Date of Award

2007

Document Type

Scholarly Project

Degree Name

Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)

Department

Physical Therapy

First Advisor

Peggy Mohr

Keywords

Ankle Injuries -- therapy; Athletic Injuries -- therapy; Lateral Ligament, Ankle -- injuries

Abstract

Background and Purpose: Lateral ankle sprains are a very prevalent sports injury resulting in missed practice and competition. Several studies have shown manual therapy techniques to be effective in restoring normal active range of motion (AROM) and expediting return to activity compared to more traditional treatment approaches such as protection, rest, ice, compression, and elevation (PRICE). This article describes a unique manual therapy approach to treating an acute ankle sprain in an athlete.

Case Description: The patient is a 16 year-old female with an acute lateral ankle sprain. This article describes a physical therapy episode of care involving an aggressive manual therapy treatment applied to a 16 year-old female with an acute ankle sprain suffered while playing in a varsity basketball game. The patient was treated 3 times over the course of 5 days. During two of these visits the patient received manual therapy and I visit she was instructed in an exercise program. She has also been practicing PRICE principles.

Outcome: At discharge the patient reported no pain in her ankle and had returned to full activity without limitations. The Foot and Ankle Ability Measure for sport was used to assess outcome.

Discussion: Manual therapy techniques may be beneficial at restoring impaired motion, decreasing pain, and allowing athletes to return to sport following a lateral ankle sprain.

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