muskelläkning

Muskelläkning refers to the healing process of muscle tissue following injury or surgical intervention. In Swedish clinical contexts the term covers the sequence of cellular and tissue-level events that restore structure and function of skeletal muscle.

Typical healing proceeds in phases: an initial inflammatory phase with immune cell activity; a proliferative phase with satellite cell activation and formation of new muscle fibers; and a remodeling phase where fibers mature and connective tissue reorganizes. The outcome aims to restore strength and flexibility, though complete restoration to pre-injury architecture is not always achieved.

Several factors influence muskelläkning, including injury severity, age, nutrition, blood supply, and physical loading. Adequate protein intake and energy balance support regeneration; smoking and certain medications can impair healing. Rehabilitation emphasizes gradual, progressive loading to stimulate proper muscle remodeling while avoiding re-injury.

Diagnosis relies on clinical assessment and imaging (ultrasound, MRI) when needed. Treatment typically combines protection in the acute phase with early, controlled mobilization and targeted physical therapy. The return-to-activity process is usually guided by functional milestones rather than fixed timeframes.

Etymology: from muskel (muscle) and läkning (healing). The term is used mainly in Swedish-language medical literature; in English, "muscle healing" or "muscle recovery" is more common.