Our multidisciplinary approach explained
As a doctor, you are familiar with ankle sprains. After identifying the grade of the sprain and recommending active treatment for its recovery, why not refer your patient to physiotherapy at the Guindon Health Clinic?
The following is a brief description of our approach to the rehabilitation of grade 1 and 2 ankle sprains. Our approach aims to preserve the mobility of the region as well as maintain the muscle mass of the calf while promoting the drainage of edema.
For the first step, we teach the patient a rehabilitation program combining exercises and ice. At this stage, we focus on draining the swelling with the help of exercises. The use of ice alternating with exercise serves to reduce the pain and metabolism of the cells around the injury, thus preserving them. It is a way to induce a state of cellular hibernation. Acupuncture can also be considered to treat pain and drainage related problems. Our acupuncturist, Sylvain Trudel, can offer treatments with or without needles via laser.
In a second step, we teach patients to walk on a flat surface and on stairs with crutches and/or a cane. Physiotherapists are the most highly trained health care professionals in the rehabilitation of musculoskeletal injuries. Our approach is always adapted to the patient’s pain tolerance and mobility level. The aim here is to stimulate the muscles which will act as real pumps to drain the ankle oedema.
As soon as possible we apply a piece of rigid foam in a “U” shape that follows the contour of the lateral malleolus in order to accelerate healing. Then we apply a six centimetre elastic bandage starting behind the toes and ending below the calf muscle belly. The goal is to push the swelling out of the ankle joint.
In the third step of our treatment, we use balance exercises to re-educate the structures affected by the tear and thus avoid future ankle sprains. The exercises are varied and the Guindon Health Clinic is equipped with a hunchback, a “Pro Fritter”, stacking steps, a stationary bike and other equipment to ensure a progression towards the complete rehabilitation of the patient and to develop a rehabilitation program adapted to each individual.
Our simple, multidisciplinary approach offers a wide range of options for each client depending on the severity of the injury, pain tolerance and treatment preferences. All with the aim of getting him back on his feet as quickly as possible.
