Sports injuries are most common among athletes and active people. Ankle injuries are one of the most common seen in sports. The ankle is susceptible to sprains, strains, and fractures, even in times of running, jumping, or turning quickly.
An ankle injury can be a painful, debilitating injury that can prevent you from doing the things you normally do and even participating in sports.
In this blog, we are going to discuss some of the frequent ankle sports injuries and how massage therapy can help cure them.
Common Ankle Sports Injuries
Ankle Sprain
Sprains of the ankle result from stretching or tearing of the ligaments that surround the ankle. This occurs due to the foot twisting or twisting of the foot awkwardly, most frequently during running or jumping.
A sprain can be from mild swelling and bruising to severe pain and cannot move. This is one of the most common sports injuries in basketball and soccer, for instance. It’s important to understand how ankle sprains can be treated for sports injuries.
Ankle Strain
The ankle strain involves the muscles or tendons around the ankle. The muscle is overstretched or torn, thereby causing strains. Sportsmen who train their bodies to the limit, for instance, sprinters or dancers, are more at risk. Muscle tightness, pain and trouble moving the ankle can be a result of a strain.
Achilles Tendonitis
The Achilles tendon is the thick tendon connecting the muscles of the calf to the heel bone. This is the tendon that is commonly inflamed (Achilles tendonitis) from overuse or repetitive stress, often from sports such as running or jumping. It causes pain and swelling on the back of the ankle and restricts mobility.
Fractures
Ankle fracture happens when one or more of the ankle bones have been broken most often from a fall or a sudden impact. The fracture can be mild or severe and it may take long to recover. Symptoms include severe pain, swelling, and bruising of the foot, as well as difficulty moving the foot.
How Does Massage Therapy Help in Treating Ankle Sports Injuries?
Treatment with massage therapy to treat sports injuries and promote healing is nothing new. Massage therapy for ankle injuries can reduce pain, help reduce swelling, increase blood flow, and aid in the recovery time.
Massage therapy specifically benefits ankle sports injuries with some of the following specific benefits:
1. Reduces Pain and Discomfort
Reducing pain is probably one of the main reasons athletes seek out massage therapy. During a massage, muscles, and tissues are gently massaged, a manipulation that helps stimulate the body’s natural pain relief mechanisms.
These massages help mitigate muscle tightness and eliminate the pain that results from sprains, strains, or even tendonitis due to the pressure, which is applied during the massage. Not only it may help you with the discomfort caused by swelling and inflammation, but it can also help.
2. Improves Circulation
Massage improves blood flow to an injured site, helping oxygen and nutrients that are necessary for healing to be delivered. It will increase circulation which can reduce inflammation and facilitate faster healing.
Massage therapy improves some conditions, such as sprains, strains, and fractures, by increasing circulation to the ankle, reducing swelling and speeding up the recovery time.
3. Relieves Muscle Tension
The muscles around the ankle tend to tighten in response to injury to prevent additional injury. The pain from this muscle tension can be painful and restrict the range of motion.
Massage therapy loosens tight muscles, relieves discomforts and improves one’s flexibility. This also helps reduce the chances of an imbalance of muscles that can cause further injuries.
4. Promotes Relaxation and Reduces Stress
After an injury, the sportsperson may have great stress- both physical and mental. Massage therapy helps the body to physically recover, and also helps with relaxing and reducing stress.
Massage also has a calming effect which releases endorphins—the body’s natural feel-good hormones. Before you know it, you will get that mental and emotional relief that is so important for athletes to stay on track in their recovery.
5. Breaks Down Scar Tissue and Adhesions
For individuals recovering from more severe injuries like fractures or tendonitis, scar tissue may form around the injured area as part of the healing process. While scar tissue is a natural part of recovery, it can restrict movement and cause discomfort.
Massage therapy helps break down scar tissue and adhesions, improving mobility and flexibility. This reduces the likelihood of long-term complications like stiffness or chronic pain.
Types of Massage Techniques for Ankle Injuries
Massage therapists use a variety of techniques to treat ankle injuries, depending on the severity and type of injury. Some of the most common techniques include:
1. Swedish Massage
Swedish massage is a gentle technique that uses long, flowing strokes to relax muscles and increase circulation. It’s ideal for mild ankle injuries or athletes looking for relaxation during their recovery.
2. Deep Tissue Massage
Deep tissue massage uses firmer pressure to target deeper layers of muscle tissue. It’s particularly useful for chronic muscle tightness, scar tissue, and tendonitis. This technique can help release muscle knots and relieve persistent pain.
3. Sports Massage
Sports massage combines various techniques to address the specific needs of athletes. It focuses on preventing injuries, relieving muscle soreness, and improving flexibility. This type of massage is often used both before and after sports events to optimize performance and aid recovery.
4. Trigger Point Therapy
Trigger point therapy targets specific areas of muscle tension and pain. It can be particularly beneficial for releasing tight spots and muscle knots in the ankle region, helping alleviate localized pain.
Conclusion
Ankle injuries are a common issue for athletes, but massage therapy can offer significant benefits in the healing process. By improving circulation, reducing pain, relieving muscle tension, and enhancing flexibility, massage therapy helps athletes recover faster and more effectively. Whether you have a sprained ankle, Achilles tendonitis, or muscle strain, incorporating massage into your treatment plan can accelerate recovery and improve overall well-being.
ProFoot specializes in treating sports injuries and helping athletes return to their peak performance. If you’re dealing with an ankle injury, don’t hesitate to contact ProFoot for professional treatment and care.
Our expert team will work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan that meets your needs and helps you get back on track.
