Abstract
A 27-year-old female patient with a left lateral ankle sprain was seen for physical therapy for 6 sessions over 4 weeks at an outpatient setting following a work injury. Treatment was provided by a student therapist under supervision of a licensed therapist.
The patient was evaluated at the initial encounter with the Numeric Pain Rating Scale, ankle figure-8, goniometry, manual muscle tests, ligamentous integrity tests, single leg balance, and the Lower Extremity Functional Scale. A plan of care was established to address impaired range of motion and strength. The main goals for the patient were to reduce pain, improve standing/walking, and return to work full time without restrictions.
The main interventions used were manual therapy and therapeutic exercise. The patient achieved the following goals: decreased pain and swelling, improved range of motion, strength, and perceived function. The patient was discharged home with an exercise program while awaiting physician’s follow-up on their work status.