A torn Achilles tendon is a common injury, whether you’re an athlete or just regularly exercising, often requiring surgical intervention to repair. The Achilles tendon, a strong band of tissue connecting the calf muscles to the heel bone, plays a pivotal role in mobility, balance, and overall movement. While Achilles repair surgery is an effective solution, it is just the beginning of the recovery journey. Enter physical therapy, a crucial companion to pre- and post-surgery phases. Our team at EW Motion Therapy is well acquainted with the needs and goals of someone with an Achilles injury, and we can tailor your treatment plan with sport-specific programming to help you return to your favorite activities. Our physical therapy might not suit you, but you can read on as we delve into:
- The significance of physical therapy before and after an Achilles repair
- The functions of the Achilles tendon
- Why these injuries are so common
- A typical recovery timeline for an Achilles repair
The Achilles tendon: A silent hero in mobility
The Achilles tendon is a formidable bridge between the calf muscles (the gastrocnemius and soleus muscles) and the heel bone (the calcaneus). This mighty tendon facilitates essential actions that many take for granted, including walking, running, jumping, and even standing on tiptoes. Here's how it works:
- Propulsion: When you push off the ground while walking or running, the Achilles tendon stores energy as it stretches. This stored energy is released like a spring, propelling your body forward.
- Balance: The Achilles tendon aids in maintaining stability and balance, preventing excessive ankle joint movement and allowing controlled movement during various activities.
- Dorsiflexion and plantarflexion: These terms might sound complex, but they describe simple movements: dorsiflexion brings your toes closer to your shin, while plantarflexion involves pointing your toes downward. The Achilles tendon plays a central role in these movements.
The common culprit: why Achilles injuries happen
Achilles injuries are too common, especially among athletes and physically active individuals. The reasons behind this prevalence are multifaceted:
- Overuse: Repetitive stress on the Achilles tendon without proper rest can lead to microtears, inflammation, and, eventually, a partial or complete tear.
- Sudden increases in intensity: Rapidly escalating the power of physical activities or sports, such as sprinting or jumping, can strain the Achilles tendon beyond its capacity.
- Age and degeneration: As we age, the blood supply to the Achilles tendon decreases, making it more susceptible to injury. Deterioration of the tendon's collagen fibers can weaken its structure.
- Improper footwear: Ill-fitting shoes or inadequate support can contribute to abnormal stress on the Achilles tendon during movement.
Physical therapy in pre-surgery preparation
Before undergoing Achilles repair surgery, engaging in a well-structured physical therapy program is crucial for multiple reasons:
- Optimizing strength: Physical therapists design exercises to strengthen the muscles around the Achilles tendon, providing better support to the injured area.
- Range of motion: Gentle stretching exercises help maintain or restore the flexibility of the calf muscles and Achilles tendon, which is essential for a successful post-surgery recovery.
- Pain management: Physical therapists employ various techniques to manage pain and reduce inflammation, which can improve the overall condition of the tendon before surgery.
- Educating patients: Patients receive guidance on proper movement patterns, body mechanics, and avoiding activities, helping prevent further damage before the surgical intervention.
Post-op physical therapy: the key to restoring function
Once the Achilles repair surgery is completed, the journey towards full recovery continues with intensive post-surgery physical therapy:
- Protecting the repair: In the initial stages of recovery, the repaired tendon needs protection. Physical therapists teach patients how to move safely using crutches or braces.
- Gradual weight-bearing: As healing progresses, controlled weight-bearing is introduced, promoting the development of scar tissue along the repaired tendon.
- Restoring range of motion: Physical therapists guide patients through gentle exercises that gradually restore the range of motion of the ankle joint without putting excessive stress on the healing tendon.
- Progressive strengthening: Strengthening exercises are gradually intensified to rebuild the strength of the calf muscles and the Achilles tendon.
- Functional training: Patients engage in activities that mimic their daily routines, ensuring the tendon heals to support standard movement patterns.
- Addressing gait issues: Physical therapists analyze walking patterns and correct any abnormal movements that may have developed due to the injury.
- Return to sport: Your physical therapist’s ultimate goal is to help you return to the sport you were playing before your injury, whether you play football, basketball, or soccer. They can implement sport-specific exercises to help your body relearn how to adapt to the strain of your sport.
Recovery timeline after Achilles repair surgery
Recovering from Achilles repair surgery is a step-by-step process that requires patience and adherence to a well-structured rehabilitation plan. While each individual's journey is unique, here's a condensed overview of the typical recovery timeline:
Weeks 1-2: The initial phase
- Limited weight-bearing using crutches or a brace.
- Gentle range-of-motion exercises and initial weight-shifting activities.
Weeks 3-6: Transition and healing
- Transition from crutches to walking boots or brace.
- Increased weight-bearing and controlled range-of-motion exercises.
- Introduction of low-impact aerobic exercises and dynamic stretches.
Weeks 6-12: Strengthening and mobility
- Intensified strengthening exercises targeting calf muscles and Achilles tendon.
- Controlled impact activities like pool-based exercises.
- Gradual return to regular shoes and everyday activities.
Months 3-6: Gradual return to normalcy
- Controlled jogging and running under the therapist's guidance.
- Introduction of high-impact activities like jumping and sprinting.
- Focus on achieving full strength, flexibility, and mobility.
Beyond six months: Long-term progress
- Continued commitment to strengthening and flexibility exercises.
- Open communication with medical professionals regarding progress.
Achilles repair surgery recovery spans several months, progressing from protective measures to regaining full strength and mobility. Adhering to the rehabilitation plan and seeking guidance from medical experts is critical to a successful recovery. Each step brings you closer to resuming your active lifestyle.
Surgery and physical therapy: enhanced results
The synergy between Achilles repair surgery and physical therapy yields numerous benefits for patients:
- Faster recovery: Properly guided physical therapy accelerates healing, enabling patients to regain functionality sooner.
- Reduced risk of complications: Physical therapy minimizes the risk of post-surgery complications such as scar tissue buildup, stiffness, and abnormal gait patterns.
- Functional restoration: Through targeted exercises, patients regain the ability to perform everyday tasks and participate in physical activities they enjoy.
- Long-term prevention: Learning proper movement mechanics and strengthening strategies reduces the likelihood of future Achilles injuries.
In treating Achilles injuries, the harmony between surgical repair and physical therapy is pivotal in restoring optimal function and movement. The Achilles tendon's significance in mobility cannot be understated, and its vulnerability to injury demands a comprehensive approach to treatment. Physical therapy proves its worth in the recovery journey from pre-surgery preparation that readies the body for intervention to post-surgery rehabilitation that nurtures healing. Our team at EW Motion Therapy can help you maintain mobility before your surgery and give you the tools to return to your sport after surgery. If you are curious about what else physical therapy can do for you, click the button below to download our answers to 20 frequently asked questions.
