The first phase of a soft tissue injury typically lasts how long?

The first phase of a soft tissue injury, often referred to as the inflammatory phase, typically lasts up to 72 hours following the initial injury. During this period, the body responds to tissue damage through processes like swelling, pain, and inflammation, which are essential for healing.

This time frame is critical as it allows for the accumulation of white blood cells and other healing factors that help protect the injury site and begin the repair process. Understanding this timeline is essential for healthcare professionals, as it informs the approach to management and treatment of the injury in its earliest stages.

The other time frame choices either exceed or do not fully capture the initial phase; thus, they do not accurately reflect the duration of the inflammatory phase of soft tissue injuries.