Sprain

20 years of experience in osteopathy

Understanding pain after a sprain to better relieve it

I am Olivier Servetti, an osteopath based in Cannes since 2005. A graduate of 5 years of initial training at CEESO Paris ( CEESO Paris ), one of the most renowned establishments in France for teaching high-level osteopathy, I specialize in structural and visceral osteopathy.

I have been supporting my patients for nearly 20 years in the management of chronic pain, muscle tension and stress-related disorders. My personalized approach is aimed at everyone: adults , athletes , pregnant women , children and seniors , to help them regain their well-being.

Compensatory pelvic pain

Pain occurring away from the sprained area, often linked to an involuntary change in posture or gait.

Symptoms:

Muscle tension on one side of the pelvis
Discomfort when sitting for long periods
Feeling of blockage or postural asymmetry
Pain that worsens at the end of the day

Lower back pain after a sprain

Lower back pain related to muscle imbalances or load transfer caused by poor recovery.

Symptoms:

Morning lower back stiffness
Increased pain when walking or carrying loads
Compensation through trunk leaning or pelvic tilting
Difficulty standing for long periods without discomfort

Pain in the opposite knee

Pain occurring in the healthy leg due to excessive pressure or uneven weight transfer.

Symptoms:

Localized pain around the kneecap or in the popliteal fossa
Discomfort when going up or down stairs
Discomfort during prolonged weight bearing
Joint instability or fatigue

Contralateral hip pain

Pain felt in the hip opposite to the side of the sprain, due to adaptive overload during the limping phase.

Symptoms:

Tension in the groin or buttock area
Pain at the end of the day or after prolonged walking
Clicking or discomfort when opening the hip
Discomfort when crossing the legs or getting into a car

Osteopathy for post-sprain pain relief

Even a mild sprain can lead to persistent pain long after the initially affected area has healed. Chronic or recurring discomfort is often due to postural compensation, muscular imbalances, or incomplete recovery. Through a holistic approach, osteopathy addresses not only the local pain but also its impact on the entire body.

The osteopath evaluates the mobility of the injured joint as well as that of nearby structures, which are often overcompensating—such as the pelvis, spine, or opposite limbs. This approach helps restore postural balance, release tension, and reestablish harmonious movement throughout the body.

After a precise assessment, the osteopath identifies lingering blockages, residual tension, and abnormal compensations that may be slowing recovery. They also work on readjusting weight distribution, correcting gait asymmetries, and improving overall joint stability.

The goal is to promote complete recovery, prevent recurrences, and avoid the onset of secondary chronic pain, which is often overlooked in conventional follow-up care.

This osteopathic approach also helps address common imbalances observed after a sprain, such as:

prolonged postural compensation on the opposite side
tension in the pelvis or hips
loss of balance or instability when walking
persistent blockages in the ankle or back
disrupted coordination between different body segments

Book now

Practical tips

🌿 Use a lumbar support cushion

Maintaining the natural curve of the lower back helps distribute pressure more evenly across the pelvis. A small cushion or lumbar roll placed behind the lower back supports posture and reduces pelvic tension.

🌿 Avoid crossing your legs while sitting

Crossing your legs misaligns the pelvis and creates asymmetrical tension. Sitting with both feet flat on the floor promotes stable support and balanced posture.

🌿 Strengthen the deep pelvic muscles

Targeted exercises such as gentle core strengthening or pelvic floor mobilization improve joint stability. These practices reinforce the body's natural pelvic support and help prevent instability-related pain.

🌿 Stretch your hips at the end of the day

Doing a few hip flexor stretches helps release tension accumulated throughout the day. This reduces stiffness and improves overall pelvic mobility.

🌿 Apply a localized source of heat

In case of muscle pain or diffuse tension, applying a hot water bottle to the lower back or pelvic area relaxes deep tissues and relieves discomfort related to stress or poor posture.

Frequently asked questions

A sprain is an injury to the ligaments of a joint, usually caused by a sudden movement or trauma. It can be mild (simple stretching), moderate (strain or partial tear), or severe (ligament rupture). The most commonly affected area is the ankle, but sprains can also occur in the knee, wrist, or thumb.
Typical signs include sharp pain in the affected joint, rapid swelling, difficulty moving or bearing weight, and sometimes bruising. Diagnosis is often based on clinical observation and, if needed, imaging (X-ray, ultrasound, or MRI).
Yes, osteopathy can be beneficial once the acute phase (inflammation, sharp pain) has passed. It helps treat joint restrictions, rebalance postural compensations, and support recovery by promoting good mobility and local circulation.
Yes. It is common for the body to compensate for a sprain by altering posture or gait, which can lead to secondary pain in the pelvis, back, or opposite leg. A global approach helps prevent these chronic imbalances.