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Ankle Sprains
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Ankle Sprain Treatment in Perth

The most common sports injury — and the most undertreated. Proper rehab prevents chronic instability and repeat injury.

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Ankle Sprains

Ankle Sprain Treatment in Perth

Ankle sprains account for approximately 10-30% of all sports injuries, making them the single most common acute sporting injury. Despite their frequency, they are routinely undertreated — producing a recurrence rate of 40-70% and a 40% rate of long-term problems including chronic ankle instability. <sup>[1]</sup>

The key message: ankle sprains are not minor injuries. Without adequate rehabilitation, the proprioceptive and neuromuscular deficits that develop after a sprain persist for months or years — dramatically increasing the risk of re-injury.

At Move Physiotherapy, we assess and rehabilitate ankle sprains with the same rigour as other significant musculoskeletal injuries — with a structured, progressive programme targeting the mechanical and neuromuscular factors that drive recurrence.

🛡️
Satisfaction Guarantee
Have we met your expectations? If not, we will refund your out-of-pocket expense — no questions asked.
Ankle Sprains
Ankle Sprains
🛡️
Satisfaction Guarantee
Have we met your expectations? If not, we will refund your out-of-pocket expense — no questions asked.

Causes

Types of Ankle Sprain

Lateral sprain (most common) — plantarflexion-inversion mechanism, ATFL plus or minus CFL
Medial (deltoid) sprain — eversion mechanism, less common but more significant
Syndesmotic (high ankle) sprain — external rotation mechanism, often underdiagnosed
Predisposing factors: previous sprain, reduced proprioception, peroneal weakness, playing on uneven surfaces

Our Approach

The Move Process

01
Grade & Assess
Determine sprain severity, screen for fracture (Ottawa Rules), and assess proprioceptive and peroneal function — the key deficits that drive recurrence.
02
Acute Management
Early protected weight-bearing, taping, swelling management, and initial range of motion — avoiding prolonged immobilisation which delays neuromuscular recovery.
03
Neuromuscular Rehab
Balance and proprioception training, peroneal strengthening, and single-leg stability work — the most important elements for preventing recurrence.
04
Return to Sport
Sport-specific agility, change-of-direction training, and criteria-based return to full activity — with ongoing ankle taping or bracing as appropriate.

Why Move Physiotherapy

What sets us apart

✦
Recurrence Prevention
Our programme targets the neuromuscular deficits — not just the pain — that drive the 40-70% recurrence rate after ankle sprains.
✦
Force Plate Balance Testing
Single-leg stability is assessed objectively at return-to-sport milestones — not based on subjective confidence alone.
✦
Satisfaction Guarantee
Have we met your expectations? If not, we will refund your out-of-pocket expense — no questions asked.

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it better to strap or brace a sprained ankle?+
Both taping and bracing provide mechanical support and are effective at reducing recurrence risk in the short term. For return to sport, semi-rigid bracing has the strongest evidence for recurrence prevention. However, neither taping nor bracing addresses the underlying neuromuscular deficits — these require active rehabilitation.
How soon can I return to sport after an ankle sprain?+
Grade I: typically 1-2 weeks. Grade II: 4-6 weeks. Grade III: 6-12 weeks. Return should be criterion-based — restored range of motion, resolution of pain with loading, and passing of single-leg balance and agility tests.
Do I need an X-ray after an ankle sprain?+
Apply the Ottawa Ankle Rules: X-ray is indicated if there is bony tenderness at the tip or posterior edge of the lateral or medial malleolus, or if you are unable to weight-bear (take 4 steps) immediately after the injury or in the clinic. Your physiotherapist will apply these rules at assessment.
Why does my ankle keep rolling even after it has healed?+
Persistent instability after ankle sprains — known as chronic ankle instability — is caused by incomplete recovery of the mechanoreceptors in the damaged ligaments, and ongoing deficits in peroneal muscle reaction time and single-leg balance. Targeted proprioceptive rehabilitation is highly effective.
Can I swim or cycle while recovering from an ankle sprain?+
Yes — these are excellent alternatives during recovery. Cycling loads the ankle in a controlled manner without the inversion risk of ground-based sport. Swimming allows cardiovascular fitness maintenance with minimal ankle load.

Full Treatment Pathway

Related Services

Effective treatment for ankle sprains often involves more than one service. Explore the approaches we use as part of a complete care pathway.

Sports Physiotherapy

Sport-specific diagnosis, load management, and criteria-based return-to-sport rehabilitation.

Learn more →
Exercise Rehabilitation

Progressive, gym-based rehabilitation programs that rebuild strength and prevent recurrence.

Learn more →

From the Blog

Further Reading

ACL Rehab: Why 9 Months Is a Floor, Not a Ceiling
Clinical Article
ACL Rehab: Why 9 Months Is a Floor, Not a Ceiling
Why returning to sport at 9 months is based on guesswork unless you've met objective criteria — and what the Melbourne Return to Sport framework actually requires.
Daniel Ryan · 12 min read
Read →

Ready to get moving?

Beeliar, Booragoon and East Fremantle -- early morning, evening and Saturday appointments available.

Book OnlineCall 08 6113 8062