Why Your Old Injury Still Hurts: The Science Behind Chronic Pain

Many people experience lingering pain from past injuries—sometimes years after the initial trauma. Whether it’s a sprained ankle, torn ligament, or surgical repair, old injuries can continue to cause discomfort long after they’ve “healed.” But why does this happen?

The answer lies in the complex mechanisms of chronic pain, nerve sensitivity, and persistent inflammation. Understanding these processes can help you find effective relief and prevent further complications.

Acute vs. Chronic Pain: What’s the Difference?

Pain is typically classified into two categories:

• Acute Pain: A short-term response to injury that signals the body to initiate healing. Once the injury heals, the pain subsides.
• Chronic Pain: Persists beyond the expected healing period—often lasting months or years. It may result from nerve damage, inflammation, or maladaptive changes in the nervous system.

Why Old Injuries Can Still Hurt

1. Nerve Damage and Central Sensitization

When nerves are injured, they may not fully recover. Damaged nerves can misfire pain signals even in the absence of new trauma—a condition known as neuropathic pain. Over time, the central nervous system may become hypersensitive, amplifying pain responses and causing discomfort long after the tissue has healed (Woolf, 2011).

2. Lingering Inflammation

Even after visible healing, low-grade inflammation can persist in the affected area. This chronic inflammation keeps pain receptors activated, leading to ongoing discomfort and stiffness (Cotler et al., 2015).

3. Scar Tissue Formation

Scar tissue replaces damaged tissue during healing, but it’s less flexible and more fibrotic. This can restrict movement, increase stiffness, and contribute to pain—especially in joints and connective tissue.

4. Joint Instability and Muscular Compensation

Old injuries can lead to muscular imbalances, where surrounding muscles overcompensate for weakened or unstable areas. Over time, this compensation can cause additional strain, discomfort, and even new injuries.

5. Emotional and Psychological Factors

Pain isn’t just physical—it’s also psychological. Fear of re-injury, stress, and anxiety can heighten pain perception, making old injuries feel worse than they physically are.

How to Manage Chronic Pain from Old Injuries

Class IV Laser Therapy for Chronic Pain Relief

Class IV laser therapy (often referred to as high-intensity laser therapy) is a non-invasive treatment that stimulates tissue repair, reduces inflammation, and improves circulation. It’s especially effective for:

• Nerve regeneration and desensitization
• Reduction of chronic inflammation
• Remodeling of scar tissue and adhesions

Studies show that laser therapy can modulate pain pathways and accelerate healing in chronic musculoskeletal conditions (Cotler et al., 2015).

Physical Therapy and Strength Training

Targeted exercises help stabilize joints, strengthen weakened muscles, and restore proper biomechanics. Stretching and mobility work can break down scar tissue and improve flexibility.

Anti-Inflammatory Diet and Supplements

Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, turmeric (curcumin), and antioxidants can reduce systemic inflammation. Proper hydration and nutrition support tissue health and recovery.

Nerve Desensitization Techniques

Mind-body therapies such as meditation, deep breathing, and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can help rewire pain responses. Manual therapies like massage and myofascial release improve circulation and reduce adhesions.

Heat and Cold Therapy

Heat improves blood flow and relaxes tight muscles. Cold reduces inflammation and numbs nerve pain. Alternating between the two can be especially effective for chronic pain management.

Final Thoughts

Chronic pain from an old injury isn’t “just in your head”—it has real physiological causes, from nerve damage to scar tissue and lingering inflammation. Understanding these mechanisms is the first step toward effective relief.

At Healios Laser Therapy, we specialize in Class IV laser protocols designed to treat chronic pain at its source. If you’re ready to accelerate healing and reclaim comfort, inquire about our new client specials and personalized treatment plans.

References

• Cotler, H. B., Chow, R. T., Hamblin, M. R., & Carroll, J. (2015). The use of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) for musculoskeletal pain. Frontiers in Physics, 3, 35. https://doi.org/10.3389/fphy.2015.00035
• Woolf, C. J. (2011). Central sensitization: Implications for the diagnosis and treatment of pain. Pain, 152(3), S2–S15. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pain.2010.09.030
• Bannuru, R. R., Osani, M. C., Vaysbrot, E. E., Arden, N. K., Bennell, K., Bierma-Zeinstra, S. M., … McAlindon, T. E. (2019). OARSI guidelines for the non-surgical management of knee osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis and Cartilage, 27(11), 1578–1589. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.joca.2019.06.011
• Stanos, S. (2012). Topical agents for the management of musculoskeletal pain. Journal of Pain and Symptom Management, 43(2), 288–297. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2011.10.027