A significant ankle fracture can result in a prolonged period of reduced weight-bearing, loss of strength and mobility, and reduced confidence with walking and everyday activities. Rehabilitation following surgery needs to progressively address these changes while respecting tissue healing and the individual’s stage of recovery.
Nicole sustained a trimalleolar ankle fracture with significant soft tissue injury after slipping in mud. Her recovery was complicated by a previous injury to the opposite ankle and a subsequent arm fracture. When Nicole initially started with us, she was using a wheelchair and had significant limitations in her mobility and independence.
After approximately five months using a wheelchair, Nicole progressively transitioned through a frame, wheeled walker and walking stick before returning to independent walking. This process required more than simply waiting for the fracture to heal. Rehabilitation initially focused on appropriate movement and activation before progressively increasing weight-bearing, ankle mobility, lower-limb strength, balance and overall physical capacity.
An important component of rehabilitation after prolonged periods of reduced mobility is graded exposure to movement and load. Nicole initially had significant fear around weight-bearing, balance and falling. As her capacity improved, exercises were progressively advanced in a controlled environment, allowing her to rebuild both physical capacity and confidence. Progress wasn’t always linear, with periods where training or walking loads needed to be temporarily reduced before building again.
The outcomes that matter in rehabilitation extend beyond measures of ankle strength or mobility. For Nicole, progress meant returning to independent driving, walking on uneven ground, navigating stairs, gardening and carrying things around her property. One of her most important milestones was being able to walk while carrying her grandson again.
Ankle Injury Rehabilitation & Ipswich Chiropractor
At Scope, our Ipswich chiropractors and rehabilitation team work with people recovering from significant injuries, fractures, surgery and persistent pain. Our Back 2 Your Best Rehab Program combines clinical assessment with individualised rehabilitation and progressive strength training to help rebuild mobility, strength and physical capacity for everyday life, work and exercise.
If you’re recovering from an ankle injury or surgery and need a structured approach to your rehabilitation, book a free 15-minute Discovery Call with one of our clinicians to discuss where you’re currently at and what you’d like to get back to.
