Do I Need to see a physio for an ankle sprain

Unfortunately ankle sprains are not always simple. With 30% becoming chronically unstable and 50% reinjury rate. Performing a comprehensive rehab for any ankle sprain can help reduce and prevent ongoing pain, instability and reinjury.

Do I need an X-ray for a rolled ankle?

Not always. We follow a protocol in the clinic called the Ottawa ankle rules which allows us to determine who needs an X-ray and who doesn't. This process is extremely accurate (99% accurate in ruling out fracture)

How long does an ankle sprain take to recover?

Recovery depends on the severity of the injury and how early structured rehabilitation begins. Mild sprains often settle relatively quickly, while more significant ligament injuries require progressive strengthening and balance retraining before full return to sport.

Why does my ankle still feel unstable weeks later?

Ligaments are only part of the story. After a sprain, strength, balance and joint awareness are often reduced. Without rebuilding these properly, the ankle can feel “wobbly” even after swelling has settled. Rehabilitation focuses on restoring control, not just settling pain.

Will taping or bracing help prevent ankle sprains

Yes. Both are effective and up to the individuals choice. We sell both tape and braces.

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Ankle
Injuries

Ankle injuries are one of the most common issues we see in clinic, particularly from sport.

From rolling your ankle on uneven ground to an awkward landing or heavy tackle, these “simple” injuries can linger. Ongoing pain, instability and hesitation are common when they aren’t properly rehabilitated.

At Valley Physio, we take ankle injuries seriously. Our team provides detailed assessment and structured rehabilitation plans designed to restore strength, control and confidence, so you can return to your sport without second-guessing every step.

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Signs you should get it checked

The swelling hasn't settled after a few days

It still feels unstable or "wobbly"

You're hesitant when cutting, jumping or changing direction

You've sprained it before

You're preparing to return to sport

Common ankle injuries we treat

Syndesmosis (high ankle sprains)

Chronic instability & loss of balance

Fracture rehab & post-immobilisation weakness

Tendinopathies

Lateral ankle sprains (ATFL, CFL, PTFL)

Medial ankle sprains

How we help

Every plan is built around your diagnosis and goals, combining hands-on care with progressive, evidence-based rehab so you recover fully and stay that way.

01

Manual therapy to reduce stiffness and improve mobility

02

Dry needling for muscle recovery

03

Strength and balance retraining

04

Proprioception and single-leg control exercises

05

Running and agility reloading drills

06

Strapping & prevention education

Stable, confident ankles — and a plan to keep them.

We assess more than just the swelling, we identify what's actually causing your ankle to feel sore and unstable. Then blend accurate diagnosis, hands-on treatment and progressive rehab that restores control and prevents reinjury.

We've helped young athletes, weekend footballers and runners across the Hunter return to sport with stable, confident ankles and a clear plan to stay that way.

Manual therapy to reduce
stiffness and improve mobility

On-site CAM boot fitting & fracture-safe progressions

Bulk-billed X-ray referral if a fracture is suspected

Return-to-sport testing using balance & strength benchmarks

Strapping or bracing advice for sport and prevention

By 6–12 weeks, most are back in full training with better balance and control than before