Physical therapy rehabilitation of the ankle

Physical therapy intervention following an ankle injury is crucial and essential to returning a patient to his/her prior level of function. Following a physical therapy evaluation, a physical therapy diagnosis is established by relating the physical impairments found (e.g., limitations in range of motion, strength, proprioception, etc.) to functional limitations. The goal of physical therapy intervention is to improve these physical impairments, thereby restoring a patient's normal function. The physical therapist can administer such treatment as joint mobilization, strength training, proprioceptive training, and patient education. Since individuals vary in the extent and severity of physical impairments, physical therapy intervention will also vary on a patient-by-patient basis. Therefore, the purpose of this article is not to serve as a protocol for physical therapy intervention but as a review of evidence-based treatment that is relevant for the impairments found after completing a physical therapy evaluation.