Ligament Injuries
A ligament injury is a sprain or tear of the tough bands connecting your bones, usually in the knee, ankle or wrist. We grade the injury and guide a phased recovery restoring stability at our Marple clinic.

Understanding Your Condition
Ligaments are the tough bands that connect your bones and keep your joints stable. When a ligament is overstretched or torn — usually by a sudden twist or impact — it causes a sprain, with pain, swelling and sometimes instability. Ligament injuries most commonly affect the ankle, knee and wrist.
At Complete Recovery Physiotherapy in Marple, we grade your injury, settle the initial pain and swelling, and guide a phased recovery that restores stability, strength and confidence — getting you back to activity safely and reducing the risk of re-injury.

What You Feel
- Pain and swelling after a twist or impact
- Tenderness over the injured ligament
- A feeling of looseness or instability in the joint
- Pain when stressing the joint in certain directions
- Stiffness and reduced movement
- Bruising around the joint
- A popping sensation at the moment of injury
- Difficulty bearing weight or using the joint
Common Causes
- Sudden twisting or pivoting injury, often in sport
- Landing awkwardly from a jump
- A fall onto an outstretched hand
- Rolling the ankle on uneven ground
- A direct blow to the joint
- Returning to sport too quickly after a previous injury
- Weakness in the muscles supporting the joint
- Poor movement control and landing mechanics
Who Physiotherapy Can Help
Ligament injuries affect athletes and non-athletes alike — from footballers with knee sprains to walkers with rolled ankles to people who slipped and fell. We help with mild sprains that settle quickly and more significant tears needing structured rehab and sometimes a brace.
If a joint is painful, swollen or unstable after a twist or impact, we'll grade the injury and build the right phased recovery plan.
Struggling with Ligament Injuries?
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 ligament injury (Grade 1–3) and screens for related problems such as a fracture. We stress the ligament with specific tests, assess your swelling, movement, strength and stability, and review how the injury happened.
Grading matters because it shapes your recovery timeline and whether a brace or surgical review is needed. Most ligament injuries are managed with physiotherapy, and we'll explain your grade and plan clearly.
How We Treat It
Our hands-on treatment approach:
- Assessment to grade the injury and screen for fracture
- Hands-on treatment to ease pain, swelling and stiffness
- Restoration of full joint movement
- Progressive strengthening of the muscles supporting the joint
- Stability, balance and movement control work
- A graded return to activity, with bracing or surgical referral if needed
Expected Recovery
Recovery depends on the grade and joint. Grade 1 sprains often settle within 2–4 weeks, Grade 2 within 4–8 weeks, and Grade 3 tears over 8–12 weeks or more. Some ligaments — like the ACL — may need surgical review.
The key is a structured, progressive programme that rebuilds stability before you return to sport. We progress you through clear stages and test your readiness, so you return genuinely prepared and reduce re-injury risk.
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.
Ligament Injuries Frequently Asked Questions
Why Choose Complete Recovery Physiotherapy?
Accurate Grading
We grade your ligament injury precisely so your recovery timeline and whether a brace is needed are based on real severity — not guesswork.
Phased, Progressive Rehab
We progress you through clear stages — settling, restoring movement, rebuilding strength, returning to sport — so you're always working at the right level.
Return-to-Sport Testing
Before you go back to sport, we test your strength, stability and confidence so you return genuinely ready and reduce the risk of re-injury.
Avoid Surgery Where Possible
Most ligament injuries recover with physiotherapy. We help you avoid surgery where appropriate and advise honestly when surgical review is needed.
Same Physio Every Time
Continuity of care with a physio who knows your joint, your injury and your goals throughout your recovery.
Free Parking in Marple
Easy visits at Bowden Hall with free parking right outside — important when your joint makes getting about harder.
Related Conditions We Treat

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.
Learn More
MCL Injury
An MCL injury is a sprain or tear of the ligament on the inner knee, often from a knock or twist. We grade the injury and guide a phased recovery restoring stability, strength and confidence at our Marple clinic.
Learn More
ACL Rehabilitation
ACL rehabilitation is the structured, phased recovery that rebuilds your knee after an ACL injury or reconstruction — restoring stability, strength and confidence for a safe return to sport, at our Marple clinic.
Learn More
Meniscus Injury
A meniscus injury is a tear of the shock-absorbing cartilage in your knee, often causing pain, swelling, clicking or locking. We assess the injury and guide your recovery with hands-on treatment and targeted rehabilitation 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.
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Exercise Rehabilitation
Exercise rehabilitation is the structured, progressive programme that rebuilds your strength, movement and confidence after injury or surgery — turning short-term relief into lasting recovery, guided by physiotherapists at our Marple clinic.
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.


