Physiotherapists’ experiences of treating ankle sprains in elite football

Background: Ankle sprains are among the most common injuries in elite football andaccount for a substantial portion of player absence. Early physiotherapeutic intervention isrecommended, yet no clear consensus exists regarding optimal non-operative management.Furthermore, qualitative research exploring physiotherapists’ experiences of treating anklesprains in elite football is limited. Purpose: The aim of this study was to explore physiotherapists’ experiences of treating anklesprains in elite football players and to identify perceived barriers and facilitators fordeveloping and improving treatment practices. Method: This qualitative study included five semi-structured interviews. The data wereanalyzed using qualitative content analysis. Results: The analysis generated four categories and 14 subcategories. Treatment methodsvaried between clubs, Full-time employment and adequate resources facilitated treatment,Current evidence and individual screening strengthened prevention, Structural and contextualbarriers to evidence-based rehabilitation constituted the four categories. Conclusion: A clear discrepancy exists between rehabilitation ideals and the practicalrealities within Swedish elite football. To improve treatment outcomes and reduce the risk ofrecurrent sprains, there is a need for more structured preventive strategies, improvedorganisational conditions, and the continued development of evidence-based guidelinestailored to the demands and context of elite football.