During later Achilles Tendon rehabilitation, it is important to stress the tendon more with higher level exercises.
Anatomy of the Achilles
The Achilles connects the calf muscles (Gastrocnemius and Soleus) to the heel of the foot. It performs plantar flexion of the foot. This is also known as lifting the heels up while standing or pointing your toes while lying down.
Injuries of the Achilles
There are several different injuries that can occur in the Achilles. Tendinitis, tendinosis, bursitis, and complete rupture. A complete rupture is what NFL quarterback Aaron Rodgers and Kirk Cousins did this year.
Rehabilitation for these injuries is similar, the length of time is different depending on the specific injury. A full rupture of the Achilles tendon does require surgery which makes that the longer one to rehab, usually up to 12-18 months. Check out the research here on post-surgical rehabilitation.
The length of time for non-surgical injuries depends on the person injured and how they respond to treatment as well as the extent of their injury.
Treatment
Rehabilitation of the Achilles SHOULD include more than strengthening. In my practice, I will manually stretch the calf and Achilles.
I will also perform instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) to the tendon to help remove scar tissue and improve tendon mobility. (check out my post here for more information on IASTM)
Because it is important to stress the tendon more with higher level exercises, the exercises listed below are what I will start when the patient can tolerate the part 1 activities without pain.
Exercises
Jump Downs
Jump ups
Eccentric Calf raises
Single Leg Calf raises
High step ups
Single Leg Bridges
Other Lower Extremity Exercises
Agility ladder
Eccentric Step Downs
Single Leg Hops
