Do You Need Physio for a Sprained Ankle?

Do You Need Physio for a Sprained Ankle?

Yes — Even a “Simple” Sprain Deserves Proper Assessment

We always encourage you to come and see us after a sprained ankle. “Just a sprain” is something we hear all the time, but a good physio assessment will help work out whether there’s more serious damage involved, including a break, and put a solid rehab plan in place for you. Getting on top of it early makes a real difference to how well and how quickly you recover.

What About a Broken Ankle?

Definitely see a good physio after a broken ankle. Joints get stiff after a fracture, and spending time in a boot or cast only adds to that. Seeing your physio will be imperative to improving your range of movement and building back the strength you’ve lost. The sooner you start, the better your outcome.

What Will Physio Actually Do for a Sprained Ankle?

After a sprained ankle, you’re likely to be stiff and weak through the muscles around the joint. Your physio will work on both of those things using hands-on treatment and targeted rehab exercises. But it doesn’t stop there. We’ll also work on your balance, which is one of the most important factors in making sure this doesn’t keep happening to you. A well-rounded ankle rehab plan typically covers:

• Hands-on treatment to reduce stiffness and swelling
• Strengthening exercises for the muscles around the ankle
• Balance and proprioception training to reduce re-injury risk

What About Ankle Taping?

There are a number of ways to tape an ankle, and the right technique will depend on your injury history and what you’re trying to achieve. Common approaches include stirrups, figure 6s, and in some cases, heel locks. Your physio can show you how to apply each of these correctly for your specific injury, whether you’re heading back to sport, returning to work, or just trying to feel more supported day-to-day.

If you’ve rolled your ankle and want to make sure you’re on the right track, book an appointment with the team at Instinct Health today. We’ll assess what’s going on, get you out of pain, and build a plan to keep it from coming back.

instincthealth.com.au

9041 5644