Ankle sprains are one of the most common musculoskeletal injuries, affecting everyone from athletes to weekend warriors and even those who simply misstep on uneven ground. While rest is often the go-to response, rest alone isn’t enough for a full recovery. Without proper treatment and rehabilitation, ankle sprains can lead to chronic instability, weakness, and a high risk of re-injury. At Alpha Sports Medicine, with clinics in Newport, Ascot Vale, and Bacchus Marsh, our team of Osteopaths, Chiropractors, and Exercise Physiologists can help you recover properly and prevent future sprains.
Understanding Ankle Sprains
Ankle sprains occur when the ligaments supporting the ankle are overstretched or torn, usually from rolling or twisting the foot. Severity can range from mild (micro-tears) to severe (complete ligament rupture). Symptoms often include:
- Swelling and bruising
- Pain and tenderness around the ankle joint
- Limited range of motion
- Instability and pain when walking
While mild sprains may improve with time, ignoring rehab can lead to long-term complications, such as chronic pain, repeated injuries and more time on the side lines.
Why Rest Alone Isn’t Enough
The traditional advice of Rest and Elevation can help reduce pain in the early stages, complete rest without rehabilitation can actually be detrimental. Here’s why:
- Loss of Strength & Stability – Prolonged rest leads to muscle weakness and joint instability.
- Reduced Proprioception – The body’s ability to sense movement and position decreases, increasing the risk of re-injury.
- Delayed Recovery – Active rehabilitation improves blood flow, reducing stiffness and promoting faster healing.
- Unknown Prognosis – If you don’t get your ankle sprain assessed to understand the degree of injury, you may find yourself returning to play too early and causing further injury.
The Role of Treatment & Rehabilitation
At Alpha Sports Medicine, we take a comprehensive approach to treating ankle sprains, ensuring a full and effective recovery.
1. Hands-On Treatment
Our Osteopaths and Chiropractors use hands-on techniques to:
- Reduce swelling and improve circulation.
- Restore joint mobility and alignment.
- Alleviate muscle tension and pain.
2. Exercise Rehabilitation
Our Exercise Physiologists and Exercise Rehab Specialists design tailored rehab programs to:
- Strengthen the muscles supporting the ankle.
- Improve balance and proprioception to prevent re-injury.
- Restore full range of motion and function.
Some key exercises we incorporate include:
- Weighted Lower Limb Exercises – Strengthens ankle stabilisers.
- Balance Drills – Enhances coordination and reduces injury risk.
- Controlled Plyometrics – Prepares the ankle for dynamic movements.
3. Preventing Future Ankle Sprains
Recurrent ankle sprains are common if the injury isn’t fully rehabilitated. Our team helps you prevent future sprains by:
- Gait & Running Assessments – Identifying biomechanical imbalances that contribute to injuries. We have a tailored Running Assessment appointment type specifically to cater for runners.
- Footwear and Foot Strength Advice – Recommending footwear for daily activities and sports as well as ongoing foot strength to support the ankle.
- Ongoing Strength & Mobility Work – Keeping your ankles resilient and prepared for movement.
Get Tailored Ankle Sprain Treatment in Newport, Ascot Vale & Bacchus Marsh
If you’ve recently suffered an ankle sprain, don’t just wait for it to heal—take action to recover fully and prevent future injuries. At Alpha Sports Medicine, our team of Osteopaths, Chiropractors, and Exercise Physiologists is here to support your recovery with tailored treatment and rehabilitation programs tailored to your needs.
Book an appointment today at our clinics in Newport, Ascot Vale, or Bacchus Marsh and take the first step toward a stronger, more stable ankle!
