The bruising you experienced from your injury was bleeding from soft tissue damage. That could be muscle, tendon, or ligaments or a mixed bag. Bad sprains take awhile to heal. The stiffness is most likely edema as your body is trying to heal the damage. Bad sprains can sometimes take longer to heal. You could have stretched or tore ligamens. Your ROM will return. Feet don't respond like shoulders or knees.
WB in a protected manner is good for you. For a short time a brace that restricts side to side movement when you are on your feet alot may help.Stretching is good but don't push through pain. Work repetitively to the limit and just a little more. You don't want to create more inflammation/swelling.
In my opinion a physiotherapist will be much better for you than a massage therapist for many reasons I won't go into. Massage therapists are very good for many things so don't get me wrong.
From what you say , you are progressing . That wait period is hard on athletes or active people. I want it better yesterday. Been there, unfortunately too often. Bad sprains can have swelling for months