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Case Study: Ankle Sprain Treated by Osteopath in Tunbridge Wells

  • August 13, 2025
  • The AG Team
ankle sprain treatment

At our Tunbridge Wells osteopathy clinic, we regularly treat sports-related ankle injuries, from mild sprains to more complex ligament damage. Quick and accurate assessment, combined with targeted treatment, can make all the difference to recovery time, especially for athletes keen to return to their sport.

In this case study, we look at how we helped a 19-year-old footballer recover from a Grade IIb anterior talofibular ligament sprain with an associated peroneal strain. With the right combination of osteopathic techniques, home exercises, and a structured rehabilitation plan, the patient was able to make a full return to football in just eight weeks.

Patient Background

  • Age: 19

  • Relevant Medical History: No major injuries, but a history of minor football-related knocks

Presenting Complaint

A 19-year-old patient presented to our Tunbridge Wells osteopathy clinic with acute lateral ankle pain and swelling after rolling their ankle during football while changing direction at speed.

  • Symptoms:

    • Swelling on the anterior-lateral part of the ankle

    • Discolouration running from the lateral leg down to the base of the little toe

    • Difficulty weightbearing

Assessment & Diagnosis

Following a detailed osteopathic assessment, we identified:

  • Diagnosis: Grade IIb anterior talofibular ligament sprain with associated peroneal strain

  • Confirmation Methods:

    • Patient history

    • Talar tilt test

    • Palpation of the affected tissues

Osteopathic Treatment Plan

Our osteopath in Tunbridge Wells provided a comprehensive treatment plan over four sessions, including:

  • Osteopathic Techniques:

    • Acupuncture to the peroneal musculature to improve blood flow and promote tissue healing

    • Lymphatic drainage of the ankle to reduce swelling

    • Passive mobilisation of the foot and ankle

    • Kinesiology taping (K tape) for ankle stability and improved proprioception

  • Home Exercise Programme:

    • “Peace and Love” protocol explained

    • Single-leg balance exercises

    • Ankle eversion strengthening

    • Progression to plyometric drills in later recovery stages

Treatment Outcomes & Recovery

  • After First Session:

    • Decreased swelling

    • Increased ankle movement

    • Improved ability to weightbear

  • Over Multiple Sessions:

    • Partial return to sport within 6 weeks post-injury

    • Full return after 8 weeks

  • Overall Outcome:

    • Regained full mobility

    • Significant pain reduction

    • Confident return to daily activities and football

Follow-up & Prevention Strategies

The patient was advised to continue plyometric exercises to maintain ankle strength, stability, and performance in sport.

Looking for Ankle Sprain Treatment in Tunbridge Wells?

If you’d like to recover from a sports injury quickly and safely, our osteopaths in Tunbridge Wells can help you get back to your best.

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Meet Our Team

Coral Salter

Growing up In a highly active and professional level sporting family, I have been immersed into sport and movement from a very young age with physical performance, injury prevention and recovery a part of every day life. Alongside my own sporting commitments, experiencing regular osteopathic treatments that sparked appreciation and interest for hands-on therapy and the body’s ability to hold onto tension, develop injuries and how effective treatment can be for performance and long-term wellness.

As a qualified sports massage therapist, I take a holistic and client centred approach, tailoring each treatment to the individuals needs. Helping the client better understand their body, and deliver results by reducing tension, improving range of moment and aiding recovery through sports massage, deep tissue techniques and cupping therapy. Working collaboratively alongside Osteopaths.

Beyond this, I am also especially passionate about women’s health, hormones with PCOS and the lymphatic system, I know firsthand the importance of balancing inflammation, tension and overall wellness.

Meet Our Team

Silas Tye

I take a comprehensive approach to osteopathic care, combining structural and functional treatments tailored to each patient’s unique needs. Where appropriate, I incorporate movement-based strategies and personalised exercises to help patients build resilience and take an active role in managing and improving their symptoms both in the clinic, at home or in a fitness environment.

Before qualifying as an osteopath, I began my career in the fitness industry as a personal trainer, specialising in rehabilitation and recovery from injuries and illness. This foundation has equipped me with the skills and knowledge to help people move better, overcome painful injuries, and reclaim their lifestyles. I am a firm believer in the power of movement and its ability to transform health and well-being.

“I value movement above all else and believe that if we all moved more and moved better, we could achieve healthier, more resilient bodies. With the demands of modern life, it’s essential to keep our bodies moving and functioning optimally.”

