Multimodal Physiotherapy in an Adolescent Soccer Player with Left Ankle Sprain: A Case Report

Abstract

Background: Ankle sprain is a common musculoskeletal injury in soccer players, often resulting in pain, edema, reduced range of motion, muscle weakness, and functional limitations that may delay return to sport.
Objective: This case report aimed to describe the clinical outcomes of a multimodal physiotherapy intervention in an adolescent soccer player with a left ankle sprain (n=1).
Methods: A 15-year-old male soccer player was treated in an outpatient setting over four sessions within one week. Baseline assessment revealed movement pain (Numeric Rating Scale [NRS] 6/10), tenderness (5/10), limited ankle range of motion, peroneal muscle weakness (Manual Muscle Testing [MMT] grade 3), edema (50.5 cm), and reduced functional ability (Foot and Ankle Disability Index [FADI] 71.15%; FADI Sports 65.62%). The intervention included Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS), therapeutic ultrasound, and structured exercise therapy.
Results: After four sessions, movement pain decreased from NRS 6 to 2 (−66.7%) and tenderness from 5 to 1 (−80.0%). Muscle strength improved from MMT grade 3 to 5. Edema decreased from 50.5 cm to 49.0 cm. Functional outcomes improved, with FADI increasing to 95.19% and FADI Sports to 93.75%.
Conclusion: Multimodal physiotherapy was associated with improvements in clinical and functional outcomes in this case. However, findings should be interpreted cautiously due to the single-case design and short follow-up period.