4 Ways to Do Sports Massage for Ankle Sprains-from Livestron

ZT from http://www.livestrong.com/article/9392-do-sports-massage-ankle-sprains/Nov 18, 2009 | By Anna E. Dyer

1. What Not to Do
While you can help to recover sprained ankles with massage, you should never work on acute injuries where heat and inflammation are present, as you can quickly do more harm than good. While the ankle may still be sore, it is best to wait about 5 days after the initial sprain. If any warmth or swelling is present, wait a bit longer. Additionally, do not use oil or other lubricants when you do sports massage for ankle sprains, as it is extremely important that you can feel the ligaments without your fingers sliding around too much.

2. Know Your AnatomyIt is extremely important that massage therapists are trained in anatomy so that you know precisely where the affected ligament attaches in order to properly perform sports massage on a sprained ankle. Begin with soft massage strokes to warm up the area. Often ankle sprains are accompanied by tight calf muscles, so working the lower legs can be a great way to start. When ready, stretch the affected ligament and apply cross-fiber friction to both the ligament and the tendon, beginning very gently. As things warm up, you can use direct pressure sports massage techniques for sprained ankles by placing a single finger directly on the tendon and pushing firmly; however, make sure you do not cause excess pain. When using direct pressure, begin at the insertion point and work towards the attachment point.

3. It Hurts So Good
The truth of the matter is that sports massage often hurts a little; however, it is important to know the limits of pain. Keep open communication with your client and be aware of physical reactions to too much pain, such as facial expressions or tensed muscles. Always begin lightly, warming up the area and gradually work deeper. It often helps to begin treatment as far away from the direct injury as possible, working your way towards it slowly. Just as you begin a massage with soft, gentle strokes to warm things up, you should finish in the same matter to help cool things down.

4. Timing is Everything
Overdoing the massage can quickly aggravate an injury, causing inflammation, swelling and pain. As a general rule, you should never work for more than 10 minutes on an ankle sprain, and often 5 minutes is sufficient. Encourage your client to drink lots of water to help flush toxins from the area and improve circulation. It is often beneficial to use ice for 5 or 10 minutes after the massage as well.