DO I NEED A BRACE AFTER AN ANKLE SPRAIN?

Scientific research unanimously supports the use of bracing or taping following ankle sprains.

Bracing has been found to reduce the recurrence of ankle sprains by up to 62%. It is recommended than an ankle be braced or taped for every game or training session after a sprain for a MINIMUM of 6 months, and possibly up to 1 year (Doherty et al., 2016).

Exercise based rehabilitation MUST still be completed following an ankle sprain to restore mobility, strength, stability and proprioception – and bracing does not take away the need for rehab.

However the evidence tells us that returning to training or sport without bracing or taping is just taking an unnecessary risk, and increasing your likelihood of re-injury.

Chris Bryceson

B. Health Sciences (Physio), APAM

CB Physiotherapy