Ankle sprain is a common injury in clinical practice, involving damage to soft tissues such as ankle ligaments, tendons, and joint capsules. However, it primarily refers to ligament damage. Treatment can include topical medications combined with massage therapy. Let's learn about massage techniques for ankle sprains.
Principles of Massage Therapy for Ankle Sprains
During the acute phase, it is advisable to promote blood circulation and resolve stasis, reduce swelling, and relieve pain. During the chronic phase, it is advisable to promote tendon function and smooth joint movement.
Common Massage Techniques for Ankle Sprains
1. Apply pressure and knead acupoints near the tender spot on the outer ankle.
2. Hold the affected foot with both hands, with thumbs pressing on the injured area on the outer side of the foot. Rotate the ankle joint forcefully, inverting the foot and then evert it, while using the thumb to poke and press the injured area.
3. Swing the ankle joint.
The massage techniques for sprained ligaments on the inner side of the ankle are similar to those for the outer side, but targeting the inner side of the ankle.
Massage Techniques for Acupoints in Ankle Sprains
1. Apply pressure to Fengshi, Zusanli, Taixi, Kunlun, and Xuanzhong acupoints for 2 minutes each, and knead the calf for 2 minutes.
2. Apply pressure to Taichong acupoint for 2 minutes, and use both hands to assist in ankle joint movements such as rotation and flexion-extension for 3 minutes.
Precautions for Massage Therapy for Ankle Sprains
1. For mild sprains, the ankle joint can be immobilized in a relaxed position using a bandage or adhesive tape. For example, in the case of lateral ligament injury, the foot should be fixed in an everted position, and for medial ligament injury, it should be fixed in an inverted position. In cases of severe ligament tears, a plaster cast can be used to fix the foot, following the aforementioned methods. The external fixation can be removed after about 3 weeks.
2. During the period of external fixation, exercises should be performed to flex and extend the toes and contract the calf muscles. After removing the external fixation, gradually practice inversion, eversion, plantar flexion, and dorsiflexion of the ankle joint to prevent adhesion and restore ankle joint function.
3. Ankle sprains usually have a history of trauma. Therefore, before treatment, fractures, dislocations, and ligament ruptures should be ruled out. Additionally, the severity of local swelling should be observed. If any of these conditions are present, massage therapy should be postponed until the swelling subsides or fractures and dislocations have healed.
