“What can physical therapists do for a sprained ankle?”

Physical therapists typically following what they are taught apply hot/cold packs, stretching and strengthening to a sprained ankle. Yet, the injury in a sprained ankle is actually fascia strain in the joint space and hardly ever real sprain of ligament/tendon. Those treatments are contraindicated in fascia strain and can only worsen the injury instead. The proper and effective treatment is to apply light touch (Touch-and-Hold of The Precision Method) to release the jammed-up fascia initiating self-healing, much like combing the tangled hair. It takes only 1-2 hours to cure it. Please visit my website: NoMorePainClinic.com.  

Control swelling and pain.Strengthening.

They can help strengthen the ankle and do proprioceptive exercises. But you should wait until the pain abd swelling have resolved prior to considering PT

Physical therapy can help to reduce swelling and retrain ligaments if damage is not too severe. I recommend you make an appointment with a foot and ankle surgeon (podiatrist) for diagnosis and treatment options