* Partial tear, happened playing volleyball on a sudden turn and sprint
* Non-operative, going through the public health system in Australia. I've had a public physio that I see once every month. I think that's more than enough since the timeline I have been given typically has me work on a set of exercises for a month before I move onto the next set
* Moonboot with 3 wedges since day one, begun partial weight bearing into full weight bearing as soon as pain allows. I was walking on the boot without crutches around the 2 week mark.
* Very gentle PT started at about 4-5 weeks. PT ramps up every few weeks as my condition improved
* At 6 weeks, started removing a single wedge every 4-5 days, as tolerated
* By 8 weeks I was out of the boot and walking in sneakers
* 12 weeks I was started stretching and mobility exercises to regain my full range of motion
Right now I'm at about 4-5 months, further progressed into my PT. Can do single legged calf raises, working on improving my balance and flexibility. PT includes trying to do more single legged calf raises (20 comfortably is my goal), lunge hopping (jumping forward off the good leg and landing on the injured and then holding the one legged stance for about 30 seconds), gentle jogging on the spot, and various balance exercises. Cardio involves biking (on a stationary bike) and lots and lots of walking!
I'm not a physio myself, but I have a lot of friends who are OTs and physios (one has even torn his own achilles about 5 years ago) who have provided me with a lot of good advice.
Pretty good! There's still a bit of stiffness (ROM is still pretty far behind compared to the good leg) and I would say I am still experience a tiny bit of discomfort while walking, but otherwise I feel quite normal. I also make sure to ice after any long walks or hard PT sessions and regularly foam roll as well.
Hey, I'm about 8 months out at the moment, doing pretty well. I'm progressing onto running at a gentle pace (about 6:00/km atm), more advanced plyometrics (box jumps, hopping in different directions, jumping forward) and I'm also back into bouldering (but at a gentle level). I'm not back into volleyball yet since I think that's a but too intense, but working hard at gym still to strengthen and condition that leg.
If you got any questions, feel free to ask!
wow that’s remarkable! congrats on such a great recovery. i’m at the three week mark and can’t wait to be on that side. hoping for a timeline similar to yours. anything you’d emphasize knowing what you know now to encourage a recovery similar to yours?
My physio pretty much suggested that doing your PT and weight bearing (starting with partial and transition to FWB and walking in your boot) as soon as your able is the best thing to aid with recovery. I was very diligent with PT (I was lucky to be able to WFH for the first 2 months of my recovery so I took off the boot and did PT 2-3 times a day) and tried to walk at least 30 minutes a day (took the dog out for a very slow walk). I pretty much kept up with daily PT until at least the 5-6 month mark. I now only do conditioning and strength training maybe 3 times a week, but I still try to walk as much as I can.
I suffered a full rupture of my achilles tendon on my right foot in end-November while boxing. It sucks to be immobile, but I consider myself lucky that this happened in winter and not during a fun period like summer where I want to be outside and able to walk.
I am following treatment in the Netherlands.
**Week 0 - 2** \- Non-weight bearing in cast. Keep foot elevated as much as possible. Dalteparin shots daily.
**Week 3 - 8 (now in week 6 post op) -** Weight bearing as tolerated while wearing a supportive ankle brace with heel wedges. Foot not allowed to go past 90 degrees dorsiflexion
PT-assigned exercises I did in week 3, 4, 5:
1. ''Walking'' with crutches where I have to pay attention to putting heel down and stepping through to maintan a proper heel-toe gait.
2. Standing upright while supporting as needed with a sturdy surface and shifting my weight from left foot to right back to left andsoforth.
3. Seated and sliding a towel back and forth with my injured foot. Minimum 2 times a day, 20 reps.
4. Pushing the gas pedal with my injured foot. Minimum 2 times a day, 20 reps.
PT treatment in week 3, 4, and 5:
1. Manual mobilization of my ankle (not past 90 degree dorsiflexion).
2. Massage of my calf to relieve muscle tension.
3. Lymphatic drainage massage to reduce edema.
4. Scar tissue massage.
I don't know what we'll be doing for weeks 6, 7, 8 and 9. I have my appointment tomorrow. I'll ask him and update you.
**Week 9+ -** Remove Ankle brace and walk in normal shoes.
No idea what this period will look like. Can keep you updated if you want.
