Ligaments are strong bands that hold bones together at a joint. A sprain is a stretch or partial tear of a ligament; a complete tear, such as an ACL rupture, can make the knee unstable. Ankle sprains are the most common sports injury, while ACL injuries are common in football, netball and basketball.
Good rehabilitation restores stability, strength and confidence and lowers the risk of the same injury happening again.
Common signs and symptoms of ligament tears & sprains
- A pop or tearing feeling at the time of injury
- Rapid swelling
- Pain and difficulty bearing weight
- The joint giving way or feeling unstable
- Bruising around the joint
How we help
We assess the ligament and joint stability and, if needed, arrange imaging and an opinion from our orthopaedic specialist. Many sprains and some partial tears are treated without surgery; complete ACL tears in active people are often reconstructed.
Whether or not you have surgery, rehabilitation progresses from swelling control and restoring movement to strength, balance, jumping and sport-specific drills, ending with return-to-sport testing.
Treatments we use
- Swelling and pain management
- Range of motion and strength training
- Balance and proprioception training
- Pre-surgery (prehab) and post-surgery rehabilitation
- Plyometrics and agility training
- Return-to-sport testing
Recovery and what to expect
A mild ankle sprain may recover in two to six weeks. Rehabilitation after ACL reconstruction usually takes nine to twelve months before return to cutting and contact sports.
Ligament Tears & Sprains: frequently asked questions
Do all ACL tears need surgery?
No. Some people, especially those who do not play pivoting sports, do well with rehabilitation alone. Our orthopaedic specialist and physiotherapists will help you decide.
Should I do physiotherapy before ACL surgery?
Yes. Prehabilitation to reduce swelling and restore movement and strength before surgery leads to better results afterwards.
How do I stop my ankle sprains from coming back?
Balance and strength training after a sprain greatly reduces the risk of another one. Completing your rehab is key.