Achilles Tendonitis Physical Therapy
Relieve Pain and Let You Run and Jump with Full Force
OneEssential’s Achilles Tendonitis Physical Therapy services are tailored for Achilles tendon issues caused by overexertion or chronic inflammation, offering professional personalized treatments. Through shockwave therapy, acupuncture, and rehabilitation exercises, our physical therapists help alleviate pain and restore the normal function of the Achilles tendon. The treatment focuses on strengthening muscles and improving tendon elasticity, allowing you to exercise confidently and regain your performance after recovery.
What is Achilles Tendonitis?
The Achilles tendon is the longest and strongest tendon in the human body, connecting the calf muscles (gastrocnemius and soleus) to the heel bone, also known as the calcaneus. Achilles tendonitis, also referred to as Achilles tendinopathy, is an inflammatory response caused by overuse of the Achilles tendon. This inflammation can be accompanied by degenerative changes, meaning that if the inflammation is left untreated for an extended period, the Achilles tendon may become more fragile, making it more susceptible to pain and potentially evolving into chronic Achilles tendinopathy. This condition is particularly common among athletes and older individuals, as their Achilles tendons often endure greater stress or long-term wear and tear.
Among all sports, basketball has the highest incidence of Achilles tendon injuries. According to various studies, the incidence rate of Achilles tendon ruptures among basketball players is approximately 28.5 to 37 cases per 100,000 people annually. Additionally, other sports with higher rates of Achilles tendon injuries include soccer and racket sports (such as tennis and badminton).
Causes of Achilles Tendonitis
Achilles Tendonitis
- Sudden Increase in Exercise Volume: Abruptly increasing physical activity or exercise intensity (e.g., starting a new workout regimen).
- Chronic Overuse: Continuous high-impact activities, such as running or jumping.
Achilles Tendinopathy (Tendinopathy)
Achilles Tendon Rupture
- Chronic Overuse
- Age Factors: Achilles tendon ruptures are more common in adults aged 30 to 60 because, as age increases, the strength and elasticity of the Achilles tendon gradually decline, making it more prone to injury.
- Gender Differences: Males are more likely to experience Achilles tendon ruptures than females, with a ratio of approximately 2:1.
- Medication Effects: Certain medications (such as quinolone antibiotics and corticosteroids) may weaken the Achilles tendon, increasing the risk of rupture.
Common Symptoms of Achilles Tendonitis
- Persistent tightness in the calf muscles
- Pain, swelling, and warmth in the tendon area
- Calf to heel pain when walking or running
- Increased pain after exercise and upon waking
- Weakened calf strength, severe pain when standing on tiptoes
- Noticeable indentation and bruising at the site of Achilles tendon rupture
Distinguishing Acute Inflammation from Chronic Tendinopathy
Achilles tendonitis is usually caused by overexertion. Understanding the extent and type of tendon injury is essential for appropriate treatment. We aim to share some clinical knowledge here to help you better understand your underlying issues and trust our professional expertise.
Hear from Customers with Achilles Tendonitis
之前打排球斷左Achilles Tendon ，OneEssential嘅物理治療師好細心咁幫我跟進情況，做物理治療時有用到唔同方法去改善隻腳既問題，依家打波都越嚟越好
呢度啲物理治療師好有耐性去聽你遇到既問題，而且好樂意去解答你既提問。
之前患左jumper knee（跳躍膝），呢度既物理治療師不論由最開頭急性處理，再到復康運動，再到用正確嘅心態去處理傷患都非常專業。
當時患jumper knee，臏骨下既韌帶撕裂，開頭物理治療同我做急性處理；消炎，放鬆肌肉。後黎就開始煅練返下肢既基本肌力。到最後加入一啲return to sport既運動。全個階段都跟得好足，好專業。
感謝我既物理治療師💯
墨水唔多，不過絕對推介有傷患既朋友黎OneEssential!!!
On the recommendation of my coach, legendary trail-runner Stone Tsang, I went to Alan for my ankle and knee injuries. In our very first consultation, he quickly and accurately identified the causes of my pain: Achilles tendinitis in my left ankle and a ruptured Baker’s cyst in my right knee.
The combination of acupuncture and shockwave therapy was highly effective, and the exercises Alan prescribed were extremely helpful. Thanks to his treatment and guidance, more than 90% of my pain disappeared after only 3 sessions. I was able to start regular trail training with Stone sir 1.5 months later. Despite inadequate (less-than-2-months) training due to my earlier injuries, I still managed to complete a 100km ultra trail-running race (TNF100) just 3.5 months after finishing my physio sessions with Alan.
講解清楚 專業分析邊個位置出現問題
之後會針對問題做治療
做完治療仲有一系列嘅exercise示範 可以返屋企自己練習
試過幾次都好滿意
已介紹家人朋友!
Diagnosing Achilles Tendonitis
To effectively treat Achilles tendonitis, precise diagnosis and detailed examination are essential to identify the true cause and analyze the injury, thereby formulating an effective treatment plan. Physical therapists conduct professional examinations to understand the severity of the problem and provide personalized treatment plans tailored to each patient’s condition.
