TCM and Physiotherapy for Ankle Pain
Holistic Care for Sprained Ankles, Achilles Tendonitis, Instability & More
At Regis Wellness, we combine Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Physiotherapy to deliver complete, minimally invasive care for ankle pain, sprains, and tendon injuries. Our approach relieves swelling, strengthens ligaments, and restores balance, helping you recover fully from ankle sprains, Achilles tendonitis, or chronic instability, and move confidently again.
Common Causes of Ankle pain
Sprained Ankle
Inversion or twisting of the ankle, often during sports or uneven walking surfaces. Causes pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty bearing weight on the affected ankle.
Achilles Tendinitis
Overuse or repetitive stress on the Achilles tendon, common in runners or athletes. Causes pain and stiffness along the back of the ankle, especially after physical activity.
Achilles Tendon Rupture
A very serious injury caused by sudden force or stress on the Achilles tendon, often seen during activities like sprinting and other sports. Results in sudden, severe pain, swelling, and difficulty pointing the toes downward.
Arthritis
Both Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis can occur in the ankle. Cause joint pain, swelling, stiffness, and reduced range of motion. Often seen in older adults.
How Our Integrative Approach Works
We believe lasting ankle recovery requires both internal balance and physical rehabilitation. Our TCM physicians and physiotherapists often combine expertise to reduce swelling, restore strength, and stabilise the joint. TCM encourages faster tissue healing and circulation, while physiotherapy focuses on balance, coordination, and progressive strengthening to prevent repeated sprains or Achilles injuries.
TCM for Ankle Pain
Experience the ancient art of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), a natural and effective method for relieving ankle pain and supporting recovery from injuries.
Our experienced TCM Physicians use various techniques such as acupuncture, herbal medicine, cupping therapy, moxibustion, and Gua Sha to restore Qi flow, reduce inflammation, and accelerate healing. Providing a safe, minimally invasive, and non-surgical approach to ankle pain management.
How TCM Helps Ankle Pain
In TCM, ankle pain is often linked to stagnation of Qi and blood in the lower limb meridians, typically caused by sprains, overuse, or exposure to “cold-damp” elements. By improving circulation, dispersing stagnation, and supporting tissue regeneration, TCM therapies relieve swelling, stiffness, and chronic discomfort in the ankle joint.
- Sprained Ankle - Acupuncture reduces acute pain and inflammation while stimulating ligament repair. Cupping and Gua Sha improve circulation around the injury to clear bruising and fluid buildup.
- Achilles Tendinitis - Acupuncture and moxibustion promote blood flow along the Achilles line, easing stiffness and inflammation. Herbal medicine supports tendon healing from within.
- Achilles Rupture (Post-Repair Recovery) - Once cleared for rehab, acupuncture improves micro-circulation, while herbs and moxibustion strengthen connective tissue and reduce scar adhesion.
- Arthritic or Weather-Sensitive Pain - Moxibustion and warming herbs dispel cold and dampness, reducing stiffness and morning pain.
- Chronic Instability or Weakness - Acupuncture and cupping activate stabilising muscles and enhance proprioception, complementing physiotherapy strength work.
TCM Treatments for Ankle Pain
- Acupuncture: Targets specific acupoints around the ankle and lower leg to reduce inflammation, relieve pain, and stimulate healing of ligaments and tendons. Especially useful for sprains, Achilles tendonitis, and chronic ankle weakness.
- Cupping Therapy: Promotes blood circulation and reduces swelling by gently drawing out stagnation from injured tissues, easing stiffness and soreness after strain or impact.
- Gua Sha: Gentle stroking along the lower leg and ankle improves microcirculation, reduces muscle tightness, and helps accelerate recovery from sprains and overuse injuries. It also aids in preventing scar tissue formation during healing.
- Moxibustion: Provides warmth to dispel cold and dampness, promote Qi flow, and reduce chronic ankle stiffness, particularly beneficial for conditions aggravated by cold or rainy weather.
- Herbal Medicine: Customised internal or topical formulations reduce swelling, relieve pain, and strengthen tendons and ligaments to support long-term joint health.
