IASTM Treatment Protocol for an Inversion Ankle Sprain

The “ankle roll”; just about every athlete has been there, and just about every clinician has treated it. While inversion ankle sprains are incredibly common in athletics, this injury is no stranger to everyday people both young and old (and especially clumsy ones).

Instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization is an adjunct therapy gaining popularity in physical therapy, chiropractic and athletic training patient care routines. Usually thought of as a rough, painful treatment option, IASTM tools can (and should) be used on injuries as delicate as an inversion ankle sprain. Thomas Hyde, DC, DACBSP, CKTP, FRCSS (Hon), FICC is one particular clinician that has found immediate success in implementing IASTM treatment to the ankle injuries of his volleyball players. His unique protocol begins immediately after the injury occurs to expidite the recovery time:

Inversion ankle sprain IASTM protocol

1. Place the patient in a standing position. Have your IASTM tools and an emollient like Prossage Soft Tissue Therapy ready!
2. Have the patient assume a non-weight bearing position with the injured ankle. Treat the following areas for about 30-45 seconds:
• Anterior talofibular ligament
• Retinaculum
• Dorsal area of the foot
• Calcaneofibular ligament
• Fibularis group
• Posterior to the malleolus
• And any other affected areas your deem necessary
3. Have the patient assume a weight-bearing position with the injured ankle. Follow the same IASTM treatment protocol as step 2.
4. Have the patient assume a non-weight bearing position with the injured ankle, foot inverted. Follow the same IASTM treatment protocol as step 2.
5. Have the patient assume a weight-bearing position with the injured ankle, foot inverted. Follow the same IASTM treatment protocol as step 2.
6. Have the patient assume a weight-bearing position with the injured ankle, foot inverted, with plantar flexion. Follow the same IASTM treatment protocol as step 2.

Watch Dr. Hyde demonstrate his protocol and learn the details of his full rehab recommendations in the video below!