and petrissage were applied to the soleus and gastrocnemius muscles. Soft tissue release (STR), muscle energy techniques (MET) and trigger pointing were used on the soleus, gastrocnemius, peroneal and tibialis anterior muscles.

Session 7

This session took place 6 weeks after the initial assessment (10 weeks post-injury). The patient had returned to sports-specific training and was hoping to start club training during the subsequent few weeks. Therefore the session consisted of sports-specific training drills of four sets each of 15 minutes at moderate to high intensity. The ankle had no taping or bracing and after exercise it was placed for 15 minutes in an ice bath, to reduce aggravation from the training session and to reduce DOMS. Deeper soft tissue massage was used to maintain flexibility and conditioning of the working muscles. Effleurage, petrissage, STR and MET techniques were applied to various muscle groups including the soleus, gastrocnemius, peroneals and tibialis anterior. Feedback from the client was that the soft tissue massage was working well in relation to muscle soreness and recovery.

SUMMARY This case study emphasises the importance of correct and targeted initial management of injuries, especially joints that maintain weight-bearing of the body, in order to bring about quick and effective healing. Additional time and different treatment and rehabilitation programs are needed to deal effectively with changed, chronic injuries. The initial diagnostic hypothesis was of lateral ligament injury with a lack of functional ability in the peroneal muscles, which proved to be correct, but it was all due to the inadequate management of the acute injury. The ability of a therapist to alter their treatment and rehabilitation plans to suit the specific presentation is essential, and allows more time for achieving the desired progress.

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2002; 37(4):487–494 4, Gauffin H, Troop H, Ordenrick P. Effect of ankle disk training on postural control in patients with functional instability of the ankle joint. International Journal of Sports Medicine 1994;21:32–27 5. Garrick JG. When can I…? A practical approach to rehabilitation illustrated by treatment of an ankle injury. American Journal of Sports Medicine 9:67–68 6. Sammarco J. Rehabilitation of the foot and ankle. 1995 (£117.94) ISBN 9780801677717 Buy from Amazon http://amzn.to/deh1CI 7. Prentice W. Therapeutic modalities in sports medicine. 1998 (£50.00) ISBN 978- 0070920668 Buy from Amazon http://bit.ly/bmB3Qp 8. Maitland GD. Vertebral manipulation. 1986 ISBN 978-0750688062 (£42.23) Buy from Amazon http://bit.ly/a5qnEI 9. Loudin J, Bel S. The foot and ankle. An overview of arthrokinematics and selected joint techniques. Journal of Athletic Training 1996;31(2):173–178 10. Rebman LW. Ankle injuries. Clinic observations. Journal of Orthopedic and Sports Physical Therapy 1986;8:152–156.

THE AUTHOR

Martin Potts MSMA qualified in sports massage therapy in 2006, having completed a Level 3 diploma. He obtained a degree in sports therapy at Teesside University in October 2009. During his last year at university, he completed his Level 4 sports massage therapy in night classes and his Level 3 personal training. He has been working in football for the last 2 years, focusing on lower limb rehabilitation.

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