Inflammatory vs Reparative phases of healing and one rehabilitation focus for each.

• A. Inflammatory: swelling and pain dominate; focus on protection and gentle early movement. Reparative/Remodeling: tissue gains strength; focus on progressive loading, ROM, and neuromuscular training.
• B. Inflammatory: stiffness; Reparative: swelling.
• C. Inflammatory: swelling resolves quickly; Reparative: immediate high-load training.
• D. Inflammatory: there is no pain; Reparative: rest only.

Answer: (A)

Understanding how rehab priorities change as healing progresses from the inflammatory to the reparative/remodeling phase is key. In the inflammatory phase, the body’s response to tissue damage includes swelling and pain. The main aim is to protect the injured tissue while allowing some gentle, pain-free movement to prevent stiffness and promote controlled healing. This approach helps manage pain and swelling without overloading the tissue.

As healing moves into the reparative/remodeling phase, new tissue is forming and gradually gaining strength. The rehabilitation focus shifts to progressive loading to encourage proper tissue remodeling and strengthen the repaired area. It also emphasizes restoring range of motion and integrating neuromuscular training to re-establish movement control and coordination.

So the described approach—swelling and pain dominating in the inflammatory phase with protection and gentle early movement, followed by tissue strengthening through progressive loading, ROM, and neuromuscular training in the reparative/remodeling phase—best fits how these healing stages are typically managed.