Which of the following describes a feature of the subacute stage of healing?

• A. Painful ROM at end range
• B. Acute swelling persists
• C. No tissue repair occurs
• D. Chronic inflammation is ongoing

Answer: (A)

In the subacute phase, inflammation is winding down while tissue repair and remodeling are actively taking place. Collagen is being laid down and the tissue is gradually becoming stronger, but it’s not yet fully compliant. Because the healing tissue is still relatively stiff and not fully organized, moving the joint to its end range can provoke pain. So painful ROM at end range reflects the ongoing but active repair with limited tissue tolerance typical of this stage.

The other statements don’t fit the subacute picture: persistent acute swelling would indicate ongoing acute inflammation, not subacute healing; “no tissue repair occurs” contradicts the repair processes underway; and chronic inflammation ongoing describes a longer-term, not subacute, condition.