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  1. What should I do following an ankle sprain?
  2. Why do I need to rehabilitate an ankle sprain?

What should I do following an ankle sprain?

If you have sprained an ankle, call us on (03) 9571 6888 or book online today.

With winter season well underway, a common injury associated with football, soccer, netball and basketball are ankle sprains.  Commonly occurring following an “inversion” injury where the foot rolls inwards with a sudden change of direction or uneven surface.  This commonly results in stretching the ligaments on the outside of the foot including the anterior talo-fibular ligament (ATFL).  Fortunately, if rehabilitated well, there can be good capacity to heal and surrounding ligaments can provide good stability.  Conversely, if not rehabilitated thoroughly, sprains can routinely lead to increased time away from sport or complications associated with altered movements and biomechanics.

What should I do following an ankle sprain?

What should I do following an ankle sprain?

  • Rest.
  • Ice.  Aim to ice for 10 – 15 minutes every several hours for the first 72 hours.
  • Compress.  Use compression garments or compression bandages.
  • Elevate.
  • Rehabilitate.  Regardless of any associated swelling or bruising, physiotherapy assessment and treatment should be commenced as soon as possible.

Why do I need to rehabilitate an ankle sprain?

Your physiotherapist is equipped to assess the severity of the sprain and are able to refer for medical imaging if required.  Weight bearing quickly and as safely as possible is crucial and your physiotherapist will advise what is most appropriate following injury.  During the acute period, physiotherapy will aim to restore normal movement and reduce swelling.

Once pain and swelling has settled, your physiotherapist will assist in regaining strength and proprioception.  Regardless of severity, proprioception (the ability to sense and react to changes in position or balance) is affected.  Without specific rehabilitation and exercise, poor proprioception can result in increased risk of recurrent ankle sprains, increased risk of knee injuries (including ACL rupture) and altered biomechanics.

Your physiotherapist will get you back to training and sport as quickly as possible.  Bracing or strapping can be used in the early stages but should never be used as a replacement to proper rehabilitation.

Should you experience an ankle sprain, get in touch with our team as soon as possible for assessment and treatment.  The sooner the sprain is assessed, the quicker the return to training and sport.  Call us on 9571 6888 or book online today.


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Last week our team celebrated another great year. 

Whilst Melbourne’s weather had its own plans, we were still determined to keep with the theme of ‘Italian Summer’. We let our hair down to master the art of mixology 🍸🍹followed by an Italian feast. Friday morning Run Club with the team. Practicing what we preach!

Staying stronger, healthier and happier. This time last week, our team was nervously completing their final preparations for @melbmara . 

Congratulations to our physiotherapists and ME community who ran on the day.

Dilen and Michael completed their first marathons. Abbey and Lizzie smashed out their first half. Last Sunday, our team headed down to see our own Matt Warren win a premiership in the VAFA Premier Men’s Competition. Last week our team dedicated a full day to professional development and team building. At ME Physio we pride ourselves on collaboration to put you at the centre of everything we do. 

Our team covered the latest treatments for back pain, financial well-being and finished off the day with salsa dancing. 

Many thanks to our guests including James Schomburgk from @the2ndvisitphysio , Financial Planners Tony Vikram & Cameron Bishop and the @salsafoundation At ME Physio, our focus is on helping you get stronger so that you can keep doing the things you love.

For Tony and Joan, healthier and stronger is being able to navigate the iconic Coast to Coast Walk in the UK! We recently had the pleasure of hosting Elise Bujor from Women’s & Men’s Health Physiotherapy to discuss women’s health issues across the lifespan. 

Our team pride themselves on staying up to date to ensure you’re able to stay healthier, happier and stronger. Huge milestones over the past few weeks with both Tom and Jude from @delasallefc doing their first bit of running in their rehab. 

Tom is on the return from an ankle dislocation whilst Jude is putting in the hard work following a knee reconstruction. Last week our team enjoyed some friendly rivalry at the footy. 

With finals around the corner, some of our team can now safely make holidays plans for September. We recently had the pleasure of hosting the podiatry team from @sespodiatry. 

Our physiotherapists Michael and Abbey presented on rehabilitation following Achilles surgical repair and ankle surgery. Last weekend some of our team got together to complete the 10 km run @runmelbourne. There was no finish line picture as some were keen to run another 15 km!

Whilst running wasn’t for some - brunch was well received by everyone. Shoulder impingement can be incredibly frustrating and painful. 

Tony has been working closely with our physiotherapists Vernon and Dilen to get on top of his shoulder pain. His treatment plan has included hands-on physiotherapy and individualised exercises in our hydrotherapy and strength programs.

You Deserve to Feel Good.

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