YES, you do need PT after an ankle sprain

An ankle sprain might feel like “just a rolled ankle,” but it’s one of the most common injuries that people brush off. That’s exactly why it often leads to repeat sprains, chronic pain, or lingering weakness. The truth is, once those ligaments are overstretched or torn, your ankle loses some of its natural stability. Without proper rehab, you’re more likely to deal with stiffness, swelling that won’t quite go away, or can lead to chronic re-injury down the road.

That’s where physical therapy comes in. PT isn’t just about getting you out of pain, it’s about retraining your ankle to move, balance, and support you the way it’s supposed to with every step you take. Through guided exercises, manual therapy, and balance retraining, you’ll restore strength and stability, reduce the risk of another sprain, and get back to doing the things you love with confidence. Skipping rehab may save you time now, but it often costs more later when that “minor” sprain keeps coming back.

If you’ve rolled your ankle, even if you can still walk on it, don’t ignore it. A physical therapist can help you heal the right way the first time, which makes all the difference between an ankle that feels “good enough” and one that’s truly strong and resilient.