The diagnosis of an achilles tendon rupture is made from clinical history. Department of physiotherapy department of sport and exercise. It can allow you to gradually return to your normal activities. Consider taking a more conservative approach to range of motion, weight bearing, and rehab progression with tendon augmentation, rerupture after non surgical. During that time, you may take the boot off to start some of your achilles rehab exercises. Here are guidelines that will help you in preparing for surgery to repair your achilles tendon. It attaches the calf muscles soleus and gastrocnemius to the heel bone calcaneus. Achilles tendon repair rehabilitation postoperative guideline this rehabilitation program is designed to return the individual to their activities as quickly and safely as possible. Manual full passive range of motion of the achilles weeks 812. As such, it should be stressed that this is only a protocol and should not be a substitute for professional clinical decisionmaking regarding a patients progression. Over time the tendon may become thickened causing constant or recurring pain and stiffness. Achilles tendon repair massachusetts general hospital.
It is designed for rehabilitation following post operative achilles tendon repair. The surgical approach to repair the torn tendon requires postoperative. Your achilles tendon is the biggest and strongest tendon in the body. Torn achilles rehabilitation following surgery and non surgical. Purpose of this study was to repair achilles tendon rupture with protection of the integrity of the tendon without the need for the joint immobilization and prevent the complications reported with. Your doctor or physiotherapist can help you move on to more challenging exercises as you heal and get stronger. The physical therapy exercise program to rehab an achilles tendon tear or. Calf girth, plantar flexor strength and ankle rom are all keys to full recovery. Sports medicine physical therapy rehabilitation protocols. Cole,md,mba weight bearing brace rom exercises phase i 02 weeks as tolerated with crutches and brace locked in full extension for sleeping and all activity off for exercises and hygiene 02 weeks. Rehabilitation protocol achilles tendon repair alterg. If it does, rest the patient until pain level is clearly decreasing. For achilles tendinopathy, physical therapy can decrease your pain.
This protocol provides you with general guidelines for initial stage and progression of rehabilitation according to specified time frames, related tissue tolerance and directional preference of movement. We have remained at the forefront of medicine by fostering a culture of collaboration, pushing the boundaries of medical research, educating the brightest medical minds and maintaining an unwavering commitment to the diverse communities we serve. Achilles tendon repair postop rehabilitation protocol. In general, you can expect to be immobilized initially after your achilles tendon tear. The speed at which a particular patient can progress with the rehabilitation exercises will vary and should at all times be done under the supervision of a qualified professional. Rerupture of the achilles tendon must be surgically repaired. This particular type of controlled exercise helps your swollen achilles tendon return to normal and forms the main component of the rehabilitation programme see. Rehabilitation protocol for achilles tendon repair this protocol is intended to guide clinicians and patients through the postoperative course for an achilles tendon repair.
The achilles tendon usually rupt ures without warning. Mar 15, 2019 instructions and videos guide you through achilles tendon stretches and exercises that you can use to speed your recovery from injury, improve mobility, and prevent future injuries. Best achilles tendon exercises, rehab exercises to avoid rupture. Rehabilitation protocol general principles this protocol for achilles tendon repair is designed to provide the rehabilitation professional with a general guideline for patient care with the alterg antigravity treadmill. It usually involves exercises, stretches, and other.
The tendon transmits force from the contracting calf muscles to the calcaneus to cause the foot action of plantar flexion foot pointed down. The tendon transmits force from the contracting calf muscles to the calcaneus to cause the foot action of plantar. Dependent upon the patient and quality of the repair, weight bearing status postoperatively as well as the intensity and time frame of initiation of functional activities will vary. The following tips will help you treat your symptoms. Achilles tendon repair rehab protocol weight bearing walking boot exercises 0 2 weeks non weight bearing at all times until.
This exercise will get you started on building strength after an achilles tendon injury. Achilles tendon rupture repair department of orthopaedic surgery. Pt exercises for achilles tendon tear verywell health. Achilles repair rehabilitation protocol key considerations. Therefore, we recommend two different exercises to stretch each.
If you hurt your achilles tendon the band of tissue that connects your calf muscle to your heel bone you may need physical therapy pt. No weightbearing none 2 4 weeks full with 2 heel wedges in boot worn at all times removed for hygiene and exercises while seated active dorsi. There are a few essential stretching and strengthening exercises that can help you rehab your achilles tendon and get back to your workouts painfree. It can occur at any age but is most common between the ages of 30 and 50. The ideal is to achieve full symmetry in all 3 areas. Achilles tendon repair is performed after injury occurs to the achilles tendon. Rom should be measure in both open and closedchain methods. Stand on a step with your heel off the edge of the step. These exercises should be done in a position where there is no tendon compression, usually in the midrange of the muscle. Depending on the severity of your injury, you may be required to wear a cam boot or removable cast for four to six weeks. This protocol provides you with general guidelines for initial stage and progression of rehabilitation according to specified. Therapeutic exercises o standing heel raises o single leg eccentric lowering o stepups, side steps o proprioception exercises balance board phase iv months 36 o progress with strengthening, proprioception and gait training activities o begin light jogging at 1214 weeks o runningcutting at 16 weeks. Achilles tendon rupture repair return to sport protocol.
