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

Many people experience lingering pain from past injuries, even years after the initial trauma. Whether it’s a sprained ankle, a torn ligament, or a broken bone, 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 lingering inflammation. Understanding the science behind persistent pain can help individuals find effective relief and prevent further complications.

The Difference Between Acute and Chronic Pain

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 – Lasts beyond the expected healing period, often persisting for months or years. This type of pain can result from nerve damage, inflammation, or maladaptive changes in the nervous system.

Why Old Injuries Can Still Hurt

Deep Tissue Penetration for Nerve Repair

When nerves sustain damage from an injury, they may not fully recover, leading to neuropathic pain—a condition where nerves misfire pain signals even in the absence of new injury. Over time, the central nervous system may become hypersensitive, amplifying pain responses and causing discomfort long after the initial trauma has healed.

Lingering Inflammation

Even after the visible signs of healing disappear, low-grade inflammation can persist in the affected area. This chronic inflammation keeps pain receptors activated, leading to ongoing discomfort and stiffness.

Scar Tissue Formation

When tissue heals, the body replaces damaged tissue with scar tissue. Unlike normal tissue, scar tissue is less flexible and can cause restricted movement, increased stiffness, and pain.

Joint Instability and Muscular Compensation

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

Emotional and Psychological Factors

Pain is not just a physical experience—it also has psychological components. Fear of re-injury, stress, and anxiety can increase pain perception, making past injuries feel worse than they physically are.

How to Manage Chronic Pain from Old Injuries

Cold Laser Therapy for Chronic Pain Relief

Cold laser therapy (low-level laser therapy or LLLT) is an advanced, non-invasive treatment that reduces chronic pain by stimulating tissue repair, reducing inflammation, and improving circulation. Studies have shown that LLLT can help with:

• Nerve regeneration and desensitization

• Reduction of chronic inflammation

• Enhanced healing of scar tissue

Physical Therapy and Strength Training

• Strengthening weakened muscles and stabilizing joints can reduce pain by improving biomechanical function.

• Stretching and mobility exercises help break down scar tissue and enhance flexibility.

Anti-Inflammatory Diet and Supplements

• Consuming foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, curcumin (turmeric), and antioxidants can reduce systemic inflammation and pain.

• Hydration and proper nutrition support overall tissue health.

Nerve Desensitization Techniques

• Mind-body therapies such as meditation, deep breathing, and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can help rewire pain responses and reduce sensitivity.

• Massage and myofascial release therapy can break up adhesions and improve circulation.

Heat and Cold Therapy

• Heat therapy improves blood flow and relaxes tight muscles, reducing pain and stiffness.

• Cold therapy helps reduce inflammation and numbs nerve pain in affected areas.

Conclusion

Chronic pain from an old injury is not just “in your head”—it has real physiological causes, from nerve damage to scar tissue and chronic inflammation. Understanding these mechanisms can help individuals find effective pain relief strategies. Whether through cold laser therapy, physical rehabilitation, or lifestyle modifications, managing chronic pain is possible with the right approach.

If you want to accelerate healing and relieve pain, contact Healios Laser Therapy today to learn how cold laser therapy can support your recovery.

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