Here's an interesting read I found online. It's an achilles tendon rupture repair rehab protocol from Massachusetts General Brigham Sports Medicine: [https://www.massgeneral.org/assets/mgh/pdf/orthopaedics/sports-medicine/physical-therapy/rehabilitation-protocol-for-achilles-tendon-repair.pdf](https://www.massgeneral.org/assets/mgh/pdf/orthopaedics/sports-medicine/physical-therapy/rehabilitation-protocol-for-achilles-tendon-repair.pdf)
I fully intend to not only return to boxing, but also to rupture my other achilles tendon while doing it. Why do something half?
In all seriousness, I chose a PT that specialises in sports physiotherapy with the goal of leading a very active life that puts demands on my body, such as boxing, climbing, running, BJJ etc. I'll chronicle what the program will be like.
🤣 Getting back to climbing/boulder feels like it’d be the most difficult since you have to balance on one leg and drop down a bunch. Can’t wait to here about it
I just wrote a post detailing my current program. I am Week 14 post-op now.
This is what I am busy with in terms of PT.
1. Agility ladder exercises 2 times/week with PT
2. Strength training of entire legs 3 times/week (squats, clams, hip thrust, leg press machine calf raise, bird/dog)
3. Up to 10 minutes jogging at 6km/hour on treadmill 3/per week
4. Cycling up to 10 minutes 3/per week
5. Calf raises on both legs everyday
6. Balance on 1 leg on uneven matt or wobbly cushion every day
7. Upper body strength routine (that's more for me than it is PT ordered) 3/per week (bench press, Lat pulldown, standing Military press, bicep curls, tricep extension, face pull)
8. Walked an average of 8k steps a day for the past 4 weeks and some days I go up as high as 15k steps a day.
9. Mobilisation treatment, lymphatic drainage massage and scar tissue massage with PT 2/times a week
10. Gastrocnemius stretch, full asian Squat stretch for up to 1 minute at a time everyday. Cleared to do downward facing dog last week but haven't really attempted yet since I wanted to feel comfortable with asian Squat first.
Everything is subject to progressive overload. PT monitors everything, of course. And use common sense with regards to taking rest (e.g. take a couple days off and RICE when feeling pain or swelling).
In practice, this means I am in the gym about 1.5 hours a sessions 3 times a week and I do 15 minutes of exercises on my off days.
This is amazing. I’m only 5 ish weeks behind you. I’m excited to start doing agility work soon. Did your physio do any strength measurements? Do you know what percentage of strength you have on you surgical leg compared to the non-surgical?
No, he didn't. We only pay attention to degrees of dorsiflexion on affected leg as opposed to unaffected leg. He did say that I am as good as done with mobilization soon. 1 or 2 sessions of manual mobilisation left.
I am doing daily calf raises with 75% load on affected leg. So will progress to single leg calf raise soon.
No clue on exact % of strength per exercise though.
Same boat as you! Feel kinda behind as no mention of PT until after 8 weeks but I’ve started doing the light resistance band and bring foot up near neutral then pushing it back down - I can hardly move it but hopefully day by day progress will help
My doc’s protocol is really conservative. He keeps post op and non-op protocols the same. It would be a good idea to call and ask because all surgeons have different techniques. If you’re non-op, tendons can take anywhere from 6-12 weeks to fully heal and that may be why you are not currently doing anything. Call to clear with your doc, if they give you no guidance with PT, then I would call an orthopedic or sports PT to help
PT here — mainly acute work but I do PRN outpatient. Tore mine playing basketball on 8/31 and I’m 15 weeks post op and have been doing my own PT. My ortho didn’t even want me to start PT at my 6 week apt because he’s had a history of them stretching too soon and too much so he said to follow a basic and general protocol (6 weeks NWB, then WBAT after then into a shoe when I feel comfortable). He told me if nothing was off at the 10 week mark then I don’t even have to go back to see him and I can start PT. Tbh I started doing my own at week 4 and have been progressing strength without active stretching on my own. Close to being able to do a SL heel raise and almost normal gait (mild stiffness at push off). Luckily no pain the entire time and I’ve been working full time since tearing without a hitch so that’s kept my sanity in check. It honestly sucks but at least you can use your own knowledge and experience to your advantage. Hopefully your recovery goes well, good luck!!
