Ankle sprains are incredibly common, especially among athletes, affecting a staggering 30,000 people daily in the US. While historically the RICE protocol was the go-to for managing these painful injuries, even its developer now suggests that ice may actually delay recovery by hindering the natural inflammatory process crucial for healing. This article highlights Class 4 laser therapy as a promising, non-invasive, and painless alternative for accelerating ankle sprain healing.

The therapeutic effects of this photobiomodulation involve light interacting with cells to boost tissue repair, reduce inflammation, and alleviate pain. A case study of a recreational soccer player with a grade II lateral ankle sprain demonstrated significant improvements in pain, swelling, and mobility after three weeks of Class 4 laser therapy combined with exercise and proprioceptive rehabilitation. The patient's pain score dramatically decreased. While the results are encouraging, the article emphasizes the need for further rigorous research to solidify these findings and establish clinical guidelines. Class 4 laser therapy appears to be a valuable adjunctive treatment for speeding up recovery and reducing discomfort in ankle sprains.