Benefits of TCM for Ankle Pain
- Reduces inflammation and swelling naturally
- Promotes faster tissue repair and recovery
- Improves joint mobility and flexibility
- Releases muscle and fascia tension through Gua Sha
- Strengthens tendons and ligaments
- Prevents recurring sprains and chronic stiffness
At Regis Wellness, our TCM Physicians tailor each treatment plan to your condition and recovery goals. Whether your ankle pain stems from a recent injury, overuse, or chronic weakness, our integrative approach, combining acupuncture, cupping, moxibustion, and Gua Sha to help restore mobility, reduce pain, and support long-term joint health naturally.
Physiotherapy for Ankle Pain
Our physiotherapy provides customised rehabilitation programmes to relieve ankle pain, restore movement, and strengthen supporting muscles.
Each session is tailored to your condition, whether recovering from a sprain, tendonitis, or chronic instability, combining evidence-based techniques such as ultrasound therapy, deep tissue massage, and sports massage to reduce inflammation, ease tension, and promote faster recovery.
How Physiotherapy Helps Ankle Pain
- Sprained Ankle - Manual therapy and gentle mobilisation reduce stiffness; ultrasound therapy aids tissue repair. Progressive strength and balance training rebuilds stability and confidence.
- Achilles Tendinitis - Deep-tissue massage releases tight calves; eccentric heel-drops and isometric loading rebuild tendon tolerance; ultrasound helps inflammation control.
- Achilles Rupture (Post-Surgery or Tear) - Graduated range-of-motion work and functional strengthening restore plantarflexion power; gait retraining ensures safe return to walking and running.
- Arthritis or Chronic Stiffness - Heat therapy, joint mobilisation, and low-impact strength exercises improve comfort and flexibility.
- Chronic Instability / Weak Ankles - Proprioceptive and balance drills retrain reflex control; sports taping and stability exercises prevent re-sprains.
Physiotherapy Treatments for Ankle Pain
- Ultrasound Therapy: Uses soundwave energy to accelerate tissue healing, reduce swelling, and relieve pain. Particularly effective for acute sprains, ligament strain, and tendon inflammation such as Achilles tendonitis.
- Deep Tissue Massage: Targets tight muscles in the calves and ankles to improve flexibility, reduce stiffness, and release tension from repetitive movements or post-injury compensation.
- Sports Massage: Focuses on improving blood flow, reducing muscle fatigue, and enhancing mobility for athletes. It helps prevent overuse injuries and promotes recovery between training sessions.
- Manual Therapy: Gentle joint mobilisation techniques help restore normal ankle alignment, improve range of motion, and relieve pain caused by joint restriction or scar tissue.
- Rehabilitation Exercises: Progressive strengthening and balance training help stabilise the ankle joint, strengthen ligaments, and prevent recurrent sprains or instability.
Sports Physio for Ankle Pain
Our sports physiotherapy programmes are designed to specifically target ankle pain and discomfort experienced during running, basketball, soccer, tennis, and various sports. Each plan addresses the repetitive stress and impact these activities place on the ankle, focusing on muscle conditioning, flexibility, and neuromuscular control to enhance stability and prevent future injuries.
- Eliminate pain during and after sports activity
- Improve ankle stability and proprioception
- Enhance muscle strength and coordination
- Reduce inflammation and post-activity swelling
- Prevent recurring sprains and ligament injuries
Whether you are recovering from an ankle sprain, managing chronic weakness, or aiming to return to sport safely, our physiotherapy approach combines manual therapy, targeted exercises, and evidence-based techniques to help you move confidently and pain-free.
What Sets Regis Wellness Apart?
Our Team
Amanda Chua
Lead TCM Physician
15 years of experience in pain and injury management
Chin Yi Khern
Physiotherapist
4 years of experience in pain and injury management, rehabilitation
Schedule Your Consultation Today
Take the first step toward a pain-free life by scheduling a consultation with our expert team at Regis Wellness. Let us guide you on the path to relief and recovery.
Don't Let Ankle Pain Hold You Back – Trust Regis Wellness for Comprehensive Care!
Regis Wellness Katong
437 Joo Chiat Road, Singapore 427650
Near Marine Parade MRT
Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri:
8.30am - 2.30pm
5.30pm - 10.00pm
Wed:
8.30am - 2.30pm
Sat:
9.00am - 3.00pm
Closed on Sundays and Public Holidays. For the latest updates on our clinic’s opening hours, please check our Google Maps.
** We will end registration 45 mins before the displayed closing time above. Please make an appointment in advance to avoid disappointment.