What is the duration of a "sub-acute" injury?

A "sub-acute" injury is characterized by a duration that typically falls within the timeframe of 48-72 hours to about 4-6 weeks after the initial injury occurs. This classification is important in the context of injury management and rehabilitation because it indicates that the injury is beyond the immediate acute phase, where symptoms are often severe and treatment may focus on stabilization and pain relief.

In the sub-acute phase, the focus can shift towards restoring function, promoting healing, and beginning rehabilitation exercises. Understanding this timeframe helps healthcare professionals develop appropriate treatment plans that are tailored to the healing process of the body and address the injury as it evolves.

The other choices represent various stages of an injury's timeline but do not accurately define the sub-acute phase. Immediate responses or acute phases occur within the first 48 hours, while durations extending beyond 6 weeks usually fall into the chronic category, representing a later stage in the injury timeline.