How exactly do physical therapists treat ankle sprains?
Have you recently experienced a painful ankle sprain? Do you have stubborn symptoms that just won’t subside?
Sprains can be frustrating to deal with as they limit your ability to do the things you would normally do without pain. Following an ankle sprain, many patients resort to resting at home, which is thought to be the best thing to do after an injury. However, sprains should be tended to with a proper treatment plan to ensure they can heal as safely and quickly as possible.
At Aspen Rehab, we use results-driven healing methods to alleviate pain and recurring symptoms that may limit your ability to move properly.
Call us today to schedule an appointment with one of our licensed physical therapists!
What is a sprain?
You’ve probably either experienced a sprain before or met someone who has. A sprain is an injury that affects the ligaments around a joint. Ligaments are strong, flexible fibers that connect the bones in our body. When a ligament is overstretched or tears, a sprain occurs, causing the joint to become painful and swollen.
Symptoms of an ankle sprain
An ankle sprain may cause the following symptoms:
- Intense pain (i.e., throbbing or pulsing)
- Stiffness
- Often there is swelling
- Severe sprains lead to bruising in the ankle and foot
- Weakness or instability and difficulty bearing weight on the affected foot
With most ankle sprains, you can feel the impact as the injury occurs. Pain is felt at the site of the ligament stretches or tears, which causes visible swelling or bruising. Patients usually can’t move the affected without severe pain and may require crutches for assistance.
How physical therapy will help
Physical therapy aims to help patients return to their normal life without pain and lack of function. Our physical therapists at Aspen Rehab will work with you to design a specific treatment program that meets your needs and goals.
During your rehabilitation program, your physical therapist will work with you to:
- Reduce pain and swelling: Your therapist will use various treatment methods and modalities to help reduce your pain, such as heat, ice, electrical stimulation, ultrasound, manual therapy, and massage. They will also recommend exercises that are specific to your condition.
- Improve range of motion: Ankle sprains can significantly inhibit your range of motion. Part of your care plan will involve activities and treatments to help return your movement to its normal abilities.
- Improve scar tissue: Your physical therapist may work with scar tissue to keep the skin supple and flexible after an injury.
- Improve strength: Ankle sprains can occur due to weak, injured, or uncoordinated leg muscles. At each stage of recovery, your physical therapist will teach you specific exercises that will gradually and safely regain strength. This will be determined by your age, health, and goals. In addition, cuff weights, stretch bands, and other training equipment may be used.
- Learn home exercises: Your PT will show you exercises you can safely perform at home, which help to prevent symptoms from worsening and accelerate recovery.
- Return to daily activities. The primary goal of recovery is helping you return to your normal life. During treatment, your PT will discuss activity goals with you and set you up for success with work, sports, and home life.
- Speed recovery time: Your physical therapist will choose the best treatments and exercises to help you heal safely and effectively. Following your care program will help you return to your normal lifestyle and reach your recovery goals faster than you may be able to on your own.
What to expect during treatment
Recovery from an ankle sprain at Aspen Rehab will begin with an initial consultation. During your first appointment, one of our therapists will analyze your condition to determine the most effective treatment plan. You and your PT will discuss your current symptoms, the location of the injury, and how it’s affecting your everyday life.
Request an appointment at Aspen Rehab today!
Our team at Aspen Rehab can treat ankle sprains and other injuries in the lower extremities. If you’ve experienced an ankle sprain and are eager to recover, don’t hesitate to contact us today!
