Return-to-Sport After a Lateral Ankle Sprain: Evidence-Based Guidelines
- Tran Bros DC
- 4 days ago
- 2 min read
Introduction
Lateral ankle sprains are among the most common sports injuries seen in physiotherapy, often resulting from sudden twists or rolls of the ankle during sport or exercise. While many patients recover well, a significant portion develop chronic instability due to premature return to activity or inadequate rehabilitation. For active individuals in Surry Hills navigating this process, clear guidance on when and how to safely return to sport is crucial.
A landmark consensus statement published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine (Delahunt et al., 2021) outlines structured, objective criteria to guide return-to-sport decisions after a lateral ankle sprain.
What the Evidence Says
According to the BJSM statement, time alone should not be the primary factor for return to play. Instead, athletes must demonstrate recovery across physical, functional, and psychological domains. Here's what needs to be considered:
✅ Pain and Swelling Must Be Resolved
No significant swelling or pain with sport-specific movements
Normal gait and ability to hop or jog without symptoms
✅ Range of Motion and Strength Should Be Comparable
At least 90% ankle dorsiflexion, plantarflexion, inversion, and eversion strength compared to the uninjured side
Full, pain-free range of motion
✅ Functional Performance is Key
Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT) with symmetry in reach
Single-leg hop and landing tests
Cutting, sprinting, and jumping drills that mimic sport demands
✅ Psychological Readiness
Athlete confidence in the ankle is vital. Fear of re-injury often predicts poorer outcomes and higher re-injury rates.
A Structured Rehabilitation Plan
At Strength and Pilates Physiotherapy, we use a progressive rehab approach that includes:
Phase 1: Acute care – swelling control, gentle mobility, and isometric activation
Phase 2: Balance, proprioception, and strengthening exercises
Phase 3: Sport-specific drills and neuromuscular training
Phase 4: Return-to-play testing and performance reconditioning
Our goal is to not only get you back to sport but reduce your risk of recurrence.
Don’t Rush It—Do It Right
Returning too early can delay full recovery or create long-term instability. That’s why we tailor each plan to your specific sport, level of activity, and functional goals.
Ready to take the next step? Our team at Strength and Pilates Physiotherapy in Surry Hills specialises in sport-related injuries and return-to-play assessments.
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