How long does it take for different types of tissue to heal?

Tissue type

Healing time frame

Explanation

Muscle 

2 to 4 weeks

Muscle tissue has a rich blood supply, which helps to hasten healing

Tendon 

4 to 6 weeks

Tendons have a more limited blood supply as compared to muscle, resulting in a longer healing time

Bone 

6 to 8 weeks

Weight-bearing activities while protecting the healing bone, helps the bone to heal faster 

Ligaments 

10 to 12 weeks

Ligaments, which attach bones to other bones, have a less blood supply compared to muscle or tendon, which prolongs its healing time

Cartilage

~ 12 weeks

Cartilage is avascular tissue – the lack of blood supply results in the cartilage taking a very long time to heal 

Nerve 

3 to 4 months 

Nerves take the longest to heal, with several delays caused by repeated overstress