Ankle Sprain

Ankle sprain rehabilitation is divided into three stages. Stage 1 (0–72 hours): RICE treatment and load minimization. Stage 2 (4 days–3 weeks): Range of motion exercises within the pain range and proprioceptive training. Stage 3 (after 3 weeks): Strength training and return to sports-specific movements. Returning too early increases the risk of ligament re-rupture, while conversely, excessive rest causes muscle atrophy and decreased proprioception. For injuries of grade 2 or higher, a gradual return to activity under the use of a brace or taping is recommended. Perspective of a Korean Medicine Clinic In Korean medicine, excessive premature activity is viewed as "inviting in harmful energy before the body's recovery power has fully returned." If an overload is applied before blood stasis has been fully resolved, the pathways of Qi and blood become blocked again, leading to repeated injuries. At Dongjedang, we accelerate tissue recovery using acupuncture and moxibustion tailored to the treatment stage while providing specific guidance on the timing of returning to exercise. If ankle instability persists, we adjust the progression to begin load-bearing exercises after reinforcing ligaments with thread embedding or fire acupuncture.