Recovering from Achilles Tendinitis: Strengthening and Preventing Reinjury with Physical Therapy

Introduction

Welcome to the world of Physical Therapy! We can help you understand how physical therapy can reduce pain and improve mobility for individuals with achilles tendinitis. This article will discuss what to expect at a physical therapy session, the exercises you may do, and talk about recovery time and preventing re-injury. Read on to learn more about how physical therapy can benefit those living with achilles tendinitis!

What to Expect at Physical Therapy

At physical therapy, you can expect to be thoroughly evaluated by a physical therapist who will assess your pain level, range of motion, and any other factors necessary. During this time, the physical therapist will talk to you about what activities you have difficulty doing. Next, they’ll come up with a plan of treatment that includes exercises and techniques to help reduce your pain and improve your mobility.

The physical therapist may use manual techniques including mobilization, massage, stretching, and joint movement to reduce stiffness, pain, and inflammation in the affected area. They may also provide you with modalities such as heat therapy or ultrasound to help relax the muscles and increase blood flow. The physical therapist will show you how to properly perform certain exercises that will help strengthen the muscles and tendons in your affected area.

What Types of Exercises Might You Do?

Depending on your individual needs, the physical therapist may have you do several different exercises to help improve your range of motion and strength in the affected area. Some common exercises done for achilles tendinitis include:

Calf Raises: This exercise strengthens the calf muscles and achilles tendon by lifting your heel off the ground.

Heel Drops: This exercise helps to stretch and strengthen the calf muscles as well as improve balance.

Towel Curls: This exercise is done with a towel, where you place it on the floor and curl your toes around it to help strengthen the muscles of the foot.

Balance Exercises: This exercise helps with balance and coordination by standing on one leg while you try to maintain your balance.

Heel Walks: This exercise is done while walking on your heels, which can help strengthen the calf muscles and achilles tendon.

How Long Does Recovery Take?

Recovery times vary depending on the severity of your injury and how compliant you are with your physical therapy regimen. Generally, it can take anywhere from 4 to 6 weeks for mild cases of achilles tendinitis to fully recover, while more severe cases may take up to 12 weeks or longer. Your physical therapist will be able to provide a better timeline for your individual case.

How Does Physical Therapy Help Prevent Reinjury?

Physical therapy is a great way to help prevent reinjury of the achilles tendon area. Your physical therapist will teach you exercises and stretches that will help strengthen the muscles in the affected area, which can help with your balance, coordination, and overall strength. This will help reduce any further strain on the tendon and minimize the risk of re-injury. Additionally, your physical therapist can provide you with guidance on proper posture and technique to help prevent future injuries.

Conclusion

Physical therapy is a great way to treat achilles tendinitis and help prevent re-injury. With the help of physical therapy, you can learn exercises that will stretch and strengthen the affected muscles and help you regain mobility. Additionally, with the guidance of your physical therapist, you can learn proper posture and technique to help reduce the risk of further injury.