Signs & Symptoms
A sprain is a stretching or a tear of a ligament (a ligament attaches bone to bone around a joint). It is most commonly seen in the ankle and knee.
There are 3 types of sprains:
- Grade 1 – This is an overstretching of the ligament, mild swelling and pain may be present and the joint is stable.
- Grade 2 – This involves a partial tear of the ligament, moderate swelling and pain, and joint stability is affected but intact as it heals.
- Grade 3 – This a complete tear of the ligament. This may require a surgical referral as joint
stability is compromised.
Our Treatment & Expertise
At Bray Physiotherapy we aim to return the patient to full function, enhancing and accelerating the body’s natural healing abilities. Treatment varies depending on the grade of injury, however, R.I.C.E. (Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation) protects the injury for the first 48 hours.
Once settled we will commence treatment to promote healing and the formation of scar tissue by the use of massage, electrotherapy, acupuncture. You will be given gentle stretching and strengthening exercises to promote healing of the ligament. Your personalised rehabilitation programme will be sport and function specific thus enabling a return to full strength.