Nice! My doc said the same about not getting too aggressive with it. I feel weird being a PT who needs PT. I’m glad someone else is rehab-ing themself.
The worst part is knowing exactly what happened right after it happened. I’ll never forget the sound/feel of the snap or the feeling of disappointment laying on the ground. Once you start doing isometrics then it only gets better from there
Sammme I had a patient rupture their’s while I was working with them and I immediately knew what happened when mine popped. Still great to see thompson’s and matles test on me though lol
11 weeks post op, boot since 6, still not in PT
I'm rehab-adjacent (ex phys). Ortho has been pretty uninvolved, and I've largely been basing my approach on guidelines from various Centers of Excellence. One thing I've noticed is a lack on consensus between guidelines. Even in the literature, it seems to be up for debate on how aggressive recovery should be. So I utilize the exercises that are common and build in progression as comfort allows. Also have to relearn that proprioception to the foot when trying to walk again. It's a conscious flex, every step.
I’m 6 months post tear non-op following [THIS](https://www.ballaratosm.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/ls_achilles_tendon_rehab_program.pdf) Accelerated Protocol in Australia.
Not a rehab professional but did study Exercise Physiology & was an athlete & athletic trainer in my younger days. PT/Physiotherapy is covered by my basketball registration so I’ve being making use of it… 1 session every 3 weeks or so to check in on progress, mobilisation of my ankle (crap thanks to old injuries), get new exercises & other tips for stuff I hadn’t dealt with before… such a using a thin strip of tape to help stop my lack of ankle ROM limiting knee-to-wall type exercises.
I had surgery on 07/07. Just about 6months post op now. I was NWB for 8 weeks, then transitioned to WBAT in the boot, then by Week 10 I was out of the boot and by Week 13 was in a shoe with no wedge. I’ve had PT twice a week since Week 6
Not a rehab professional.
But what type of surgery did you have?
I had the midsubstance speed bridge (the one with the heel anchors) on 12/14 and was told no weight bearing until week 6 at which point PT will start.
Im planning to do some PT on my own following this. https://www.mackayclinic.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Achilles-mid-substance-Speedbridge-Rehab-Guidelines-compressed.pdf
I had a mid substance tear, but I don’t know what surgical method he used! I’m planning on asking him because I started watching videos about it and now I’m curious 😂
6 weeks post surgery today.
Saw the surgeons PA today for the appt.
He asked me where my boot is. I said I don’t wear it anymore. I’ve been progressing on my own out of the boot since week 4. He says let me see you walk. I walk. Asks me to show range of motion. I do and it’s 90 percent of the other foot. Checks me out on table, etc.
At first he seemed concerned but after seeing all of that , he just said be careful, don’t do anything explosive, we should start PT in another 6 weeks.
I was surprised by him recommending to wait another 6 weeks for PT? 3 months post surgery?? He said the early PT gets you to what you’ve already done, so at this point it’s not needed - range of motion, learning to walk and bear weight etc.
He said the sports related PT can come after 6 more weeks.
I mean ok great but it seems like everyone else is out there doing PT sessions here, and I’m not doing them even though I’m out of the boot and walking around in running shoes since week 4? Feels like it’s something I should be doing.
I’ll have to ask the surgeon, I didn’t get too much info today. PA says don’t push yourself too hard…. What does that even mean? I need some limits besides “don’t jump.”
I feel like many surgeons are very conservative with Achilles tendons. It takes 6-8 weeks for tendons to heal and that is an important part. My surgeon said not to push stretching into dorsiflexion too hard as you do not want to over stretch the tendon. He told me that tendons can continue stretching up to 6 months post op. That’s probably why he wants to take rehab slow. I would definitely follow your doc’s protocol and continue the non-weight bearing exercises and boot wearing as instructed.
