How to Relieve Pain from Sports Sprains
Sports injuries can be frustrating, especially when they sideline you from the activities you love. Whether you’re a runner with a sprained ankle or a tennis player with an injured shoulder, finding effective relief is essential. If you’re looking for pain relief for sprains, you’re not alone. Many athletes struggle with lingering discomfort that affects their daily lives–and the team at Rhema-Gold Physiotherapy helps them find relief.
Emma (not her real name) is one such athlete. She visited us with an ankle injury but found lasting relief thanks to the work of our dedicated physiotherapists.
A Soccer Player’s Struggle with a Sprained Ankle
Emma, a 24-year-old competitive soccer player, injured her ankle during a tournament. A sudden twist while sprinting across the field left her with a severe enough sprain that she couldn’t finish the game. Her ankle swelled immediately, and walking became painful.
She initially tried home remedies—rest, ice, and elevation—but the pain persisted. Emma found it difficult to put weight on her foot, which affected her ability to train and perform everyday tasks. Frustrated and eager to return to the field, she sought help from Rhema-Gold Physiotherapy.
How We Helped Emma Find Relief
The first thing we did for Emmas was conduct a thorough assessment to help us understand the extent of her injury and to pinpoint any factors that might have contributed to it, such as an awkward gait or muscular imbalances in her lower body.
Next, we created a customized treatment program focused on reducing pain, restoring mobility, and strengthening her ankle to prevent injuries. Here’s what we included:
1. Hands-On Manual Therapy
- Gentle joint mobilization to reduce stiffness
- Soft tissue massage to relieve muscle tightness
- Targeted stretching to improve range of motion
2. Modalities for Pain Relief
- Cold therapy to reduce discomfort
- Ultrasound therapy to promote healing
- Bracing techniques to support her ankle during movement
3. Therapeutic Exercises for Strength and Stability
- Balance training to enhance coordination and ankle control
- Resistance band exercises to rebuild strength
- Functional movement drills to mimic soccer-specific actions
The Results: Emma’s Journey Back to the Field
Within a few weeks, Emma noticed significant improvement. Her pain levels decreased, and she regained confidence in her ankle. By the sixth week of treatment, she was back to light training. After completing her program, she returned to playing competitively without fear of re-injury.
As Emma discovered, physiotherapy provides pain relief for sprains. However, it also equipped Emma with the tools to prevent future injuries. Her treatment included education on proper warm-ups, strengthening routines, and ankle support strategies.
Don’t Let a Sprain Keep You Sidelined
If you’re struggling with a sports sprain, physiotherapy can help you recover safely and efficiently. At Rhema-Gold Physiotherapy, we create personalized treatment plans to relieve pain and restore function.
Contact our Calgary, AB clinic today to book an appointment and learn more about how we can help you find pain relief for sprains!