Ankle
An ankle sprain isn't just rest and ice. Real recovery is more.
Ankle sprains are the most commonly under-rehabilitated sports injury — and the most commonly re-injured as a result. Complete rehab including strength and proprioception work is essential for a confident return to sport.
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Common symptoms
- —Pain and swelling on the outer ankle immediately after a roll or twist
- —Bruising appearing within hours of injury
- —Difficulty weight-bearing
- —Residual instability weeks after the initial injury
- —Fear of re-rolling on uneven ground
Common causes
- —Lateral ankle roll — most commonly during landing, court sports, or trail running
- —Fatigue-related loss of proprioceptive control
- —Inadequate rehab from a previous sprain
How Stance approaches ankle sprain
We treat ankle sprains in three stages: acute management, strength restoration, and sport-specific neuromuscular retraining. We use VALD Force Decks to measure balance and single-leg control, and objective criteria to clear you for return to sport — not just a time window.
Relevant services
Pain & Injury Recovery
Assessment-led recovery for musculoskeletal pain — whether it's chronic, recurring, or from a specific incident. We find the root cause and build a targeted, progressive plan.
Sports Injury & Return to Sport
Injury-to-sport rehabilitation for recreational and competitive athletes. We don't just fix the injury — we test your readiness to return and make you more resilient than before.
Frequently asked questions
Should I get an X-ray after a sprain?
We use the Ottawa Ankle Rules to assess whether imaging is required. Most ankle sprains do not need an X-ray.
Can I return to sport after a sprain?
Yes — with objective readiness criteria met. We test balance, strength, and reactive control before clearing you for full return.
Ready to find the root cause?
Our clinical team uses objective testing to build a personalised plan around your specific needs.
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