One-on-One Treatment for Achilles Tendonitis
We develop a series of physical therapy and rehabilitation plans based on the causes and types of your Achilles tendonitis, with all stages being followed up by professional physical therapists one-on-one. This ensures that the treatment effectively improves symptoms and addresses the root cause.
One-Stop Prevention of Achilles Tendonitis
Whether it's pain treatment for acute Achilles tendonitis, rehabilitation training for chronic tendinopathy, or high-intensity training in the later stages to prevent recurrence, OneEssential, with years of professional experience, provides comprehensive support.
Professional and Reliable
Through detailed clinical evaluations and consultations, we can differentiate the various stages and severity of inflammation and design targeted treatment plans based on scientifically supported explanations and guidelines. Rest assured to entrust your health to us; we are committed to helping you regain your athletic performance.
How Does OneEssential Treat Your Achilles Tendonitis?
Focused Shockwave Therapy
Using “electroacoustic shockwave” technology, stable high-energy shockwaves stimulate the inflamed areas of the Achilles tendon. This treatment targets both inflammation and degenerative tendons, promoting cellular repair and regeneration, and quickly alleviating pain.
Rehabilitation Exercises
Eccentric contractions are the most crucial elements in tendon rehabilitation exercises. This type of training can more effectively stimulate tendon growth. Physical therapists will adjust to your symptoms and injuries, starting with low-intensity exercises at appropriate times, helping you gradually increase tendon strength, and ultimately restore normal jumping ability.
High-Energy Laser Therapy
Laser therapy is commonly used to treat acute inflammation. It utilizes laser energy to stimulate cellular metabolism and accelerate the healing process. Typically combined with shockwave therapy, it helps reduce pain.
Acupuncture Therapy
Dry needling, also known as modern acupuncture, is one of the techniques physical therapists use to treat musculoskeletal pain. By inserting fine needles into the calf muscles to relieve tight discomfort, or directly into the inflamed Achilles tendon area, it stimulates local blood circulation and tissue healing.
Cure Achilles Tendonitis with the Best Physical Therapy
OneEssential’s team of physical therapists possesses extensive experience in treating Achilles tendonitis. Our clients include professional athletes. If, after reading this information, you have a deeper understanding of your Achilles tendon issues and wish to thoroughly resolve them, feel free to book our one-on-one consultation services to help you eliminate pain problems.
If you wish to have a preliminary consultation, please fill out the form below. Our physical therapists will assess your current condition and provide you with the most professional advice.
Frequently Asked Questions about Achilles Tendonitis
Both icing and heating are viable methods for symptom relief and can be chosen based on different symptoms. However, these methods only alleviate symptoms and do not improve tendon injuries.
Icing: If you experience unbearable pain and significant swelling after exercise, icing can temporarily constrict blood vessels and numb superficial nerves to achieve pain relief and reduce discomfort. It is recommended to ice for fifteen minutes and follow your physical therapist's guidance to control exercise volume.
Heating: Heating can promote blood circulation and relax tight surrounding muscles. It is recommended to soak your feet in hot water for twenty minutes.
Mild inflammation, if treated promptly with rest, usually heals within six to eight weeks. For more severe inflammation and tendinopathy, it often requires several months or even longer of training. Without controlling exercise volume and gradually strengthening the tendon, the problem can continue to worsen and will not "resolve inflammation" over time.
We recommend contacting OneEssential for a one-on-one consultation to thoroughly analyze your Achilles tendon injury and receive early treatment.
Usually, no. Although the underlying causes of Achilles tendon ruptures may involve tendinopathy, cases of Achilles tendon ruptures typically do not present with tendon pain beforehand, so patients do not notice any issues.
Conversely, once patients exhibit clinical symptoms of Achilles tendinopathy, such as pain, difficulty in exertion, and swelling, tendon ruptures are uncommon.
During the rehabilitation period, exercise volume needs to be strictly controlled. Initially, high-intensity activities that put excessive pressure on the Achilles tendon, such as running or jumping, should be avoided. However, this does not mean complete abstinence from exercise. Low-intensity activities, such as swimming or yoga, can help maintain body mobility without placing too much load on the Achilles tendon. Nevertheless, it is recommended to consult with your physical therapist to confirm which exercises are permissible during the treatment process.
Frequently Asked Questions about Achilles Tendonitis Physical Therapy
Certainly effective. OneEssential's physical therapists follow scientifically proven treatment and training methods to address tendon issues. They use various instruments and acupuncture to improve symptoms and guide you through different strengthening exercises at appropriate stages. Whether you are an athlete or not, encountering tendon problems requires proper training to cure the issue and prevent recurrence.
Elastic exercise tapes (Kinesio tape) are commonly used by physical therapists as a treatment method. However, current scientific findings indicate that these auxiliary tools have limited effects. Besides providing psychological confidence to patients, they may somewhat alleviate pain but cannot genuinely reduce the load on the tendon during exercise. In simple terms, tapes can improve some symptoms but cannot protect the tendon or prevent its deterioration.
OneEssential's physical therapy services charge $1,400 for the initial 60-minute consultation, which includes all examinations and treatments without any additional fees.
The service is entirely handled by registered physical therapists, including clinical examinations and rehabilitation training. Treatments for Achilles tendonitis include manual therapy, acupuncture, shockwave therapy, etc., and will be adjusted based on each consultation and examination result.