This repair process may continue for several weeks. The new tissue that is formed is known as scar tissue. This new tissue does not have the same properties as the original tissue. If not exercised regularly, scar tissue will shrink and shorten. This leads to a reduction in flexibility of the soft tissues and will be felt as pain, stiffness and weakness when attempting to return to normal activity.
Scar tissue has the tendency to shrink and shorten.
To avoid the problems described above you must start exercising to stretch and strengthen the healing tissues as soon as possible. Continue the exercises until the injured area has regained its normal flexibility, strength and function. This may take from several weeks to several months, depending on the severity of the injury. Lack of appropriate exercising is the main reason why soft tissue injuries do not fully recover.