Outside of work, I am a proud dog parent to Amber and enjoy staying active through training at the gym and CrossFit. I am also passionate about my hobbies, which include Warhammer, Dungeons and Dragons, cooking, cinema, video games, and sharing great meals with my wife.

Meet Our Team

Josh Wisson

Growing up in Kent, Josh has always had a strong passion for sport and fitness. This enthusiasm led him to pursue a career in osteopathy, where he could combine his interest in human movement and performance with helping people feel and function at their best.

He completed his Master’s degree at the European School of Osteopathy, gaining experience in a variety of specialist clinics including sports injuries, paediatrics, and headache management.

Alongside his osteopathic work, Josh plays semi-professional football and has completed multiple marathons. He also enjoys playing Padel and golf, which gives him a strong appreciation for the demands of different physical activities and how to support patients in achieving their goals whether that’s returning to sport, managing pain, or simply improving day-to-day function.

Josh treats a wide range of patients and tailors his approach to suit each individual’s lifestyle, goals, and needs. His treatments often incorporate structural, soft tissue, and functional techniques to support recovery, improve mobility, and promote overall wellbeing.

Meet Our Team

Verity Kelsey

Registered Osteopath GOSC: 11805

Verity’s journey to osteopathy began with Adult Nursing training at King’s College London, where her experience in surgical and intensive care placements sparked her passion for rehabilitation. Her personal experience with sports injuries from hockey and rugby led her to discover osteopathy’s person-centred benefits, inspiring her career transition.

During her osteopathic education at the University College of Osteopathy (UCO), Verity developed a passion for women’s health while working at the Expectant Mothers & Women’s Health Clinic. She plans to pursue advanced training in women’s health to combine her expertise in musculoskeletal rehabilitation with women’s healthcare. As an evidence-based practitioner, she integrates current research with hands-on techniques and targeted exercise rehabilitation to help patients not only recover from injuries but also return to movement stronger, more resilient, and better informed about taking their health into their own hands. Verity prioritizes patient education to ensure that patients have the information they need to improve their physical, mental, emotional, and social wellbeing.

Outside of osteopathy, you’ll find Verity exploring local trails for running and hiking with her dog, strength training, or baking treats for family and friends.

Areas of Special Interest:

    • Sports Injuries
    • Pre/Post-Surgical Rehabilitation
    • Women’s Health (including menstrual disorders, gynaecological chronic pain, and peri/menopause)

Meet Our Team

Marie-Pauline Otzen

Registered Osteopath GOSC: 11619

Growing up in Switzerland, Marie has always been very passionate about sports, including skiing, horse riding and cold water swimming. Throughout her life, she realized the importance of having osteopathic treatment and became interested in a career as an Osteopath. Being fluent in English, French and German, Marie is happy to communicate with you in any of these languages.

Marie graduated with a Master’s degree from the European School of Osteopathy. Throughout her degree, she was able to work in osteopathic specialist clinics, including sports, pediatrics, women’s health and headache clinic.

Marie applies a combined treatment approach, drawing on her knowledge and experience as an osteopath, sports massage therapist and athlete to deliver optimal care and long term management outcomes. She incorporates structural, soft tissue and cranial osteopathy techniques and principles into her treatments offering a thorough and holistic approach to health, healing, and sustainable recovery and injury management.

Additionally to Osteopathy, Marie is a professional Show Jumper and has trained in Equine Osteopathy.

Marie is a registered osteopath with the General Osteopathic council and insured with the Institute of osteopathy.

As well as being a qualified Osteopath, Marie is a sports Massage therapist with a particular interest in sport related injuries and work related stress and tension.

Meet Our Team

Angus Gould

Registered Osteopath GOSC: 10007

Angus grew up in East Sussex where both he and his family saw an osteopath regularly from a young age. After leaving school he explored different career options and decided to expand his knowledge in the area of health sciences. Four years later Angus graduated from Swansea university having obtained a first class masters degree in Osteopathy.


Angus is primarily a structural osteopath meaning he uses a variety of different techniques that focus on the body’s frame work and connective tissue, to improve the mobility and stability of joints, reduce the likelihood of muscle spasm, as well as improving circulation and lymphatic drainage to the target tissues. The type of techniques you can expect Angus to use are; joint manipulation and articulation, neuromuscular technique, muscle energy technique, myofascial release, joint harmonics, deep soft tissue techniques and exercise prescription.


Previously to being an osteopath Angus also trained as a qualified fitness instructor which he feels adds an element of rehabilitation to his practice to help achieve sustainable results.

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