The Achilles tendon is the largest and strongest tendon in the human body, connecting the calf muscles (the gastrocnemius and soleus) to the heel bone (the calcaneus). Its primary function is to transmit the force generated by the calf muscles to the heel, allowing for the action of plantarflexion, which is essential for activities such as walking, running, jumping, and standing on tiptoe. An Achilles tendon tear can be a distressing setback, but with the right approach to rehabilitation, you can regain strength, flexibility, and mobility, ultimately return to your active lifestyle. This protocol highlights what you can expect after your Achilles tear repair on your path to recovery.
Our team in Arlington, VA will listen to you and your needs. We believe in educating our patients regarding what to do, what to avoid, and understanding red flag symptoms regarding post-surgery. Each injury and surgery can be different, we work closely with your surgeon’s office to ensure we are on the same page with your recovery. We will ensure you understand post-op precautions during rehab so that you are safe with movement and facilitate tissue healing.
Weeks 0 – 4
Goals:
• Maintain integrity of repair.
• Protection phase using crutches and boot for Non-Weight Bearing (NWB).
• Manage pain/swelling/inflammation.
• Keep muscles above Achilles strong.
Exercises:
• Quad sets
• Straight leg raise.
• Hamstring curls
• Hip abduction.
Week 4 – 6
Goals:
• Began Weight Bearing (WB) walking in boot.
• Scar Mobility
• Restore ankle movements. Dorsiflexion to zero degrees.
• Began wedge removal protocol.
• Week 4: All 3
• Week 5: 2
• Week 6: 1
Exercises:
• Scar mobility soft tissue mobilization
• Ankle circles
• Ankle pumps
• Ankle eversion/inversion
Week 7 – 8
Goals:
• Remove all wedges. (Must display adequate gait beforehand)
• Full weight bearing (FWB)
• Restore full range of motion
• Progress strengthening
Exercises:
• Gait training
• 4 way ankle with resistance band
• Stationary bicycle (in boot)
Week 9 – 10
Goals:
• Transition out of boot to sneaker with heel lift (FWB)
• Maintain full ROM.
• Begin calf raise progression.
Exercises:
• Calf raises with 25%-75% body weight
• Single limb balance
• Functional movements
Week 11- 12
Goals:
• Normalize gait without heel lift.
• Progress strengthening
Exercises:
• Step ups
• Partial squats
• Gross LE strengthening
Month 3 – 6
Goals:
• Gradual return to functional activities
• Begin plyometrics.
• Neuromuscular Re-Education
Exercises:
• Single leg squats
• Jumping
• Weighted calf raises.
***Criteria to progress to unrestricted return to sport***
- No swelling/pain after exercise
- Psychological assessment
- > 90% Heel Rise Test strength test compared to unaffected side.
- Able to perform plyometrics with good control and mechanics.
Month 6+ <
Goals:
• Progressive return to sport
• Return to run.
• Progressive return to strenuous work
• May begin calf stretching.
Exercises:
• Functional training dependent on sport/work
• Walk/jog interval training.
• Standing gastric stretch
We will work closely with your Physician/ Surgeon team to ensure we are on the same page about your progress. We will listen to your goals and progress accordingly while addressing appropriate tissue healing. We see a variety of patient populations from the High-level Professional Athlete to the person whose goals are to walk, garden, and perform regular activities of daily living. We will personalize our rehab program just for you and your goals.
Contact us today at our Physical Therapy Center in Arlington on Edgewood St or Arlington on Walter Reed Dr to learn more!
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Your Next Steps…
Request An Appointment
Receive A Custom Treatment Plan
Work Hard and Progress In Your Recovery
Recover & Enjoy Life Pain-Free!
