Abstract
A 25-year-old female patient with a right calf tear/injury following a direct blunt trauma was seen at an outpatient clinic for physical therapy treatment for 6 sessions over the course of 6 weeks. Treatment was provided by a student physical therapist under the supervision of a licensed physical therapist. The patient was evaluated at the initial encounter with goniometry, the numeric pain rating scale, manual muscle testing, the standing heel rise test, the single leg balance test, the Patient Specific Functional Scale, and the Foot and Ankle Ability Measure, and a plan of care was established. Main goals for the patient were to increase ankle range of motion, decrease pain with end-range ankle active range of motion and activities of daily living, increase strength, increase muscle length, improve proprioception and balance, improve ability to perform functional activities, improve physical function in regard to activities of daily living and sports, and return the patient to her usual recreational activities such as playing soccer, going to the gym, and hiking. Main interventions used were manual therapy, proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation, therapeutic exercise, proprioception and balance training, patient education, and an independent home exercise program. The patient improved in ankle range of motion, pain, strength, muscle length, proprioception and balance, physical function, as well as her ability to perform functional activities. The patient was discharged home independently with her social supports and a comprehensive home exercise program.