Introduction to Physical Agents for Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) Practice Test 2026 - Free PTA Practice Questions and Study Guide

Chronic inflammation keeps the tissue in a repair-and-fibrosis mode. Fibroblasts are continually activated and synthesize extracellular matrix, especially collagen, which leads to scar tissue formation as part of the healing response. That fibrous tissue can also form adhesions—bands of scar tissue that connect surfaces that are normally separate. Because these processes are interconnected outcomes of ongoing inflammation, it’s common to see fibroblast activity, scar tissue, and adhesions all together. Therefore, all of the above describes what chronic inflammation can produce.