Since individual cases vary, your PT would create a custom treatment plan for you.
With physical therapy, you don’t need to take harmful pain medications or get surgery.
However, for severe ankle strain or sprain, where the ligament or muscle is torn off completely, surgery is needed to stitch it back together. After the surgery, rehabilitation is crucial to promote quick recovery and a full range of motion of the ankle joint.
Recovery might take a couple of weeks depending on the severity of the tear. It is important to not stress the ankle during this process.
Your therapist will educate you on the prevention of tears in the future. This could be modifying activities that could lead to tearing, warming up properly before activities or exercises, and using protective gear for contact sports.