Ankle Sprain

A 14 year old girl playing touch had a twisting injury to her ankle 10 days prior to coming in to the clinic. A few days later she twisted her ankle again when she slipped and her ankle rolled in. She had been to the hospital and X-rays showed she did not have a fracture.

She came to Bayside Physiotherapy on crutches, unable to take weight through her foot. Examination revealed that she had injured the lateral ligaments of her ankle and the ligament structures that hold the long bones of her lower leg together.

The physiotherapist came up with a plan to restore normal movement and get her safely weight bearing again. She was treated with strapping to her ankle, exercises and the Bodyflow machine initially. As she improved, she continued exercising. Within a week of starting treatment she was able to walk without crutches. At this stage balance and proprioceptive exercises were added to her program. These exercises were gradually upgraded. The goal now was a return to touch.

A total of 6 treatments over 4 weeks saw our touch player make a succesful return to the field. She has not had any problems with her ankle since.