Ankle Sprain
An ankle sprain is a stretch or tear of the ligaments, usually on the outside of the ankle. We settle the swelling and rebuild the strength and balance that prevent recurring sprains at our Marple clinic.
Understanding Your Condition
An ankle sprain — a 'rolled ankle' — happens when the foot turns inward and overstretches or tears the ligaments on the outside of the ankle. It's one of the most common injuries we treat, and while most settle with time, too many leave the ankle weak and unstable, leading to repeated sprains.
At Complete Recovery Physiotherapy in Marple, we settle your pain and swelling, then rebuild the strength, balance and control that make your ankle reliable again — so it doesn't keep rolling. The right rehabilitation is what turns a sprain from a recurring problem into a properly resolved one.
What You Feel
- Pain and swelling on the outside of the ankle
- Bruising around the ankle and foot
- Pain putting weight on the affected foot
- Tenderness over the outer ankle ligaments
- Stiffness and reduced ankle movement
- A feeling of instability or giving way
- Pain when turning the foot inward
- Difficulty walking normally in the early days
Common Causes
- Rolling the ankle on uneven ground
- Landing awkwardly from a jump
- Sudden changes of direction in sport
- Weakness in the ankle and calf muscles
- Poor balance and proprioception
- Previous sprains leaving the ankle unstable
- Inappropriate footwear for the activity
- Fatigue late in training or matches
Who Physiotherapy Can Help
Ankle sprains affect anyone — footballers, netballers, runners, walkers, and people who simply stepped off a kerb. We help with fresh sprains needing acute care and with the recurring instability that follows poorly-rehabilitated sprains.
If your ankle is swollen and painful after a roll, or it keeps rolling and giving way, we'll grade the sprain and build the right rehabilitation.
Struggling with Ankle Sprain?
Book your assessment today. We'll find the root cause and start hands-on treatment in your first session.
Your Assessment
Your assessment grades your sprain and screens for a fracture or more serious injury. We test the specific ligaments, assess your swelling, movement, strength and balance, and review how the injury happened.
Grading matters because it shapes your recovery timeline and what to avoid early on. We'll explain your grade and plan, and confirm whether an X-ray is needed.
How We Treat It
Our hands-on treatment approach:
- Assessment to grade the sprain and screen for fracture
- Hands-on treatment to ease pain, swelling and stiffness
- Restoration of full ankle movement
- Strengthening of the calf, ankle and foot muscles
- Balance and proprioception training to prevent recurrence
- A graded return to walking, running and sport
Expected Recovery
Most ankle sprains settle within 2–6 weeks with the right rehabilitation, depending on severity. The key to preventing recurrence is rebuilding strength and balance — without it, around a third of sprains become recurrent.
We progress you through clear stages, from settling the acute injury to returning to sport with tested strength and balance. Most people who complete a structured programme return fully and stop the cycle of repeated sprains.
Everything You Need to Know Before Booking
No GP referral needed. Direct access appointments available — often same-day or within a few days.
What Happens at Your First Appointment
Your first session is a 45-minute comprehensive assessment. We start by listening — understanding your symptoms, your history, and what you want to get back to. We then carry out a thorough hands-on physical examination to identify the root cause of your problem. You'll receive a clear explanation of what's going on, a personalised treatment plan, and hands-on treatment begins in that very first session. You leave knowing exactly what's wrong, what we'll do about it, and how long recovery will take.
What Should I Wear?
Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that allows easy access to the area we're treating. For knee, hip, or leg problems, shorts are ideal. For shoulder, neck, or back issues, a loose top or vest works well. You'll never be asked to undress beyond what's necessary for examination and treatment, and you'll always be treated with dignity and respect in our private treatment room.
How Many Sessions Will I Need?
This depends on your condition, how long you've had it, and your goals. Many patients feel significant improvement within 3–6 sessions. Acute injuries often resolve faster, while long-standing or complex conditions may need more. We'll give you a clear treatment timeline at your first appointment — and we only ever recommend sessions you genuinely need. Our goal is to get you independent and pain-free as quickly as possible, not to keep you coming back.
Can I Claim Through Insurance?
Yes. We are recognised by most major health insurance providers including AXA, Vitality, Bupa, WPA, and Healix. We can bill your insurer directly so you don't need to pay upfront — simply bring your insurance authorisation number to your appointment. If you're not sure whether you're covered, call us and we'll help you check before you book.
Treated by a Qualified, Experienced Professional
Rob Wood
Head Physio & Clinic Owner
Meet Rob, founder of Complete Recovery Physiotherapy in Marple.
Ankle Sprain Frequently Asked Questions
Why Choose Complete Recovery Physiotherapy?
Stop Recurring Sprains
Too many sprains become recurrent after incomplete rehab. We rebuild the strength and balance that make your ankle reliable, breaking the cycle.
Fracture Screening
We use clinical rules to screen for fractures, so you're always in the right place — physio rehab or onward imaging if a break is suspected.
Hands-On Plus Balance Work
Manual therapy to ease pain and swelling combined with proprioception and strengthening — the combination that produces stable, confident ankles.
Return-to-Sport Testing
Before you go back to sport, we test your strength, balance and stability so you return genuinely ready and reduce the risk of re-injury.
Same Physio Every Time
Continuity of care with a physio who knows your ankle, your injury and your goals throughout your recovery.
Free Parking in Marple
Easy visits at Bowden Hall with free parking right outside — important when walking is uncomfortable.
Related Conditions We Treat
Ankle Pain
Ankle pain can come from a sprain, a tendon, the joint or referred from elsewhere. We assess precisely and rebuild strong, stable, pain-free ankle movement at our Marple clinic.
Learn MoreAchilles Tendinopathy
Achilles tendinopathy causes pain and stiffness in the tendon at the back of the heel, often worst in the morning or after running. We rebuild the tendon with a progressive loading programme at our Marple clinic.
Learn MoreCalf Strain
A calf strain is a tear of the calf muscle, usually from running or sudden acceleration. We grade the strain and guide a graded recovery restoring strength and a safe return to running at our Marple clinic.
Learn MoreRunning Injuries
Running injuries affect the knee, hip, leg and foot, usually from training errors or biomechanics. We assess the cause and guide a graded return to pain-free running at our Marple clinic.
Learn MoreRelated Services
Physiotherapy
At Complete Recovery Physio, everything we do is built around high-quality physiotherapy. Whether you're recovering from an injury, dealing with ongoing pain, or looking to move more freely, we're here to support you.
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Sports Physio
Whether you're a weekend warrior, a dedicated athlete, or someone who simply loves staying active, sports injuries can be incredibly frustrating. Our specialist sports physiotherapy service is designed to help you recover fully, safely, and as quickly as possible.
Learn MoreDon't Let Pain Hold You Back
Expert, hands-on physiotherapy in Marple. Free parking. Same-day and short-notice appointments often available.
Ready to Start Your Recovery?
Book your assessment today and take the first step towards a pain-free, active life. Free parking at our Marple clinic.