Turn your face in a wall and twist your two legs so that your injured foot will be at the back as it is. Rehabilitation guidelines for achilles tendon repair the achilles tendon is the strongest and thickest tendon in the body. Soft tissue mobilization to anklefooteffleurage for edema. In the acute rehab phase after achilles tendon rupture repair you should educate the patient on the course a. Rehabilitation guidelines for achilles tendon repair.
Physical therapy for achilles tendon pain and injury. They can be repeated several times a day, utilising 4060 s holds, 45 times, to reduce pain and maintain some muscle capacity and tendon load. Specific changes in the program will be made by the. Department of physiotherapy department of sport and. For best outcomes, the achilles tendon repair is typically performed within 2 weeks of the injury and recovery is expected to take between 6 to 9 months. The runners stretch, or calf stretch, will provide relief by loosening the tendon to do this. This can lead to possible tendon rupture with forceful pushing off during activities such as basketball, tennis or racquetball. Avoid creating pain discomfort is okay but pain should not occur and persist 3 days in a row. When the achilles tendon is inflamed, it can tighten and cause discomfort. The achilles tendon is the largest tendon in the body. Achilles tendon repair the achilles tendon is the strongest and thickest tendon in the body. The goal is to improve your ankle and calf strength and to help the injured tissue heal properly. The achilles tendon is the largest and strongest tendon in the body. Achilles tendon repair rehabilitation postoperative guideline.
As such, it should be stressed that this is only a protocol and should not be a substitute. Your physical therapist may also perform manual stretching for the. The injury is often accompanied by an audible and palpable pop with limited ability to push off of the injured limb. As with any muscle or tendon in the body, the achilles tendon can be torn if there is a high. Massage the tendon with your figers achilles tendonitis. For an achilles tendon rupture, you can try a rehab program after surgery to repair the rupture. Rehabilitation protocol for achilles tendon repair massachusetts.
Initiate overall exercise and endurance training walking, swimming, progress biking. Rest gives the tendon time to heal and repair itself. Physio fitness physio rehab tim keeley 145,211 views. Achilles tendon repair rehabilitation protocol this rehabilitation protocol was developed for patients who have had a repair of an acute achilles tendon rupture. Specific intervention should be based on the needs of the individual and should consider exam findings and clinical decision making. The goals of this surgery are to repair the torn achilles tendon, maximize function of adls, maximize quality of life, and. This guide demonstrates exactly how to perform certain eccentric calf strengthening exercises as part of your rehabilitation while managing your achilles tendinitis pain. This protocol for achilles tendon repair is designed to provide the rehabilitation professional with a general guideline for patient care with the alterg antigravity treadmill. It attaches your two calf muscles gastrocnemius and soleus to the heel bone calcaneus and helps you go up onto tiptoes.
Top 5 exercises to rehab achilles tendinitis builtlean. Achilles tendon rupture repair return to sport protocol keys for achilles tendon rehabilitation. Phases and time frames are designed to give a general sense of progression. It is designed for rehabilitation following postoperative achilles tendon repair. Brian grawe, md progression is based on healing constraints and functional progression specific to the patient. The achilles tendon is made up of two separate muscles.
Acute achilles tendon rupture repair rehab youtube. Achilles tendon rupture week 6 postop surgical repair feat. It connects your calf muscles to your heel bone and is used when you walk, run, and jump. Acute versus chronic, as well as, concomitant procedures, and physiologic age of the patient. It is found at the back of the lower leg, just above the heel bone. Rehabilitation guidelines for achilles tendon repair uw health. Rehabilitation rehab andor physical therapy are the usual treatment for an achilles tendon injury. Achilles tendinitis is a common condition that causes pain along the back of the leg near the heel. Manual resistance exercises, but cautious with df resistance. Jul 05, 2019 a complete rupture of the achilles tendon is a serious injury and rehabilitation should be a very gradual process taking 6 to 9 months. Consider taking a more conservative approach to range of motion, weight bearing, and rehab progression with tendon augmentation, rerupture after nonsurgical. You may learn more about how the stone clinic repairs achilles tendon ruptures without open surgery in our explanation of achilles tendon injury, diagnosis and treatment.