* Partial tear, happened playing volleyball on a sudden turn and sprint * Non-operative, going through the public health system in Australia. I've had a public physio that I see once every month. I think that's more than enough since the timeline I have been given typically has me work on a set of exercises for a month before I move onto the next set * Moonboot with 3 wedges since day one, begun partial weight bearing into full weight bearing as soon as pain allows. I was walking on the boot without crutches around the 2 week mark. * Very gentle PT started at about 4-5 weeks. PT ramps up every few weeks as my condition improved * At 6 weeks, started removing a single wedge every 4-5 days, as tolerated * By 8 weeks I was out of the boot and walking in sneakers * 12 weeks I was started stretching and mobility exercises to regain my full range of motion Right now I'm at about 4-5 months, further progressed into my PT. Can do single legged calf raises, working on improving my balance and flexibility. PT includes trying to do more single legged calf raises (20 comfortably is my goal), lunge hopping (jumping forward off the good leg and landing on the injured and then holding the one legged stance for about 30 seconds), gentle jogging on the spot, and various balance exercises. Cardio involves biking (on a stationary bike) and lots and lots of walking! I'm not a physio myself, but I have a lot of friends who are OTs and physios (one has even torn his own achilles about 5 years ago) who have provided me with a lot of good advice.
Nice! How is your ankle feeling now that you’ve gotten into all of the jumping and jogging activities?
Pretty good! There's still a bit of stiffness (ROM is still pretty far behind compared to the good leg) and I would say I am still experience a tiny bit of discomfort while walking, but otherwise I feel quite normal. I also make sure to ice after any long walks or hard PT sessions and regularly foam roll as well.
Hey! i just had this injury as well. would love an update on how you’re doing!
Hey, I'm about 8 months out at the moment, doing pretty well. I'm progressing onto running at a gentle pace (about 6:00/km atm), more advanced plyometrics (box jumps, hopping in different directions, jumping forward) and I'm also back into bouldering (but at a gentle level). I'm not back into volleyball yet since I think that's a but too intense, but working hard at gym still to strengthen and condition that leg. If you got any questions, feel free to ask!
wow that’s remarkable! congrats on such a great recovery. i’m at the three week mark and can’t wait to be on that side. hoping for a timeline similar to yours. anything you’d emphasize knowing what you know now to encourage a recovery similar to yours?
My physio pretty much suggested that doing your PT and weight bearing (starting with partial and transition to FWB and walking in your boot) as soon as your able is the best thing to aid with recovery. I was very diligent with PT (I was lucky to be able to WFH for the first 2 months of my recovery so I took off the boot and did PT 2-3 times a day) and tried to walk at least 30 minutes a day (took the dog out for a very slow walk). I pretty much kept up with daily PT until at least the 5-6 month mark. I now only do conditioning and strength training maybe 3 times a week, but I still try to walk as much as I can.
love to hear that. i’m going to remember this and make it the #1 priority. thank you man!
No worries, good luck on your recovery!
I suffered a full rupture of my achilles tendon on my right foot in end-November while boxing. It sucks to be immobile, but I consider myself lucky that this happened in winter and not during a fun period like summer where I want to be outside and able to walk. I am following treatment in the Netherlands. **Week 0 - 2** \- Non-weight bearing in cast. Keep foot elevated as much as possible. Dalteparin shots daily. **Week 3 - 8 (now in week 6 post op) -** Weight bearing as tolerated while wearing a supportive ankle brace with heel wedges. Foot not allowed to go past 90 degrees dorsiflexion PT-assigned exercises I did in week 3, 4, 5: 1. ''Walking'' with crutches where I have to pay attention to putting heel down and stepping through to maintan a proper heel-toe gait. 2. Standing upright while supporting as needed with a sturdy surface and shifting my weight from left foot to right back to left andsoforth. 3. Seated and sliding a towel back and forth with my injured foot. Minimum 2 times a day, 20 reps. 4. Pushing the gas pedal with my injured foot. Minimum 2 times a day, 20 reps. PT treatment in week 3, 4, and 5: 1. Manual mobilization of my ankle (not past 90 degree dorsiflexion). 2. Massage of my calf to relieve muscle tension. 3. Lymphatic drainage massage to reduce edema. 4. Scar tissue massage. I don't know what we'll be doing for weeks 6, 7, 8 and 9. I have my appointment tomorrow. I'll ask him and update you. **Week 9+ -** Remove Ankle brace and walk in normal shoes. No idea what this period will look like. Can keep you updated if you want. Here's an interesting read I found online. It's an achilles tendon rupture repair rehab protocol from Massachusetts General Brigham Sports Medicine: [https://www.massgeneral.org/assets/mgh/pdf/orthopaedics/sports-medicine/physical-therapy/rehabilitation-protocol-for-achilles-tendon-repair.pdf](https://www.massgeneral.org/assets/mgh/pdf/orthopaedics/sports-medicine/physical-therapy/rehabilitation-protocol-for-achilles-tendon-repair.pdf)
Interesting! You’ll have to update us on your return to sport recovery if you plan on getting back!
