Achilles tendinitis is a common condition that causes pain, stiffness and swelling in the back of the ankle. If you’re an active adult in Huntington Beach, California, it might be keeping you from doing what you love — whether that’s surfing, running the trails or simply walking pain-free.
Fortunately, physical therapy for Achilles tendinitis is one of the most effective ways to treat the condition and prevent it from coming back. At REPAIR SI, we combine advanced techniques with a patient-first approach to get you back on your feet with confidence.
What is Achilles tendinitis?
The Achilles tendon is the thick, fibrous band of tissue that connects your calf muscles to your heel bone. It’s essential for walking, running, jumping and just about any activity that involves moving your foot.
Achilles tendinitis occurs when this tendon becomes irritated, usually due to overuse, tight calves or a sudden increase in physical activity. Common symptoms include:
- Pain or stiffness in the back of the heel, especially in the morning
- Swelling along the tendon
- Pain that worsens with activity
Common myth: One misconception is that you need complete rest for recovery. While rest is important early on, movement and targeted physical therapy are essential to healing.
If these symptoms are disrupting your life, seeing a physical therapist is a smart first step.
How physical therapy helps Achilles tendinitis
Physical therapy isn’t just about relieving pain. It’s about addressing the root cause of the problem and creating a plan that supports long-term recovery. At REPAIR SI, your care will be tailored to your needs and goals.
Key goals of physical therapy for Achilles tendinitis include:
- Reducing inflammation and pain
- Improving ankle flexibility and mobility
- Strengthening calf and foot muscles
- Correcting movement patterns to prevent reinjury
Step-by-step guide to physical therapy for Achilles tendinitis
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Initial evaluation and goal setting
At your first session, we’ll take time to understand your condition and lifestyle. This includes reviewing your symptoms, movement habits and health history. We’ll also assess your ankle mobility, calf strength and foot posture.
Our patient-first approach means we collaborate with you to set meaningful goals, whether that’s returning to running or simply walking without discomfort.
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Pain and inflammation management
We’ll start by addressing pain so you can move more comfortably. REPAIR SI uses cutting-edge tools such as:
- Class IV laser therapy and dry needling to promote healing and reduce inflammation
- Shockwave therapy, which stimulates the body’s natural healing process
- Manual therapy techniques to gently mobilize tissue and joints
We may also recommend rest, elevation and at-home icing protocols during this phase.
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Improving flexibility and mobility
A tight calf is often a key contributor to Achilles tendinitis. That’s why mobility work is crucial early in your program. Your therapist may guide you through:
- Calf and plantar fascia stretches
- Foam rolling to ease tension
These exercises are designed to relieve strain on the Achilles tendon.
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Strengthening exercises
Strengthening the muscles that support the ankle and foot is critical for long-term recovery. We’ll start with body weight movements and progress as your strength improves.
Eccentric heel drops (slowly lowering your heel off a step) are one of the most effective exercises for Achilles tendinitis. A study published in the American Journal of Sports Medicine found that this approach significantly reduced pain in chronic cases.
Resistance bands and tools like Proteus® power testing and training may be used for progressive strength training.
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Gait and activity retraining
If the way you walk or run is contributing to your pain, we’ll work with you to adjust those patterns. This may include:
- Gait analysis using video feedback
- Sport- or job-specific drills
- Gradual return-to-play guidance
Our goal is not just to get you better, but to help you move better.
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Education and prevention
We’ll help you make smart choices that protect your progress:
- Recommendations for supportive footwear
- Advice on warmup and cooldown routines
- Custom home exercise programs tailored to your daily life
We also answer any questions you may have along the way. Recovery is a partnership.
Why choose REPAIR SI for your recovery?
Located in Huntington Beach, REPAIR SI offers personalized care that blends science, empathy and innovation. When you choose us, you get:
- One-on-one care with a licensed professional
- Access to advanced techniques like the Graston Technique® and McKenzie Method®
- A supportive team that listens and adjusts your care as needed
We see you as more than your pain — we see you as a whole person.
FAQs
How long does it take to recover from Achilles tendinitis with physical therapy?
Recovery time varies based on severity and consistency with treatment. Patients with less severe Achilles tendinitis may start to see improvement after a few weeks of therapy. More severe cases may require a longer recovery.
Can physical therapy prevent surgery?
Yes. Many people recover without needing surgery, especially when physical therapy is started early.
Is it OK to exercise with Achilles tendinitis?
It depends. Some low-impact activity is encouraged, but your therapist will guide you on what’s safe.
Let REPAIR SI support your healing
Healing from Achilles tendinitis takes time, but you don’t have to go through it alone. With expert support, advanced treatment and compassionate care, you can get back to doing what you love in comfort.
Ready to feel relief from Achilles tendinitis? Book your evaluation today with REPAIR SI in Huntington Beach or contact us today with any questions you have about the services we offer.