In the immediate aftermath of a sprained ankle, it’s critical to provide treatment that generally includes: rest, ice, compression, and elevation. Taking the right approach upfront will improve the likelihood of a fast recovery.
As your injury allows, you should consider the benefits of therapy. You can visit with a physical therapist several times per week, or simply carry out a handful of exercises at home on your own time.
The benefits of therapy include restoring:
• Strength
• Range of motion
• Stability
• Flexibility
A physical therapist can help you create a plan that works for you, the severity of your injury, and your current level of health. It may be uncomfortable at times, but therapy is generally necessary to getting back to normal.
A sprained ankle has the potential to slow you down for several weeks or longer. And if you don’t take the right approach to treatment, you may never feel like your old self again. Rather than take this risk, implement a treatment strategy that you can trust and rely on for as long as it takes.
Jennifer Ferdinand, owner of Serendipity Wellness Studio in Burke, VA, has been practicing massage therapy and esthetics since 2006. She is nationally certified through NCBTMB, and licensed in Virginia for both Massage Therapy and Esthetics.