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Writer's pictureDr. W Zach Smith

Rolled Ankle | Why Get Physical Therapy After an Ankle Sprain



Ankle sprains are one of the most common injuries, and unfortunately, they are also one of the most under-rehabbed injuries. Many people believe that ankle sprains will get better on their own, and while this is often true, it's also true that many people never fully recover from an ankle sprain. Even if the pain goes away, the person may not regain full range of motion, strength, and balance in the ankle. This can lead to chronic pain and instability, making it more likely for the person to suffer future ankle sprains or other injuries. That's why it's so important to seek out physical therapy after an ankle sprain, to ensure that you receive the proper treatment and rehabilitation to fully recover from the injury and prevent long-term issues.


Ankle sprains can be painful, limit your mobility, and hinder your physical activity. At HIDEF Physical Therapy, we believe that physical therapy is one of the best ways to recover from an ankle sprain. Our team of skilled therapists can help you regain your strength, mobility, and range of motion. With our personalized approach, we can create a treatment plan that's tailored to your specific needs and goals. Our mission is to help you recover as quickly and safely as possible, so you can get back to doing what you love. In this article, we will discuss the top reasons why physical therapy is an essential part of ankle sprain recovery.




7 Reasons To Get Physical Therapy After an Ankle Sprain

  1. Promotes healing: Physical therapy can help reduce inflammation and swelling in the ankle, which can speed up the healing process.

  2. Restores range of motion: After an ankle sprain, you may experience limited mobility or stiffness. Physical therapy can help restore your range of motion and flexibility through targeted exercises and stretches.

  3. Improves strength: Ankle sprains can weaken the muscles around the ankle, making you more prone to further injury. Physical therapy can help strengthen these muscles to improve your overall stability and prevent future injuries.

  4. Reduces pain: Physical therapy can include various pain management techniques such as manual therapy, ice, heat, or ultrasound therapy to reduce pain.

  5. Prevents chronic pain: Untreated ankle sprains can lead to chronic pain and instability in the ankle. Physical therapy can help prevent these long-term issues by addressing the underlying causes of the injury.

  6. Prevents reinjury: Physical therapy can teach you techniques and exercises to improve balance, stability, and proprioception, reducing the likelihood of future ankle sprains.

  7. Individualized treatment plan: Physical therapy is tailored to your specific needs and injury, ensuring that you receive the most effective treatment for your ankle sprain.

Overall, physical therapy after an ankle sprain can help you recover more quickly, reduce pain, and prevent future injury or chronic pain.


Common Treatments For Ankle sprains

  • Manual therapy: This can include techniques such as massage, joint mobilization, or soft tissue mobilization to improve blood flow, reduce inflammation, and promote healing.

  • Strengthening exercises: Physical therapists may prescribe exercises such as heel raises, toe curls, and resistance band exercises to strengthen the muscles around the ankle and improve stability.


  • Range of motion exercises: These exercises can help restore your ankle's full range of motion and flexibility. Common range of motion exercises include ankle circles, ankle alphabet, and dorsiflexion exercises.

  • Proprioception training: Physical therapists may use exercises such as balance boards or wobble boards to improve proprioception, which can enhance your balance and coordination and prevent future injuries.


  • Taping or bracing: Depending on the severity of your ankle sprain, your physical therapist may use taping or bracing to provide extra support and stability to the ankle joint.

  • Ice or heat therapy: Physical therapists may use ice or heat therapy to reduce pain and inflammation in the ankle. Ice can be applied for 20-30 minutes several times a day, while heat can be applied for 15-20 minutes before stretching or exercise.


These are just a few of the many treatments that a physical therapist may use to help you recover from an ankle sprain. Your physical therapist will create a personalized treatment plan based on your specific needs and goals to help you recover as quickly and safely as possible.

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