The PhysioRoom.com Prognostic Indicator provides a straightforward guide to how long sports people can be expected to be out of action when injured.

Please note :The times given are intended as a guide only and represent the 'textbook' injury. It should be remembered that there is no such thing as a typical injury and the prognosis in each case will be different. Check PhysioRoom.com for the latest information.

Choose from the following types of injuries:

Neck
Shoulder
Elbow, Wrist and Hand
Lower Back
Hip and Groin
Knee and Leg
Ankle and Foot

*GK indicates the expected recovery time for a goal keeper.

Neck Injuries

	MINOR	MODERATE	SEVERE
Cervical disc prolapse (Slipped disc)			6 weeks +
Whiplash	1-2 days	5-7 days	2 weeks

Shoulder Injuries

	MINOR	MODERATE	SEVERE
Acromio Clavicular (AC) joint sprain	1 week	4 weeks	6-8 weeks
Dislocated shoulder			6-8 weeks
Fractured collar bone			6-8 weeks
Fractured humerus			6-8 weeks
Rotator cuff (muscle problems)	2 weeks	4-6 weeks	8-12 weeks
Ruptured biceps tendon			12 weeks
Subacromial bursitis	1 week	2-3 weeks	6 weeks

Elbow, Wrist and Hand Injuries

	MINOR	MODERATE	SEVERE
Dislocated finger (Mallet finger)		2-3 weeks	*GK 8-10 weeks
Elbow fracture			10-12 weeks
Golfer's elbow	1 week	3 weeks	6 weeks +
Tennis elbow	1 week	3 weeks	6 weeks +
Metacarpal fractures (hand fractures)		2-3 weeks	*GK 8-10 weeks
Wrist fractures (Colles and Scaphoid)			6-8 weeks

Lower Back Injuries

	MINOR	MODERATE	SEVERE
Facet syndrome	2-3 weeks	3-4 weeks	4 weeks +
Sciatica	3-4 weeks	4-6 weeks	2 months
Spondylolysis (stress fracture)			2-3 months
Slipped disc	3-4 weeks	4-6 weeks	2 months

Hip and Groin Injuries

	MINOR	MODERATE	SEVERE
Abdominal strain (stomach muscle strain)	1-2 weeks	3-4 weeks	6-8 weeks
Avulsion fracture pelvis			8 weeks
Groin strain (Adductor strain)	1-2 weeks	3-4 weeks	6-8 weeks
Hip flexor strain	1-2 weeks	3-4 weeks	6-8 weeks
Hernia			8 weeks post-op
Iliopsoas Syndrome	1-2 weeks	3-4 weeks	6-8 weeks

Knee and Leg Injuries

	MINOR	MODERATE	SEVERE
Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL)			4-6 months
Calf muscle strain	1-2 weeks	3-4 weeks	6-8 weeks
Cartilage Tear (meniscal tear)	2-4 weeks	4-6 weeks	2 months +
Hamstring strain	1-2 weeks	3-4 weeks	6-8 weeks
Lateral Collateral Ligament Sprain	2-3 weeks	4-6 weeks	3 months
Medial Collateral Ligament Sprain	2-4 weeks	4-8 weeks	3 months
Osteochondritis Dissecans (OCD)			3-5 months
Patella tendonitis	6 weeks	3 months	6 months +
Posterior Cruciate Ligament	4-6 weeks	6-8 weeks	3-4 months
Thigh strain (Quadriceps strain)	1-2 weeks	3-4 weeks	6-8 weeks
Tibia & Fibula Fractures			4-6 months +

Ankle and Foot Injuries

	MINOR	MODERATE	SEVERE
Achilles tendonitis	6 weeks	3 months	6 months +
Ankle sprain	2-3 weeks	4-6 weeks	6-8 weeks
Calf muscle strain	1-2 weeks	3-4 weeks	6-8 weeks
Fracture dislocation of ankle joint			6 months +
Os Trigonum Syndrome (floating bone in back of ankle)		3-4 weeks	6-8 weeks
Plantar fascitis	2-3 weeks	4-6 weeks	2 months +

• Home
• Injury A to Z

Recommended Products