a progressive approach to make small improvements over time, working with your body and how it responds.

Taking Steps Towards A Pain-Free Life

While recovery timelines will differ for everyone, the right treatment can make all the difference towards the success and speed of your recovery. Working with a physiotherapist that understands both your challenges and your goals can create a timeline that is unique to you, ensuring improvements that are made are the most beneficial to your health and daily life.  

The team of physiotherapists at GM Physiotherapy work with you, focusing on holistic care and providing personalised treatments. Our team includes specialist physiotherapists for sports injuries who are particularly well-versed in acute injury treatment. We also offer osteopath therapy and mobile physiotherapists which can better help with chronic conditions, meeting you where you’re at. As a registered NDIS physiotherapist, we also make sure no one misses out on the care they need.

For more information about acute and chronic injuries and treatments, get in touch with our team.