FASCIAL TAPING A CHRONIC RIGHT SPRAINED ANKLE

their knee to the wall. Frequently this will touch the wall. The patient then moves their foot away until the point when they are unable to move their foot any further without lifting their heel. All the time they are maintaining their knee against the wall. When they reach this point, they are at the end of their dorsi- flexion in standing. Watch for compen- satory pronation. The measure of perfor- mance is how far the end of the 1st toe is from the wall. Compare sides.

Palpation Tenderness was noted over the right anterior talofibular ligament and calcane- ofibular ligament.

Other testing All isometric resisted muscle tests were equal and pain free, straight leg raise with

sensitising manoeuvres was pain-free. No joint instability was detected in the ankle or inferior tibiofibular joint complex. Her gait pattern demonstrated a short stance phase with early toe-off. She also demon- strated full pain-free range of her lumbar spine, hip and knee with over pressure.

Diagnosis It was felt that symptoms were related to impingement of the anterior talofibular ligament, calcaneofibular ligament and anterior capsule of the ankle during dorsi- flexion.

SUMMARY This case demonstrates the use of FFT® in the management of a sprained right ankle 6 weeks post injury.

Soft tissue treatment and electrotherapy

did not result in maintained improve- ments in range. FFT® applied over the area of symptoms resulted in sustained improvements in range. This was pro- gressed over the next 11 days and the patient was taught to tape her- self. FFT® was a useful adjunct to manual treatment that allowed an earlier return to function and empowered the patient in her own management. Home

exercises

were integrated to allow a full return to function.

FFT® has a wide application which produces quick and sometimes dramatic improvements in range and reduction in pain.

Further research studies will help clarify its method of action and enhance even further the clinical benefits it offers.

was introduced.

‘Knee to wall’ was repeated and the patient could touch the wall with her right knee with ease with no anterior ankle pain. She was given this movement to perform as a stretch, holding for 2 mins and repeating 3 times, twice daily.

TREATMENT 3 (DAY 5) The patient reported a noticeable reduction in stiffness in the morning and that pain had moved to the medial aspect of the leg during dorsiflexion. Range had not increased. The medial pain was cleared with tape applied medially and knee to wall increased to one finger breadth form the wall. The patient was taught to self apply the tape. No further exercises were added.

TREATMENT 4 (DAY 11) The patient reported she had experienced

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no pain, descending stairs was normal and pain free, minimal morning stiffness, normal gait pattern and knee to wall test was 2 fingers from the wall with tightness limiting.

Tape was reapplied and, in liaison with her personal trainer, she returned to the gym and commenced wobble board training and her fitness classes with tape applied throughout.

FURTHER TREATMENT The patient received three other physiotherapy sessions one week apart to progress her exercises programme, introduce jogging and wean her off the tape. At last review six weeks after the initial consultation the patient had returned to her normal activities with no pain and limitation in function.

FURTHER DETAILS

To read more about Ron Alexander and the Functional Fascial Taping technique visit www.fft.net.au

For more details about PhysioUK’s courses and dates visit www.physiouk.co.uk

Ron is visiting the UK to run a number of courses on FFT®. If you are interested in attending one of these courses, please contact Physio UK on 020 8394 0400, visit www. Physiouk.co.uk..

FUNCTIONAL FASCIAL TAPING COURSE DATES June 2007 * 3rd London (1 day) * 5-6th Milton Keynes (2 days) * 8-9th Manchester (2 days) * 12-13th Wigan (2 days) * 15-16th Bath (2 days)

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