Ankle Sprain Treatment in Manchester
- Jan 20, 2019
- 4 min read
Updated: Mar 14
What is an ankle sprain?
An ankle sprain most commonly occurs during a twisting movement of the foot, often when the ankle rolls inward. This type of injury, known as an inversion ankle sprain, stretches or damages the ligaments and muscles on the outside of the ankle, while compressing the structures on the inside of the foot.
Lateral ankle sprains are among the most common injuries in sports and physical activities. Although they are very common, ankle sprains can be more serious than many people realise. These injuries are often underestimated, and individuals may ignore the long-term effects that an unstable ankle joint can have on overall movement and balance.
Recovery time can vary, as ligaments typically heal slowly, and full recovery may take anywhere from two to ten months depending on the severity of the injury. However, with accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment, ankle sprains can usually be managed effectively, allowing patients to recover fully and return to their normal activities without long-term symptoms.
What are the symptoms of an ankle sprain?
he symptoms of an ankle sprain can vary depending on the severity of the injury, but the most common signs include:
Pain, particularly around the injured side of the ankle
Swelling around the affected area of the foot and ankle
Tenderness when pressure is applied to the injured ligaments
Reduced range of motion or difficulty moving the ankle normally
Bruising around the ankle or foot
In some cases, individuals may also experience difficulty putting weight on the affected foot or a feeling of instability in the ankle joint.
Diagnosis of an ankle sprain
An ankle sprain can be diagnosed by a physiotherapist or a medical doctor following a detailed clinical assessment. At Physio Pattern, we perform a comprehensive examination of the ligaments, muscles, tendons, bones, and joints of the ankle, as well as the related kinetic chains that may be affected by the injury.
This thorough assessment helps determine the severity of the sprain and the structures involved, allowing us to develop an appropriate treatment plan.
In some cases, additional imaging may be required. An X-ray may be recommended to rule out a bone fracture, while an MRI scan can provide more detailed information about the extent of ligament or soft tissue damage.
Did you know?
Ankle sprains are among the most common musculoskeletal injuries, particularly in sports and physically active individuals. Research shows that:
Approximately 7 out of every 1,000 people experience an ankle sprain each year
Around 40% of all ankle injuries are ankle sprains
Nearly 45% of basketball players will sustain an ankle sprain during their careers
About 39% of football (soccer) players experience an ankle sprain
In the United States alone, around 2 million ankle sprains occur every year
These statistics highlight how common ankle sprains are and why accurate diagnosis and proper rehabilitation are essential to prevent chronic ankle instability and recurring injuries.
Recommended Treatment for an Ankle Sprain
At Physio Pattern Manchester, treatment for an ankle sprain begins with a comprehensive clinical assessment to identify the exact structures involved and any underlying dysfunctions contributing to the injury.
Our goal is not only to help your ankle recover quickly but also to restore stability, improve movement, and prevent future sprains or chronic ankle instability.
1. Detailed Clinical Assessment
Your physiotherapist will begin with a thorough subjective examination, discussing:
How the injury occurred
Previous ankle injuries
Current pain and symptoms
Swelling or instability in the ankle
Medical history and physical activity levels
This helps us understand the mechanism of injury and possible contributing factors.
2. Biomechanical and Functional Assessment
We then perform a detailed physical examination, including:
Assessment of the ankle ligaments and joint stability
Range of motion testing
Manual muscle testing of the foot and ankle muscles
Evaluation of walking (gait) and weight-bearing patterns
Assessment of the kinetic chain, including the knee, hip, and foot mechanics
This allows us to identify movement dysfunctions or compensations that may delay recovery or increase the risk of reinjury.
3. Neurological Dysfunction Correction
If abnormal neuromuscular patterns are identified, we may use specialised neurological approaches such as:
Neurokinetic Therapy (NKT)
Proprioceptive Deep Tendon Reflex Therapy (P-DTR)
These techniques help restore normal communication between the nervous system and muscles, improving joint stability and movement control.
4. Targeted Therapeutic Treatments
Depending on the findings of the assessment, we may use a combination of advanced treatment modalities to reduce pain, improve tissue healing, and accelerate recovery, including:
Physiotherapy techniques and manual therapy
Tecar Therapy to stimulate circulation and tissue repair
Shockwave Therapy for ligament or tendon injuries
Cold Laser Therapy to reduce inflammation and promote healing
These treatments help reduce swelling, relieve pain, and support ligament recovery.
5. Individualised Rehabilitation Program
The final stage of treatment focuses on rehabilitation and long-term prevention.
You will receive a personalised exercise program that may include:
Mobility and flexibility exercises
Strengthening of the ankle and foot muscles
Balance and proprioception training
Functional exercises to restore normal movement patterns
All exercises are individually prescribed based on your assessment findings to ensure a safe and complete recovery.
Internal Links to Learn More
Physiotherapy – https://www.physiopattern.com/physiotherapy
Neurokinetic Therapy – https://www.physiopattern.com/neurokinetic-therapy
Tecar Therapy – https://www.physiopattern.com/tecar-therapy
Shockwave Therapy – https://www.physiopattern.com/shockwave-therapy
Cold Laser Therapy – https://www.physiopattern.com/cold-laser-therapy
If you would like more information of how Physio Pattern Manchester can help with this condition, or to book an assessment please call
Leading Physiotherapy Provider in Manchester. Ankle sprain treatment in Manchester, Physiotherapy Treatment in Manchester city centre, Northern Quarter, Ancoats.Physio Manchester, Manchester Physio, Physio Manchester City Centre, Physiotherapy clinic in Manchester.
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