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Ankle Injuries

From an acute ankle sprain to chronic instability: we combine manual therapy with targeted proprioception and jump loading — and get you back on the court, at the net, into the match.

Key facts

Typical complaints we treat

When to see a physio after rolling your ankle

Straight away — with clear tenderness, visible swelling or an inability to bear weight, it’s worth getting a first appointment within the first 48 hours. According to current research, early structured loading beats rest, even with ligament injuries. We carry out a clinical assessment with ligament stability tests and decide whether additional imaging is indicated.

With a complete inability to bear weight, obvious deformity or tenderness over specific bony landmarks, the first stop is the emergency department or your GP — after that, you come to us.

Conservative or surgical — and where we come in

Most ankle injuries can be treated conservatively — even for grade III ligament ruptures, the evidence for structured physiotherapy is clear. Surgery (ligament repair, syndesmosis stabilisation) is considered in specific situations — complete ligament instability in young competitive athletes, syndesmosis injuries with diastasis, or a bony avulsion. We support both paths.

What makes MTT different with us

With us, MTT doesn’t happen in a back room — it takes place in the main area of our Sport Performance Center, with the same equipment the pros train on. For the ankle, that means jump platforms with force-plate data, isokinetic strength testing in plantar and dorsiflexion, and sport-specific cutting drills on the training floor. That way we know when you can take full load again — and whether the ankle can carry it evenly on both sides.

Frequently asked questions

How long does rehab take after an ankle sprain?

For an uncomplicated grade I to grade II sprain, return to sport is typically possible after 3–6 weeks. For complete ligament ruptures (grade III) or syndesmosis injuries, rehab takes 8–12 weeks, sometimes longer. The exact duration depends on the ligament stability findings, the swelling and the demands of your sport.

Do I need an X-ray after rolling my ankle?

Not always. The Ottawa Ankle Rules help with the decision: with tenderness over specific bony landmarks or an inability to walk four steps, imaging is indicated. With isolated ligament pain and no loss of weight-bearing, the clinical assessment is often sufficient. We check this at your first appointment.

What helps against repeatedly rolling my ankle?

Chronic ankle instability is usually caused by impaired proprioception, weak peroneal muscles and poor movement control. We work specifically with unstable surfaces, single-leg exercises, jump variations and sport-specific cutting drills — scientifically the most effective way to reduce the risk of re-injury.

Does UVG accident insurance cover my ankle rehab?

For a documented sports accident, Swiss accident insurance (UVG) covers 100 percent of the treatment costs — without a doctor’s prescription. For degenerative complaints or chronic instability without an acute accident, billing runs through basic health insurance (KVG) with a doctor’s prescription.

Do I need a doctor’s prescription?

For billing through basic health insurance (KVG), yes. Self-payers can book at any time without a prescription — with a freshly rolled ankle, that’s often the fastest route.

What is different about MTT compared with conventional physio?

Medical training therapy (MTT) is active, dosed loading on equipment. For the ankle, that means targeted proprioception work with jump platforms, isokinetic strength testing of the peroneal muscles and sport-specific drills in the main area of the Sport Performance Center.

Booking: book online (German interface) or call us in English — Kloten 044 803 91 19, Zurich West 044 814 23 20.