Ankle sprain and osteopathy
A bad move, one bad reception and that is an ankle sprain ! Painful at first, then silent, it becomes uncomfortable in everyday life. Oedema, limp, difficulty to set foot and sensations of instability. There are the symptoms present when the management is not optimal.. Here is how to treat the most common sports injuries pathology.
How the body adapts to the sprain ?
(1) Sprain zone
The joint locking and possible structural damage will make the ankle unstable and painful.
Indeed the ankle lesion will place constraints on the ligaments the structures for which they are not suited.
To protect its structures, the body will do everything it can to sollicite them the least possible.
(3-4) Contro-lateral leg
The weight is not more distributed evenly, the knee and the contro-lateral ankle endure much stress.
These constraints will result in initial discomforte and followed by pain.
(2) Pelvis
The pelvis adapts itself to discharge the foot as musch as possible. The muscles shift, modifying the body’s weight distribution.
Consequently, the pelvis is not in a natural position which can damage the lumbar vertebrae.
(5) Vertebro-cranien zone
The articulation Occipito-Atlo-Axoïdienne (between the skull the first and second vertebra) is responsible for the body’s global positionning and keeping the eyes horizontal.
The body leans on a sid, therefore the O.A.A as to adapt and he can be painful.
Apply for on ankle sprain
Apply the following “RICE protocol” or to minimize the damage caused by the sprain. Follow these steps immediately after a sprained ankle to get you back on your feet as quickly as possible.
R for rest,
I to ice the sprain (10 minutes 4 times a day),
C for compression using a strapp applied by the practitioner,
E for elevation of the leg as often as possible.
Visiting my osteopath for an ankle sprain
The intervention of an osteopath is essential for the effective healing of the joint and above all with a decreased risk of recurrence. He became the bridge between a general doctor and a physiotherapist.
The osteopathic treatment will help restore proper joint mobility, which will allow a good recovery of the ankle.
The osteopath will use gentle techniques adapted to the severity of the sprain.
In addition, the practitioner will investigate whether other postural mechanisms have been impacted by the sprain.
Osteopathic Treatment Methods
SOFT TISSUE MANIPULATION
Soft tissue manipulation can be used in many different ways. This method is used to evaluate the condition of tissues, ease restrictions, help the body’s fluids (blood, lymph, etc.) flow smoothly and restore function.
Optimal neuro-vascular flow helps to reduce harmful fluid retention and allows the body’s immune system to work more effectively.
Throughout the treatment, Osteopathic Manual Practitioners will continuously check on the state of the body’s tissues. The goal is to gently guide the tissue back to health without over-treating.
CRANIAL OSTEOPATHY
As the gentlest osteopathic technique, Cranial Osteopathy is also one of the most significant.
It is used to assess and treat the mobility of the skull and its contents. It may also be used to assess and treat the spine, sacrum and other parts of the body. The goal of this technique is to adjust the body’s physiology by restoring balance and optimal neuro-vascular flow surrounding the Central Nervous System and all of its autonomic centers.
VISCERAL MANIPULATION
Visceral Manipulation is used to effectively treat organs and viscera of the body, including the lungs, heart, liver, spleen, kidneys, stomach, pancreas, intestines, the bladder and the uterus.
Osteopathic Manual Practitioners will gently move the structures themselves and the fascia that surrounds them to restore full movement.
Applied with gentle pressure, visceral manipulation corrections can improve the mobility of an organ, improve neuro-vascular flow surrounding the organ and ultimately help maximize organ function.
OSTEOPATHIC ARTICULAR TECHNIQUE
The osteopathic articular technique, involving gently moving two joint surfaces, is used to reduce muscle spasms, ease neurological irritations, assist in joint mobility and help reduce pain and discomfort.
It is a less forceful technique than joint manipulation.
Osteopathic Manual Practitioners will carefully prepare the soft tissues around the treatment area, positioning the patient so that there is minimal (if any) force needed to perform the maneuver.
