Most know that it is advisable to rest, ice, compress, and elevate following an ankle sprain. This is most useful to reduce swelling and inflammation in the area. What is not as observable is the scarring that occurs while the supporting ligaments and muscles are under prolonged stress. The Adhesions (scar tissue) are laid down over the damage to repair the ligament. However, scar tissue is a rather ‘cheap’ form of tissue and can easily re-tear, which predisposes the ankle to future sprains. Muscles that had been splinting the region become overused, shortened, and generally less supportive of the area.  While strengthening the foot and calf are important to rehabilitating an ankle sprain, scar tissue must be disrupted to allow for proper function of the ankle.