Physiotherapy for Ankle Sprains
The ankle is one of the most commonly
sprained joints in our body. Unfortunately 50% of people who suffer from an
ankle sprain do not seek treatment, which is partly why the risk of re-injury
within one year is as high as 70%. Importantly, research shows that repetitive
ankle sprains significantly increase your risk of developing osteoarthritis later
in life, plus it tends to develop earlier due to the repetitive trauma associated
with ankle instability.
Fortunately, an effective physiotherapy
treatment program can not only relieve your current pain, but also reduce your
risk of future sprains. At Central Performance our team uses the latest and
most effective evidence-based treatment available to relieve your pain, restore
your strength and balance, and reduce your risk of future injury.
Our physiotherapists use a combination of
hands-on treatment plus targeted exercise to keep you active while relieving
your pain. We see clients with ankle sprains from a wide variety of causes
including:
- lateral (outer) and Deltoid
(medial) ankle ligament sprains
- return to sport strength and
proprioception (balance and control) programs, especially following recurrent ankle
sprains
- syndesmosis injuries
- rehabilitation following ankle and
foot surgery or fractures (broken bones)
Steps to Physiotherapy Management of Ankle Sprains
Your Initial Assessment And Diagnosis
Your physiotherapy program starts with an in-depth
initial assessment to determine the extent of your ankle sprain and clarify
your diagnosis. This includes taking a full subjective history, finding your painful
movements and performing a thorough physical examination including specific
ligament testing. Your physiotherapist will thoroughly explore all the relevant
factors to ensure we make an accurate diagnosis, and if they feel that an x-ray
is required they will discuss this with you and give you a referral.
During your first session your physiotherapist will
take time to clearly explain your diagnosis to you. They will highlight
relevant anatomy and factors that have contributed to your injury, plus guide
you through your treatment recovery plan. Your individual goals are very
important when planning your treatment, so your physio will discuss your goals
with you and clarify how your treatment plan will help you achieve them.
Your Physiotherapy Treatment Program
Although each client’s situation and plan are unique,
there are usually four main stages in your journey to recovery;
- Relieve your pain
and restore your full range of movement
- Specific strength
exercises for your ankle, lower limb and hips
- Screening and
correction of whole-body mechanics that may have contributed to your
injury. This may include flexibility, strengthening and balance work.
- Returning to sport and activity, including specific strengthening
and flexibility exercises for a safe return to all of your normal
lifestyle and sporting activities.
Regaining your full strength, mobility, stability
and balance become a real focus as your recovery continues. Many clients find
that completing a targeted exercise program with one of our exercise
physiologists is a very effective way to fully recover and minimise your risk
of future problems.and
Returning To Sport And Activity
This important last stage of your recovery involves
you transitioning back to your full range of activities, including sport and
exercise as well as overall lifestyle activities. Every activity is different
and therefore puts different demands on your ankle, so this stage is highly
individualised to target your personal goals and activities. We maximise your
resilience and performance through functional strength and conditioning to keep
you active and performing at your best into the future.