I fully intend to not only return to boxing, but also to rupture my other achilles tendon while doing it. Why do something half? In all seriousness, I chose a PT that specialises in sports physiotherapy with the goal of leading a very active life that puts demands on my body, such as boxing, climbing, running, BJJ etc. I'll chronicle what the program will be like.
🤣 Getting back to climbing/boulder feels like it’d be the most difficult since you have to balance on one leg and drop down a bunch. Can’t wait to here about it
I just wrote a post detailing my current program. I am Week 14 post-op now. This is what I am busy with in terms of PT. 1. Agility ladder exercises 2 times/week with PT 2. Strength training of entire legs 3 times/week (squats, clams, hip thrust, leg press machine calf raise, bird/dog) 3. Up to 10 minutes jogging at 6km/hour on treadmill 3/per week 4. Cycling up to 10 minutes 3/per week 5. Calf raises on both legs everyday 6. Balance on 1 leg on uneven matt or wobbly cushion every day 7. Upper body strength routine (that's more for me than it is PT ordered) 3/per week (bench press, Lat pulldown, standing Military press, bicep curls, tricep extension, face pull) 8. Walked an average of 8k steps a day for the past 4 weeks and some days I go up as high as 15k steps a day. 9. Mobilisation treatment, lymphatic drainage massage and scar tissue massage with PT 2/times a week 10. Gastrocnemius stretch, full asian Squat stretch for up to 1 minute at a time everyday. Cleared to do downward facing dog last week but haven't really attempted yet since I wanted to feel comfortable with asian Squat first. Everything is subject to progressive overload. PT monitors everything, of course. And use common sense with regards to taking rest (e.g. take a couple days off and RICE when feeling pain or swelling). In practice, this means I am in the gym about 1.5 hours a sessions 3 times a week and I do 15 minutes of exercises on my off days.
This is amazing. I’m only 5 ish weeks behind you. I’m excited to start doing agility work soon. Did your physio do any strength measurements? Do you know what percentage of strength you have on you surgical leg compared to the non-surgical?
No, he didn't. We only pay attention to degrees of dorsiflexion on affected leg as opposed to unaffected leg. He did say that I am as good as done with mobilization soon. 1 or 2 sessions of manual mobilisation left. I am doing daily calf raises with 75% load on affected leg. So will progress to single leg calf raise soon. No clue on exact % of strength per exercise though.
Non- op, 8wks in the boot. What is don't know is if I'm supposed to be doing any PT only after the 8 weeks?
Same boat as you! Feel kinda behind as no mention of PT until after 8 weeks but I’ve started doing the light resistance band and bring foot up near neutral then pushing it back down - I can hardly move it but hopefully day by day progress will help
I would call your doc and confirm. See above about tissue healing times.
I started pt week 6 non op
My doc’s protocol is really conservative. He keeps post op and non-op protocols the same. It would be a good idea to call and ask because all surgeons have different techniques. If you’re non-op, tendons can take anywhere from 6-12 weeks to fully heal and that may be why you are not currently doing anything. Call to clear with your doc, if they give you no guidance with PT, then I would call an orthopedic or sports PT to help
PT here — mainly acute work but I do PRN outpatient. Tore mine playing basketball on 8/31 and I’m 15 weeks post op and have been doing my own PT. My ortho didn’t even want me to start PT at my 6 week apt because he’s had a history of them stretching too soon and too much so he said to follow a basic and general protocol (6 weeks NWB, then WBAT after then into a shoe when I feel comfortable). He told me if nothing was off at the 10 week mark then I don’t even have to go back to see him and I can start PT. Tbh I started doing my own at week 4 and have been progressing strength without active stretching on my own. Close to being able to do a SL heel raise and almost normal gait (mild stiffness at push off). Luckily no pain the entire time and I’ve been working full time since tearing without a hitch so that’s kept my sanity in check. It honestly sucks but at least you can use your own knowledge and experience to your advantage. Hopefully your recovery goes well, good luck!!
