How Long They Take to Heal
Sports injuries range from minor sprains to severe ligament ruptures that can be season-ending. Knowing the typical healing time helps set realistic expectations and identify potential problems early. This leaflet explains the most common injuries, how long they typically take to heal, and what you can do to aid recovery.
| Injured on the pitch? | Unsure when you can play again? | Read on for clear timelines and recovery tips. |
1 Typical Injuries & Healing Timelines
Injury | Average recovery* | Notes |
Mild ankle or wrist sprain (Grade 1) | 1–2 weeks | Early movement prevents stiffness. |
Moderate sprain / Grade 2 strain | 4–6 weeks | Physiotherapy from week 2 speeds return. |
Severe sprain with ligament tear | ≥ 3 months | May need bracing or surgery. |
Hamstring strain | 3–12 weeks | Grade 3 tears sit at upper end. |
Stress fracture | 6–8 weeks | Absolute rest from the causative activity. |
Simple bone fracture | ~ 6 weeks | Weight-bearing bones sometimes slower. |
Torn ACL (knee) | 6–12 months after surgery | Intensive rehab essential. |
Torn Achilles tendon | 4–6 months | Surgical or functional bracing options. |
Rotator-cuff tear | 6–12 months | Up to 18 months after large repairs. |
Tennis / golfer’s elbow | 3–6 months with physio | Most settle within a year. |
Shin splints | 3–4 weeks | Ignore the pain and risk a stress fracture. |
Little League elbow | 4–12 weeks’ throwing rest | Monitor for recurrence. |
Concussion | 7–10 days (adults) | Children and teens heal more slowly. |
*Times assume prompt, appropriate care and good general health.
2 First Aid at Home – RICE
- Rest – stop the activity; don’t “play through pain”.
- Ice – 20 minutes every 2–3 hours for the first 24–36 hours.
- Compression – firm elastic bandage; avoid numbness or colour change.
- Elevation – raise the limb above heart level to limit swelling.
Paracetamol or ibuprofen can ease pain. Seek medical review if symptoms worsen.
3 When to Seek Professional Help
- Severe or escalating pain, swelling or bruising
- Visible deformity or “out-of-place” joint
- Inability to bear weight or move the part
- Numbness, tingling, or wound giving off fluid
- Head injury with vomiting, confusion, or delayed recovery
Who may be involved?
- Sports medicine doctor – overall assessment and plan
- Orthopaedic surgeon – fractures, major ligament or tendon tears
- Physiotherapist – structured rehabilitation (gold standard)
- Radiologist – X-ray, ultrasound, CT or MRI scans
- Pain specialist or psychologist – chronic pain, fear of re-injury
4 Phases of Recovery
- Acute pain & swelling control – RICE, protection, gentle range.
- Passive motion – therapist-assisted movement after surgery or casting.
- Active motion & early strength – you move the limb without resistance.
- Strength & endurance – progressive loading, balance, proprioception.
- Functional / sport-specific training – the 3 P Programme:
- Performance (clinic drills)
- Practice (controlled team sessions)
- Play (full competition)
Progression is criterion-based not calendar-based: no pain, full range, ≥ 90–95 % strength and successful functional tests.
5 Preventing Future Injuries
- Warm up dynamically for 10 minutes; cool down and stretch afterwards.
- Build strength and core stability year-round.
- Increase training load gradually (no more than 10 % per week).
- Perfect your technique; seek coaching feedback.
- Wear sport-specific, well-fitting kit and replace worn-out shoes.
- Prioritize rest, sleep (8 hours), a balanced diet, and hydration.
- Listen to your body – persistent pain needs assessment.
Clinical Pearls / Key Points
- Early physiotherapy can halve recovery time for many soft-tissue injuries.
- Ignoring shin splints is a common path to stress fractures.
- Fear of re-injury (kinesiophobia) lengthens time off the field as much as weak muscles.
- Objective testing beats “I feel ready” when deciding return to play.
- A well-run prevention programme saves more careers than the best surgery.
FAQs for Patients
- Will using ice delay my recovery?
No. When used briefly during the first 36 hours after an injury, ice helps reduce pain and swelling. It does not interfere with long-term healing. - Do I need to keep a sprain completely still?
Not entirely. Short-term support is useful, but early, guided movement helps prevent stiffness and encourages faster recovery. - Can steroid injections cure tennis elbow?
Steroid injections can relieve pain for several weeks. However, physiotherapy-led exercises provide better long-term improvement with fewer risks. - When can my child start pitching again after Little League elbow?
Only after medical clearance. This usually involves 4–12 weeks of rest followed by a gradual throwing programme with monitored pitch counts. - Is surgery always the fastest way to recover?
Not always. In many cases, structured rehabilitation offers similar outcomes to surgery—without the added risks of an operation.
Call to Action
If you have pain, book an appointment to be reviewed by Prof Imam or another member of our specialist team at The Arm Clinic. Early specialist care helps prevent long-term issues. Visit www.TheArmDoc.co.uk or book your consultation today. Phone: 020 3384 5588 | Email: Info@TheArmDoc.co.uk
Disclaimer
This information is for general educational purposes and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice. Consult a healthcare professional for individual guidance on your condition and treatment options.
This page was last clinically updated in May 2025