During which phase of healing does repair start?

Repair starts in the repair phase of healing, which follows the inflammatory phase. During this critical stage, the body begins to regenerate tissue and replace damaged structures. The repair phase is characterized by processes such as collagen formation, fibroblast activity, and the production of extracellular matrix—essentially rebuilding the injured area.

In this phase, the initial inflammatory response has subsided, allowing for the regeneration of tissues. Muscles, tendons, ligaments, and other connective tissues undergo healing processes that enable the body to restore function and strength. The successful transition from the inflammatory phase to the repair phase is crucial for optimal recovery and healing.

The inflammatory phase focuses primarily on the immediate response to injury, while the remodeling phase occurs later, where the newly formed tissue is reorganized and strengthened over time. The recovery phase is more of a general term that can encompass aspects of both healing and rehabilitation but does not specifically refer to the timeframe when tissue repair begins.