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10 Reasons Why Injuries Don't Heal

Osteopathy and Sports Rehabilitation for Performance in Chiswick

Understanding Chronic Pain and Recovery Challenges

Science is quite accurate in estimating the timeframe for tissue healing. Yet, many patients visiting osteopaths, physiotherapists, or sports coaches continue to experience chronic pain, and recurring injuries. This suggests that simply restoring the connection between musculoskeletal structures and their function may not be enough to fully support complete healing.

In this article, we explore 10 common reasons why injuries fail to heal and the key factors that may be holding you back from full recovery. Understanding these can help you take actionable steps to support your musculoskeletal health, prevent reinjury, and optimize healing.

1

Initial Injury & Re-injury

  • Biomechanical deficits, altered movement, and weak joints increase risk.

  • Neuromuscular changes may persist even after tissue repair.

  • Incomplete or inappropriate rehabilitation slows recovery.

2

Mal-alignment, Poor Biomechanics & Injury

  • ​Improper technique and uneven stress on tissues lead to overuse injuries.

  • Anatomical variations or misalignment amplify mechanical stress and reinjury risk.

3

Returning to Sport Too Early & Re-injury

  • Functional recovery often happens before tissues fully heal.

  • Cardiovascular fitness improves faster than musculoskeletal tissue readiness, creating a mismatch.

4

Overtraining & Inadequate Recovery

  • Excessive loading without rest leads to microtrauma, inflammation, and chronic pain.

  • Neuromuscular control and movement patterns can be impaired.​

5

 Injury & Age-Related Factors

  • Young athletes: growth-related vulnerabilities and overuse injuries.

  • Older adults: frailty, chronic conditions, and slower tissue repair increase reinjury risk.

6

Why Smoking Impairs Recovery

  • Reduces blood flow, oxygen delivery, and tissue repair.

  • Slows bone, tendon, ligament, and muscle healing.

7

Why Alcohol Impairs Recovery

  • Impairs stem cell activity and collagen formation.

  • Delays bone, muscle, and tendon recovery, increasing complication risk.​

8

How Poor Sleep Affects Tissue Healing

  • Disrupts hormones, inflammation, and tissue repair.

  • Slows muscle, tendon, ligament, and bone recovery.

9

Nutrition Deficits & Tissue Healing

  • Low protein, calorie, or mineral intake slows tissue regeneration.

  • High sugar and saturated fat intake promotes inflammation and delays healing.​

10

Stress, Mental Health & Healing

  • Stress, sedentary behavior, or unsafe environments can impede recovery.

  • Adequate support, rehabilitation, and safe progression are essential.​

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