How Chiropractic Care Enhances Recovery from Recurrent Ankle Sprains

Ankle injuries are among the most prevalent injuries reported by athletes, particularly in sports such as basketball, football, volleyball, and soccer. In fact, ankle sprains rank as the most common injury in 24 different sports categories. Alarmingly, over 40% of ankle inversion sprains can lead to chronic ankle instability, making effective treatment essential for preventing further injuries. Recent research published in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics highlights the benefits of combining rehabilitation with chiropractic care to address this issue.

Study Overview

A study conducted at Durban University involved 33 participants aged 18 to 45, all with a history of ankle inversion sprains. Participants were selected based on their pain levels and whether they had sustained an ankle injury in the previous six weeks. Approximately 54% of the participants were assigned to a rehabilitation program focused solely on specific exercises for their ankle. The remaining participants engaged in both rehabilitation exercises and chiropractic care, receiving high-velocity low-amplitude thrust manipulations from a qualified professional.

Treatment Protocol

Both groups participated in daily rehabilitation exercises over a five-week period. The chiropractic care group received a total of 29 treatment sessions, administered in six-day increments with one rest day in between. At the end of the study, all participants were evaluated based on self-reported pain levels and joint palpation assessments, which involved a manual examination to evaluate range of motion and identify any restrictions.

Key Findings

The research revealed that participants who received both rehabilitation and chiropractic care experienced significantly greater reductions in pain and disability after just four weeks compared to those who underwent rehabilitation alone.

Conclusion

If you are dealing with recurrent ankle sprains and are looking for a swift and effective treatment solution, consider integrating both rehabilitation and chiropractic care into your recovery plan. This combined approach may lead to improved outcomes and a quicker return to your athletic activities.