5 Signs Your Injury Isn't Just Going Away on Its Own

It’s easy to hope that a sore shoulder, aching foot, or tight back will simply "work itself out" with time. In some cases, minor injuries do heal with rest and care, but other times, ignoring symptoms can cause the problem to get worse — turning a simple strain into a long-term issue.

At Mountain Health and Performance in North Vancouver, we specialize in helping our patients prevent pain from becoming chronic. If you're wondering whether your injury requires more than just time, here are five signs that your injury might not be going away on its own — and how we can help.

1. Pain Lasts More Than a Few Days

If you’re still experiencing pain after 7–10 days, it’s a sign that your injury might need professional attention.
True healing should begin showing signs within the first week. If the pain doesn’t improve or even gets worse, it could suggest deeper tissue damage, joint dysfunction, or an injury that requires active treatment.

Our chiropractors can assess the source of the pain and help speed up the healing process, allowing you to avoid developing chronic issues down the line.

2. The Pain Is Getting Worse, Not Better

While mild soreness after an injury is common, if your discomfort is getting more intense instead of improving, it’s time to seek help.
Increasing pain may indicate that inflammation, tissue damage, or misalignment are getting worse, and leaving the injury untreated could lead to more complex problems.

Our chiropractors can help address these issues early, using targeted treatments to reduce pain and restore healthy function, ensuring you heal effectively.

3. You Feel Weakness, Instability, or Loss of Function

If your injured area feels unstable, weak, or not functioning properly (like a knee that "gives out" or a shoulder that can't lift fully), it’s a sign of something more serious than a mild muscle strain.
Loss of joint function and instability can indicate underlying issues such as joint misalignment, tendon injury, or nerve irritation.

Visiting a chiropractor in North Vancouver can help you restore stability to the joint, address any restrictions, and support your body as it heals naturally.

4. Swelling, Bruising, or Sharp Pain Persist

While swelling and bruising are typical immediately after an injury, they should start to subside within a few days.
If they don’t, it may be a sign that something more serious is going on internally. Persistent sharp pain (as opposed to a dull ache) is often a sign of joint irritation or restriction, which can limit your movement and cause long-term issues if left untreated.

Sharp pain like this can often be relieved with chiropractic manipulations to reduce pain and improve mobility, helping to restore function and alleviate the discomfort caused by misalignment or joint dysfunction.

5. It’s Starting to Affect Your Daily Life or Other Areas

If your injury is preventing you from doing daily activities, like walking, sitting, or enjoying your usual exercise routine, it’s time to get professional care.
Compensating for an injury by altering your posture or movement patterns can often lead to secondary issues, like back or hip pain, making the injury harder to heal in the long run.

At Mountain Health and Performance we can help you address the root cause of your injury before compensation patterns lead to more widespread discomfort or injury.

Why Early Treatment Matters

Ignoring or putting off treatment can lead to longer recovery times, chronic pain, and even recurrent flare-ups. At Mountain Health and Performance, we use evidence-based therapies like shockwave therapy, Class IV laser therapy, and chiropractic care to not only provide pain relief but also support lasting healing.

When you treat the issue early, you can avoid the risk of the problem becoming chronic, and you’ll recover faster with fewer setbacks.

Don’t Wait for It to Get Worse

If you’ve noticed any of these signs in your injury, it’s time to take action. At Mountain Health and Performance, we’ve been helping North Vancouver residents restore mobility and manage pain for over 25 years.

Our team of practitioners is here to guide you through the recovery process using personalized treatment plans designed to reduce pain and restore function.

Don’t wait for your injury to get worse.
Book your consultation today and take the first step toward feeling better.

Dr. Amy Wiggins

BKin, DC

North Vancouver Chiropractor