Ankle Sprains: How Physiotherapy Can Get You Back on Your Feet Fast
Ankle sprains are one of the most common injuries affecting athletes and active individuals alike. Whether you’re running, hiking, playing sports or simply navigating uneven surfaces, a sudden twist or roll of the ankle can lead to painful ligament injuries that disrupt your day-to-day life.
Understanding how ankle sprains happen, recognising their severity and knowing how physiotherapy plays a crucial role in your recovery can make all the difference. With the right care, you can heal faster, regain strength and return to the activities you love — stronger than ever.
What Exactly Is an Ankle Sprain?
An ankle sprain occurs when the ligaments — the tough bands connecting bones — stretch or tear due to sudden force or awkward movement. This might happen if you land wrong after a jump, twist your ankle on an uneven surface or make a quick change of direction.
Sprains vary in severity:
Grade I (Mild): Ligaments are stretched but not torn. You might feel mild pain or swelling but can usually walk with little trouble.
Grade II (Moderate): Partial ligament tears cause moderate pain, swelling and some difficulty moving or bearing weight.
Grade III (Severe): Complete ligament tears bring severe pain, swelling and often an inability to put weight on the ankle. This often requires extensive rehab or surgery.
Why Physiotherapy Is Essential for Ankle Sprain Recovery
Skipping physiotherapy or neglecting proper rehab can lead to long-term issues like chronic instability, recurring sprains or arthritis. Here’s how physiotherapy helps you recover fully and safely:
1. Detailed Initial Assessment
Your physiotherapist will carefully assess your injury — checking swelling, joint stability, range of motion and muscle strength. This helps create a personalised rehab plan suited to your injury type and lifestyle.
2. Managing Pain and Swelling
Early recovery focuses on reducing pain and inflammation using proven methods like ice therapy, ultrasound, compression taping and gentle movement to promote healing.
3. Restoring Movement and Flexibility
Once swelling subsides, your physio will guide you through safe stretching exercises to regain ankle flexibility and reduce stiffness — a crucial step to prevent stiffness and improve function.
4. Building Strength and Stability
Strengthening muscles around the ankle is key to supporting ligaments and preventing future injuries. Exercises using resistance bands, balance boards and targeted drills enhance muscle power and joint stability.
5. Improving Balance and Proprioception
Ankle injuries often disrupt your body’s sense of position (proprioception). Balance training helps retrain your nervous system to better control ankle movements, reducing the risk of re-injury.
6. Tailored Return-to-Activity Programs
Your physiotherapist will gradually reintroduce sport-specific or daily activity drills, preparing your ankle to handle real-life demands with confidence.
Tips to Prevent Future Ankle Sprains
Prevention is just as important as recovery. Your physio will offer advice such as:
Wearing supportive, well-fitting shoes especially during sports or uneven terrain activities
Continuing strengthening and balance exercises even after rehab ends
Using ankle braces during high-risk activities if needed
Warming up properly before exercise or sport
When Should You See a Physiotherapist?
If you experience:
Persistent ankle pain or swelling after a twist or fall
Difficulty walking or bearing weight on your ankle
Repeated ankle instability or frequent sprains
Don’t wait! Early intervention speeds healing and lowers the chance of chronic problems.
Ready to Get Moving Again?
At Bodhiworks Physiotherapy in Prahran, we specialise in personalised ankle sprain rehabilitation programs designed to get you back on your feet quickly and safely. Whether your injury is new or ongoing, our expert physiotherapists provide hands-on care, targeted exercises and education to ensure long-term recovery and injury prevention.
Don’t let an ankle sprain hold you back. Book your assessment today and take the first step towards stronger, healthier ankles — so you can get back to doing what you love, pain-free!
Book Online or Call Us at 0402 610 027 to Schedule Your Physiotherapy Appointment in Prahran.
