These exercises provide the benefit of reducing overall pain and swelling. They also help the muscles remember what they re supposed to be doing. One example is the sled. It can be set at lower angles at first and then gradually progressed over the course of physical therapy as pain eases. Therapeutic band, pulleys, or isokinetic device may be used to apply progressive resistance to the muscles around the ankle.
Healthy ligaments send information to the central nervous system about the position of a joint.
Once a ligament has been injured, these receptors are unable to receive and send the needed information to the brain. This increases the possibility of injury in the future. Balance exercises help restore this position sense by heightening the sensitivity in the remaining intact receptors. Examples of these types of exercises involve standing and walking on uneven or very soft surfaces, single leg balance, mini trampoline balance, and progressive agilities. More intensive exercises can be chosen as the pain and irritation are controlled.