The Philadelphia Eagles lost their first game of the 2023 season this past week to the Jets. What’s worse, it that it was the first time in franchise history that the team had lost to the Jets! Four turnovers and a missed field goal definitely hurt the Eagles but so did the 5 sacks on QB, Jalen Hurts. The Eagles Offensive Line is one of the best in the league, giving Hurts lots of pass protection, but in the first quarter, All-pro Offensive Tackle, Lane Johnson left the game with a lateral ankle sprain and the Jets took advantage of the opportunity.
Ankle sprains are one of the most common injuries in football, affecting players at all levels of the game. Whether you’re a professional athlete or a weekend warrior, the road to recovery after an ankle sprain can be challenging. Rehab is crucial for football athletes following an ankle sprain to help them get back on the field stronger than ever.
The goals of PT for ankle sprains are:
1. Restoring Stability and Strength:
Rehabilitation after an ankle sprain focuses on restoring stability and strength to the injured joint. Football athletes heavily rely on their ankles for quick changes in direction, explosive movements, and maintaining balance. By following a structured rehab program, athletes can regain stability in their ankle joint, reducing the risk of reinjury and improving overall performance.
2. Enhancing Range of Motion:
Ankle sprains often lead to limited range of motion, making it difficult for football athletes to perform at their best. Rehab exercises, such as stretching and mobility drills, help regain flexibility and restore the full range of motion in the ankle joint. This increased range of motion not only aids in injury prevention but also allows athletes to execute complex maneuvers with greater ease and efficiency.
3. Preventing Chronic Ankle Instability:
Failure to properly rehabilitate an ankle sprain can lead to chronic ankle instability, a condition characterized by recurring sprains and a feeling of “giving way” in the ankle. This instability can significantly impact an athlete’s performance and increase the risk of future injuries. By diligently following a rehab program, football athletes can address the root causes of instability, strengthen the surrounding muscles, and minimize the chances of long-term complications.
4. Psychological Recovery:
Physical injuries often take a toll on an athlete’s mental well-being. The frustration of being sidelined, the fear of reinjury, and the uncertainty of returning to peak performance can be overwhelming. Rehab plays a vital role in the psychological recovery of football athletes by providing them with a structured plan, goals to work towards, and a sense of progress. This support system helps athletes stay motivated, maintain a positive mindset, and ultimately come back stronger mentally and physically.
5. Individualized Approach:
Rehabilitation following an ankle sprain should be tailored to the specific needs of each football athlete. Working closely with sports medicine professionals, such as physical therapists and athletic trainers, ensures that the rehab program addresses the athlete’s unique strengths, weaknesses, and goals. This individualized approach maximizes the effectiveness of the rehab process, allowing athletes to return to the field with confidence.
In this video, 3DPT West Berlin’s Dr. Alyssa McMinn describes and demonstrates a few movements that would be included throughout a rehab program for ankle sprains
Rehabilitation is not just a necessary step in recovering from an ankle sprain; it is a game-changer for football athletes. By prioritizing rehab, athletes can restore stability, enhance range of motion, prevent chronic instability, and achieve psychological recovery. So, if you find yourself facing an ankle sprain, remember that the road to recovery may be challenging, but with the right rehab program, you can bounce back stronger and continue to excel in the game you love.
Categorized as: 2023 NFL Blog