On Wednesday evening, my 16-year-old client Amanda came limping into the gym. She had rolled her ankle earlier that morning during a field hockey game. The coach’s advice? Rest it and ice it right away.

Later that afternoon, Amanda visited a chiropractor who applied ultrasound and electronic muscle stimulation. He told her it might take four to six weeks to fully recover.

I had a different plan—an active approach. I used two traction-based exercises: one horizontal and one vertical (shown below), followed by short cycles of forward and backward running.

The result?

The pain vanished, the swelling subsided, mobility improved significantly, and Amanda was walking normally. She even ditched the tensor bandage she came in with and walked a couple of blocks home like nothing had happened.

I sent her home with a few simple exercises, and when I checked in with her the next day, here’s what she wrote back:

My ankle is so much better today! I woke up and could put all my weight on it and walk with no pain. It’s still a little bit sore to move around in circles but it’s much less painful and more of a dull pain. I did what you suggested yesterday and I think it helped a lot. Thanks! I’ll see you Friday.

Sure enough, Amanda came in Friday for her next session—no issues! She trained her lower body that day and picked up right where she left off. Of course, we started light and built up gradually, but there was zero pain and no movement restriction.

See for yourself:

Bottom line

METH works—fast! Try it the next time you experience a low-grade sprain and you’ll be back on your feet in no time.