• Sports Injury Prognostic Indicator

    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.

    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

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    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 +

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