5 physical therapy methods commonly used for Achilles tendinitis recovery

Approximately 6% of people experience pain in their Achilles tendon at some point in their lifetime. Located at the back of the ankle, this tendon connects the calf muscles to the heel bone. 

You may have this condition if you experience pain, swelling and stiffness at the back of the leg near the heel after physical activity. This condition may make simple movements like walking or putting on your shoes more difficult, but don’t get discouraged. With physical therapy, you may be able to find relief from pain and improve your mobility.

Here are five physical therapy methods commonly used to treat Achilles tendinitis.

1. Dry needling

Using dry needling alongside other treatments may help relieve pain and promote healing. During dry needling for Achilles tendinitis, a physical therapist inserts thin needles into the tendon or calf muscles to help improve blood flow and muscle function. While it won’t alleviate pain on its own, it may accelerate your recovery and reduce stiffness. 

2. Strengthening exercises

Strengthening the calf and surrounding muscles may reduce strain on the Achilles tendon, which can support healing. In the process, these exercises may also alleviate pain and prevent further injuries. 

During physical therapy, your therapist will walk you through safe and effective exercises designed to help gradually increase the load on the Achilles tendon and build strength. For your Achilles tendinitis, your physical therapist may create an exercise plan for you that includes strengthening exercises like eccentric heel drops or toe raises. 

3. Neuromuscular reeducation training

Enhancing the communication between your brain and your muscles can help restore normal movement. This type of training may improve your coordination and muscle function, which may have become affected by the pain from Achilles tendinitis. A physical therapist may use neuromuscular reeducation training to help improve your mobility and alleviate your underlying pain.

4. Joint mobilization

Using their hands, a physical therapist can stretch and manipulate the joints, muscles and tendons to help reduce inflammation and provide pain relief. Through massage-like techniques, joint mobilization may also improve range of motion. 

5. Graston Technique® 

Using specialized instruments to put therapeutic pressure on the Achilles tendon can help improve mobility decreases caused by scar tissue and reduce inflammation. The Graston Technique® process may reduce pain, enhance your mobility and ease tension in this area. 

Find relief from Achilles tendinitis at REPAIR SI

You don’t have to deal with your Achilles tendinitis alone. Working with a supportive and experienced therapist can help you find the relief you need. At REPAIR SI, our team is here to support you with a personalized treatment plan that can help you on your path to recovery. We’ll help identify the physical therapy methods that can ease your pain, improve your mobility, and strengthen your body.

Contact our team today for more information or to schedule an initial appointment.