A ligament is a band of connective tissue that connects bone to other bones to form a joint. They act as mechanical reinforcements both allowing mobility and stability while preventing unwanted ranges of motion.

Ligament sprains like muscle strains can occur in any joint in the body. The grading of a ligament sprain is also done on a three point scale. Grade I is a mild stretch of the ligament and a grade III is a complete tear or rupture of the ligament. A grade II tear is everything in-between.

Most ligaments have an adequate healing capability, but if healed incorrectly these structures can leave the joints loose and make them susceptible to instability and recurrence of future injury.

Manual therapy and proper rehabilitation is necessary for the proper management of these conditions.