Achilles Tendonitis Physical Therapy Treatment

Achilles tendonitis can feel like a roadblock for those who thrive on movement. Whether you are a professional athlete or an enthusiastic weekend runner, the pain and limited mobility associated with Achilles tendonitis can significantly impact your daily life and athletic performance. 

Left untreated, Achilles tendonitis can progress, severely impacting mobility and performance. Early intervention with INDIBA® Activ and Shockwave Therapy helps prevent long-term damage and ensure a speedy recovery.

Achilles Tendon Pain

The Achilles tendon is the strongest tendon in the human body and is particularly vulnerable to overuse and strain. Whether you’re a marathon runner or someone who has recently increased your activity level, this condition can develop gradually, often starting as mild morning stiffness before progressing to persistent pain and reduced function.

The condition can be categorized into two main types: non-insertional and insertional Achilles tendonitis. Non-insertional tendonitis affects the middle portion of the tendon, while insertional tendonitis occurs at the point where the tendon attaches to the heel bone.

Several factors contribute to the development of Achilles tendonitis:

• Overuse: Sudden increases in training intensity or frequency
• Foot Mechanics: Conditions like flat feet or hyperpronated feet pulling on the calf muscles, straining the Achilles tendon
• Footwear: Wearing shoes with minimal support or high heels
• Weight: Excess weight placing additional strain on the tendon

Traditional approaches focusing solely on rest and ice often fall short because they don’t address the underlying tissue changes that occur with tendinopathy. Rest alone can lead to muscle atrophy and decreased tendon strength, while NSAIDs may reduce pain but do not promote healing. Research shows that targeted loading and specific interventions are important for optimal healing and prevention of recurrence.

Physical Therapy as Primary Treatment

Physical therapy offers several evidence-based benefits. Physical therapy helps in managing pain through various modalities such as heat, cold and electrical stimulation. It aids in the recovery process by improving tendon strength and flexibility. It also helps in preventing future injuries by addressing underlying biomechanical issues.

At HelloPhysio, our Achilles tendon rehabilitation programs incorporate these therapeutic exercises alongside advanced treatments for faster and more sustainable recovery:

• Strengthening the Calf Muscles: Eccentric exercises, which involve lengthening the muscle while it is under load, are particularly effective in treating Achilles tendonitis.
• Improving Flexibility: Stretching exercises to enhance the range of motion and reduce stiffness.
• Enhancing Proprioception: Balance and proprioception exercises to improve overall lower limb function.

Achieving optimal results often requires more than a single modality. At HelloPhysio, we design personalized treatment plans that integrate INDIBA® Activ, Shockwave Therapy, and traditional physical therapy. This multifaceted approach ensures tissue repair while targeting chronic damage. 

Beyond acute care, we educate our patients on proper warm-ups, footwear selection and recovery practices. These strategies are essential for maintaining tendon health, and avoiding reinjury.

INDIBA Activ Technology

INDIBA Activ is a cutting-edge technology that utilizes capacitive-resistive technology to stimulate the body’s natural healing processes. 

INDIBA increases blood flow to the injured area, enhances cellular metabolism, speeds up tissue regeneration, and reduces inflammation and associated pain. The benefits include faster recovery times than conventional treatments and improved tendon elasticity and strength with a noninvasive and pain-free application.

During a session, you’ll feel a gentle warming sensation as the device enhances circulation and stimulates repair. Many patients notice reduced pain and improved mobility after just a few treatments. Combined with physical therapy for Achilles, INDIBA ensures a holistic approach to healing.

Shockwave Therapy Pulses

Shockwave Therapy is another noninvasive treatment that delivers acoustic waves to the affected area. These waves stimulate the body’s natural healing response by creating microtrauma, which stimulates neovascularization and promotes tissue healing.

Shockwave Therapy has been shown to reduce pain and improve functional outcomes, especially when combined with eccentric exercises. Patients can expect significant improvements in pain and function within the first session. The treatment is low-risk and has few to no complications, making it an attractive option before considering surgery.

Seek Treatment Early

Achilles tendonitis is a complex condition that requires a multifaceted treatment approach. While traditional methods may provide temporary relief, advanced therapies like INDIBA® Activ and Shockwave Therapy offer more effective and sustainable solutions.

If you experience persistent pain or stiffness in your Achilles tendon, seek physical therapy treatment for your Achilles tendonitis at HelloPhysio early. 

At HelloPhysio, our team of experienced senior physiotherapists is dedicated to providing the latest and most effective treatments for Achilles tendonitis. If you suffer from this condition, do not hesitate to contact us at HelloPhysio for a consultation.