📝 Part 2: How We Rehab Syndesmosissis Injuries (The Return-to-Sport Framework)
📝 Part 2: How We Rehab Syndesmosis Injuries (The Return-to-Sport Framework)
In Part 1, we covered what a syndesmosis injury is and why it’s more complex than a standard ankle sprain.
Now let’s break down how we approach rehabilitation at Pivot Sports Performance — using a framework built for athletes.
🚦 Phase 1: Protect & Maintain
In the early stages (especially post-surgery or during boot use), the focus is on:
Managing swelling and pain
Preventing stiffness in the ankle and toes
Maintaining strength in the opposite limb, hips, and upper body
Starting safe isometric exercises for the ankle and calf
Preserving aerobic conditioning (e.g. off-legs bike or ski erg)
🦵 Phase 2: Restore Range & Begin Loading
Once cleared for weight-bearing:
We focus on regaining ankle mobility, especially dorsiflexion
Begin progressive strength work (e.g. calf raises, banded peroneals)
Introduce modified gym programs and pool-based loading
Assess pain-free walking, balance, and single-leg tolerance
🏋️ Phase 3: Strength, Power & Control
This is where generic rehab falls short. For athletes, we:
Load both linear and multi-directional strength
Incorporate power development (e.g. sled pushes, box jumps)
Use unilateral drills to challenge control
Reintegrate field or court-based drills in a controlled setting
Address footwear and bracing needs where appropriate
🎯 Phase 4: Return-to-Sport Testing
Athletes don’t return to play based on time — they return based on criteria.
At Pivot, we assess:
Hop testing (distance, symmetry, quality)
Agility and change of direction under fatigue
Strength ratios and single-leg control
Sport-specific movements — e.g. cutting, jumping, contact prep
We collaborate with your coaches or medical team to ensure your return is not only safe — but also sustainable.
🏆 Why It Works
Our framework blends physiotherapy with performance-level strength and conditioning. That’s why our athletes return faster, stronger, and with lower risk of reinjury.
This approach works for:
Non-surgical syndesmosis sprains
Tightrope or screw fixation surgery recovery
Athletes in field, court, or endurance sports
🔁 The Mistake We See Most Often?
Trying to “rest it out” and then jump back into sport without proper testing or load progression.
✅ Our Takeaway
If you’ve had a syndesmosis injury and your rehab plan doesn't include testing, sport-specific progressions, and strength work — it’s not enough.
📍 Based in Ringwood or Bundoora?
✅ Book your syndesmosis consult at Pivot Sports Performance today.
