Once a patient gets normal fiber length back, Ellen uses a balancing device called a BAPS Board which provides a limited range of motion to help strengthen the ankle. Then, therapy can progress to weight bearing exercises. I make patients show me what they are doing at home and in therapy to make sure we are on the right track because it is important not just to do it but to do it right. The time necessary for full recovery depends not only on the extent of the sprain, but also on the condition of the patient before sustaining the injury. A more athletic individual may heal quickly and require only a few weeks of rehab before returning to normal activity, but a sedentary patient might take months to heal.
Age is another important factor.
When you get older, the rate of healing slows down and flexibility decreases.