Abstract
A 12-year-old female with a lateral ankle sprain was seen for student physical therapy treatment once a week for 5 weeks under the supervision of a licensed physical therapist. The patient was examined at the initial encounter with the numeric pain rating scale, manual muscle testing, goniometry, the single leg balance test, the lower extremity functional scale, and the anterior drawer test. A plan of care was established to address high levels of pain, loss of strength, range of motion loss, impairment in single leg balance/proprioception, inability to evenly bear weight onto the right ankle during gait, and inability to participate in soccer games. Main goals for the patient were to regain the ability to walk and run without gait deviations or an increase in baseline symptoms, take walks with her family, and be able to participate in soccer again. Main interventions used were strengthening directed at the ankle, progressive range of motion exercises, manual therapy, progressive weight bearing exercises, balance exercises, sport specific training, and patient education. The patient achieved the following goals: decreased baseline pain levels, increased ankle range of motion, increased ankle strength, increased single leg balance, improved ability to walk and run without gait deviations, and returning to sport. The patient was discharged to continue living at home and was advised to continue her home exercise program.