Way back in 2001 I was training for Triathlon.
It was March and I was training for the upcoming UBC Triathlon where I had placed 3rd in my age group the previous year. While out on a training run at lunch (1 week pre race) I sustained a left foot Avulsion Fracture to my Calcaneofibular Ligament. I immediately focussed on rehab. Back then the understanding of rehabbing this type of injury is not what it is today. To say the least, I went against ALL recommendations and continued modified training with the injury. Stationary cycling, swimming without kicking and even rollerblading were part of my rehab regime. Not once did I use RICE and I refused to be immobilized.
Long story short, I was back to running 5km cross country in 5 weeks. Over the years, I implemented similar rehab programs with my patents and noticed improved outcomes compared to other rehab regimes that my colleagues were using. It’s nice to have some research confirming the strategies I’ve been utilizing for the past 18yrs.
Here’s some great information on Ankle injuries and recommendations for rehabilitation.
I’ve also included some information on The role of ankle ligaments and articular geometry in stabilizing the ankle, where I stress the importance of managing the position of the Talus and incorporating exercise with mobilizations.
“Manual joint mobilisation can provide a short-term increase in ankle joint dorsiflexion ROM following acute LAS (level 1). Additionally, joint mobilisation has been reported to decrease pain (level 1). Manual therapy combined with exercise therapy resulted in better outcomes compared with exercise therapy alone (level 3).
What’s new: Despite findings by the previous version of this guideline that manual mobilisation only results in short-term treatment effects, current evidence shows added value of manual mobilisation when used in combination with exercise therapy.
Recommendation (modified): A combination with other treatment modalities, such as exercise therapy, enhances the efficacy of manual joint mobilisation and is therefore advised (level 3).”
Enjoy!
Robert
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