Complete Balance Physiotherapy

Recurrent Ankle Sprains

Recurrent Ankle Sprains: Why Physiotherapy Matters for Basketball and Netball Players

If you’ve ever rolled your ankle during a game, you’re definitely not alone. Ankle sprains are one of the most common injuries in netball and basketball, accounting for 40 and 20 percent of all injuries within each sport respectively. The quick changes of direction, jumping, and landing all put a lot of pressure on your ankles.

What many don’t realize is that once you’ve had one sprain, your ankle can be a little more vulnerable to future injuries. Research shows that up to 70% of people who sprain an ankle will sprain it again at some point. But here’s the good news: with the right rehab, you can absolutely bounce back stronger than before.

 

How physiotherapy can help

At Complete Balance, we help athletes not just heal — but build better strength, balance, and confidence in their ankle again.

A tailored physiotherapy program can:
– Strengthen the muscles that stabilise your ankle
– Improve balance and proprioception, helping your body respond faster to awkward movements
– Restore full range of motion so your foot and ankle move properly again                                  
– Create stiffness needed in your ankle and foot to be able to perform

Research shows that completing a proper rehab program after an ankle sprain can cut your risk of re-injury by up to 50%.

Ankle sprains might be common in basketball and netball, but they don’t have to become a recurring issue. With the right rehabilitation, you can recover fully, lower your risk of re-injury, and feel more confident on the court.

If this sounds like you, get in touch with Complete Balance Physiotherapy to book an appointment and start your recovery the right way.

 

References

  • Doherty C, Delahunt E, Caulfield B, Hertel J, Ryan J, Bleakley C. (2014). The incidence and prevalence of ankle sprain injury: a systematic review and meta-analysis of prospective epidemiological studies. *Sports Med*.
  • Gribble PA, Bleakley CM, Caulfield BM, Docherty CL, Fourchet F, Fong DT, et al. (2016). Evidence review for the 2016 International Ankle Consortium consensus statement on the prevalence, impact and long-term consequences of lateral ankle sprains. *British Journal of Sports Medicine*.
  • van Rijn RM, van Os AG, Bernsen RM, Luijsterburg PA, Koes BW, Bierma-Zeinstra SM. (2010). What is the clinical course of acute ankle sprains? A systematic literature review. *American Journal of Medicine*.
  •   McKay, G. D., Goldie, P. A., Payne, W. R., Oakes, B. W., & Watson, L. F. (2001). Ankle injuries in basketball: Injury rate and risk factors. British Journal of Sports Medicine, 35(2), 103–108. https://doi.org/10.1136/bjsm.35.2.103
  •   Paterson, K., McGuigan, M., & Kritz, M. (2021). Current ankle sprain prevention and management strategies of netball athletes. BMC Sports Science, Medicine and Rehabilitation, 13, Article 15. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13102-021-00342-9