No one ever wants to experience the pain of getting their ankle broken. It doesn’t matter if it’s caused by an injury from playing sports, an accident, or something else – a broken ankle can be incredibly painful.
If you have a broken ankle, it’s crucial to get a physical assessment from a physiotherapist to determine when you can start physiotherapy. The severity of the injury is a huge factor, of course.
If you think you need physiotherapy, this post is for you as Invigor Health shares some of the things you need to know about getting physiotherapy for your broken ankle:
What to Expect From Your First Appointment
During your first appointment, you’ll be assessed, and your physiotherapist will ask questions about your injury, including:
- What caused the injury?
- How long ago did the injury happen?
- What symptoms do you experience?
- What treatments have you sought out so far?
- What can you do at home unassisted?
- What can’t you do?
You’ll start with a general assessment of the injury. Your physio will take a look at your ankle to determine its range of motion and to check for soft tissue injuries and other specifics. You’ll also get a chance to get a feel for your physiotherapist and see how they work.
What to Expect From Your Treatment
At your first appointment, you’ll go over what to expect from your treatment and how long it might take to get back to normal. It’s essential to come to every appointment after that so that your physio can monitor your progress and keep you on track in your recovery.
The treatment often starts with exercise, manual therapy, and education so that you can be better equipped to prevent a future injury.
Types of Exercises for a Broken Ankle
Ankle exercises are typically the first thing that patients do. These exercises help to strengthen your ankle and decrease your pain. You can also perform ankle exercises at home to speed up your recovery. Your physiotherapist will recommend a variety of exercises for you to try. These include:
- Strengthening exercises
- Stretching exercises
- Functional exercises
Your physiotherapist will also give you a home exercise program. Be sure to follow your physiotherapist’s instructions and talk to them if you have any questions.
The most important thing to remember as you work towards completing your home exercise program is that you need to be careful as you move around. Be sure that you can handle these exercises without too much pain or discomfort.
The first few days of the home exercise program will be the most difficult.
Manual Therapy for a Broken Ankle
Manual therapy is when the physiotherapist uses their hands for treatment. This treatment is beneficial for ankle injuries. It is often recommended with ankle sprains to help increase the patient’s range of motion, decrease pain, and help them heal faster.
The most common manual therapy techniques in physiotherapy are:
- The McKenzie Method
- Graston Technique
- Athletic taping
- Massage
- Cryotherapy
Conclusion
Exercise and manual therapy are the most common treatments for a broken ankle. These treatments can help you with your pain, inflammation, and range of motion. A physiotherapist will first conduct a physical assessment and then work with you to create a personalized home exercise program for your specific injury and the type of treatment you need. If you can’t make it to a physiotherapist, you can still do some exercises at home slowly and use good form. This will help you to heal and recover without too much pain or discomfort.
Invigor Health can provide you with affordable physiotherapy in Bondi. Whether you need a physical assessment and a treatment plan for your broken ankle or you simply want to do a general health and fitness check, our experts can provide you with reliable physiotherapy services. Contact us today to set an appointment!