Blog, Physiotherapy
The Role of Physiotherapy in Ankle Sprain Recovery: 4 Reasons to Prioritise Treatment
Dealing with an ankle sprain can be challenging, and whether you’ve encountered this recently or navigated through it in the past, I’d like to emphasise the importance of physiotherapy as an integral component of your recovery. Each year, over 200,000 Australians will see a GP for an ankle sprain or strain1. At MPhysio Sunnybank Hills Clinic, we work to provide a comprehensive and enduring healing process to build strong, stable ankles and prevent that ‘wobble’ the next time you step the wrong way. This blog post, written by our physiotherapist, Jenny, will demonstrate why incorporating physiotherapy into your recovery is crucial.
- Comprehensive Assessment:
An essential benefit of engaging with a physiotherapist following an ankle sprain lies in their thorough assessment. Rather than self-diagnosis, a qualified physiotherapist can provide an accurate evaluation of the injury’s severity, identify underlying issues, and formulate a tailored treatment plan. It won’t just be whether you can move the ankle around, but also whether you can put weight on it, walk, or do the movements you need to get back to the sports or activities you want to do. This approach is pivotal in addressing not only the symptomatic pain but also the reason why you sprained it in the first place. On top of this, as we know everyone is different, we will employ an individualised approach to create a personalised treatment plan that will fit with your goals.
- Restoration of Functionality – Range of Motion and Strength:
Ankle sprains often result in diminished joint mobility and muscle strength. Without proper rehabilitation, these issues may persist, leaving individuals susceptible to re-injury. Physiotherapy interventions focus on systematically restoring range of motion and strength through a combination of exercises, manual therapy, and targeted stretches. This aims to restore normal function and build the appropriate physical attributed to reduce the risk of future injuries associated with muscle imbalances or joint instability.
- Enhanced Stability and Confidence:
Addressing compromised proprioception and balance following an ankle sprain is particularly important. Physiotherapists incorporate specific exercises designed to enhance these aspects. This not only contributes to the current recovery process but also diminishes the likelihood of future ankle sprains by building strong, stable joints.
- Education for Injury Prevention and Self-Management
Physiotherapists play a pivotal role in patient education, imparting insights into the contributing factors of an ankle sprain, preventative measures, and self-management strategies. This knowledge empowers patients to make informed lifestyle choices, mitigate risks, and actively participate in their recovery.
While the immediate pain from an ankle sprain may be waning, the importance of physiotherapy in ensuring a complete and enduring recovery cannot be overstated. Seeking treatment from a qualified musculoskeletal physiotherapist not only addresses immediate discomfort but is also an investment for the future stability and health of the affected ankle. The worst thing would be to go back to your sport/life and your ankle decides to injure itself again! Our thorough management plans significantly reduce the risk of future injuries, enabling you to enjoy an active and pain-free lifestyle. If you’re ready to take the next step, give MPhysio a call at 1800 992 999 to book in and we’ll be sure to pave the way towards your recovery.
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Written By:
B.AppSci (Phty) (Hon) |
References
- NPS MedicineWise. (2022). Ankle Sprains: 10 things you should know https://www.nps.org.au/consumers/ankle-sprains-10-things-you-should-know#there%E2%80%99s-a-good-chance-of-having-an-ankle-sprain-once-in-your-life
