Overview
This video outlines key considerations for designing ankle sprain rehabilitation programs, emphasizing an evidence-based approach and highlighting specific early-stage exercises for optimal recovery and injury prevention.
Return to Participation After Ankle Sprain
- Return to activity may range from one day to over three weeks, depending on the patient's goals and sport.
- Supervised, tailored exercise programs enable faster recovery and help prevent re-injury.
Principles of Ankle Sprain Rehab
- Rehabilitation programs are not one-size-fits-all and should be individualized based on patient demands and equipment availability.
- The PEACE & LOVE framework guides soft tissue injury management:
- PEACE (first 1–3 days): Protection, Elevation, Avoid NSAIDs, Compression, Education.
- LOVE (after initial pain subsides): Load (early movement), Optimism, Vascularization, Exercise.
Key Factors in Exercise Selection
- Early restoration of full ankle range of motion is critical, including both dorsiflexion and plantar flexion.
- Failure to address plantar flexion may limit functional activities such as kicking in sports.
- Gradual introduction of movement in the frontal plane is essential due to typical ligament injury patterns.
Example Exercises and Progression
- Begin with simple early movement exercises targeting both dorsiflexion and plantar flexion.
- Progress to movements that challenge the ankle in the frontal plane as healing advances.
Recommendations / Advice
- Individualize rehabilitation plans to meet patient needs and available resources.
- Focus not only on dorsiflexion but also on regaining plantar flexion for comprehensive recovery.
- Consult referenced resources for detailed explanations and exercise examples.
Questions / Follow-Ups
- Consider exploring further frameworks and condition-specific rehab strategies via suggested online courses and linked resources.