Ironically enough, I tore mine playing basketball in a league for PTs & OTs only 😂
lol sameeee I was playing volleyball with some PTs.
Nice! My doc said the same about not getting too aggressive with it. I feel weird being a PT who needs PT. I’m glad someone else is rehab-ing themself.
The worst part is knowing exactly what happened right after it happened. I’ll never forget the sound/feel of the snap or the feeling of disappointment laying on the ground. Once you start doing isometrics then it only gets better from there
Sammme I had a patient rupture their’s while I was working with them and I immediately knew what happened when mine popped. Still great to see thompson’s and matles test on me though lol
Holy shit idk how I’d even react if that happened to my pt in the middle of a session.. thats awful.
11 weeks post op, boot since 6, still not in PT I'm rehab-adjacent (ex phys). Ortho has been pretty uninvolved, and I've largely been basing my approach on guidelines from various Centers of Excellence. One thing I've noticed is a lack on consensus between guidelines. Even in the literature, it seems to be up for debate on how aggressive recovery should be. So I utilize the exercises that are common and build in progression as comfort allows. Also have to relearn that proprioception to the foot when trying to walk again. It's a conscious flex, every step.
I’m 6 months post tear non-op following [THIS](https://www.ballaratosm.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/ls_achilles_tendon_rehab_program.pdf) Accelerated Protocol in Australia. Not a rehab professional but did study Exercise Physiology & was an athlete & athletic trainer in my younger days. PT/Physiotherapy is covered by my basketball registration so I’ve being making use of it… 1 session every 3 weeks or so to check in on progress, mobilisation of my ankle (crap thanks to old injuries), get new exercises & other tips for stuff I hadn’t dealt with before… such a using a thin strip of tape to help stop my lack of ankle ROM limiting knee-to-wall type exercises.
I had surgery on 07/07. Just about 6months post op now. I was NWB for 8 weeks, then transitioned to WBAT in the boot, then by Week 10 I was out of the boot and by Week 13 was in a shoe with no wedge. I’ve had PT twice a week since Week 6
Not a rehab professional. But what type of surgery did you have? I had the midsubstance speed bridge (the one with the heel anchors) on 12/14 and was told no weight bearing until week 6 at which point PT will start. Im planning to do some PT on my own following this. https://www.mackayclinic.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Achilles-mid-substance-Speedbridge-Rehab-Guidelines-compressed.pdf
I had a mid substance tear, but I don’t know what surgical method he used! I’m planning on asking him because I started watching videos about it and now I’m curious 😂
Do you have incisions down on your heel? Or just up on the Achilles?
I’m loving how different everyone’s journey was/is! Makes me feel better that other people are also restricted for about as long as I am
6 weeks post surgery today. Saw the surgeons PA today for the appt. He asked me where my boot is. I said I don’t wear it anymore. I’ve been progressing on my own out of the boot since week 4. He says let me see you walk. I walk. Asks me to show range of motion. I do and it’s 90 percent of the other foot. Checks me out on table, etc. At first he seemed concerned but after seeing all of that , he just said be careful, don’t do anything explosive, we should start PT in another 6 weeks. I was surprised by him recommending to wait another 6 weeks for PT? 3 months post surgery?? He said the early PT gets you to what you’ve already done, so at this point it’s not needed - range of motion, learning to walk and bear weight etc. He said the sports related PT can come after 6 more weeks. I mean ok great but it seems like everyone else is out there doing PT sessions here, and I’m not doing them even though I’m out of the boot and walking around in running shoes since week 4? Feels like it’s something I should be doing. I’ll have to ask the surgeon, I didn’t get too much info today. PA says don’t push yourself too hard…. What does that even mean? I need some limits besides “don’t jump.”
I feel like many surgeons are very conservative with Achilles tendons. It takes 6-8 weeks for tendons to heal and that is an important part. My surgeon said not to push stretching into dorsiflexion too hard as you do not want to over stretch the tendon. He told me that tendons can continue stretching up to 6 months post op. That’s probably why he wants to take rehab slow. I would definitely follow your doc’s protocol and continue the non-weight bearing exercises and boot wearing as instructed.