Ankle sprain rehab in Chatsworth: stop the sprain that keeps coming back

The sprain that comes back is usually the one that was rested, felt fine and was never retested. Ankle sprain physical therapy with Dr. Ed rebuilds balance and strength and tests the ankle before you go back.

• He grades the sprain. That means he works out how serious it is.
• Early motion and swelling control. He gets the ankle moving early and works on the swelling.
• Balance and proprioception retraining. Proprioception is your ankle's sense of where it is. He retrains it together with your balance.
• Calf and peroneal strength. He builds up the calf and the peroneal muscles.
• Landing and cutting work before return. Before you go back to sport, you practice landing and cutting. Cutting means changing direction fast.
• Taping where it helps. Some ankles do better with tape. He will tell you if yours does.

Evaluation first. Your first visit is an evaluation, one-on-one with Dr. Ed. He examines how you move, finds what is actually causing the pain, and explains it in plain terms.

A plan you can follow at home. Treatment in the clinic is hands-on, and you leave with a short home program that he adjusts each visit as you progress.

How long it takes. It depends on the ankle. A mild sprain is a matter of weeks. A chronically unstable ankle, also called chronic ankle instability, needs a strength program. Dr. Ed does not quote a number of visits up front. He sets the plan after your evaluation.

Evenings and Saturdays. Appointments run into the evening and on Saturdays, so you can come after work or school.

For a patient's view of ankle rehab with Dr. Ed, read Maggie's review on the sports injury page.

• Sports injury recoveryThe full sports rehab service, from sprains to return to sport.
• Plantar fasciitisRead this if the pain is in your heel or foot instead of the ankle.