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 +
