The 3 key stages for Achilles Tendinopathy exercises

 In Tendon Conditions

achilles tendinopathy

Achilles Tendinopathies

Achilles tendon injuries are one of the most common running injuries.

Common tendon injuries can include tendinopathies (insertional and mid-portion) and partial thickness tears. Other diagnosis can co-exist and can include: retrocalcaneal bursitis, Kager’s fat pad, and paratenonitis.

For more information about what a tendinopathy is and the different stages of tendinopathy click HERE>>

The two regions of achilles tendinopathy

When it comes to managing tendinopathies of the achilles tendon, there are two types: insertional, and mid-portion.

  1. Insertional tendon pain occurs at the interface of where the achilles tendon inserts into the heel bone (calcaneus). This type of tendon condition is ‘technically’ an ‘enthesopathy’. An enthesopathy is where there is  irritation of the tendon at the enthesis, which is the region where tendon fibres become contiguous with bone cells.
  2. Mid-portion achilles tendon pain is experienced by runners in the ‘mid-portion’ of their achilles tendon. Tendon pain in this region can be one-sided (ie the inside or outside border of the tendon), or over the belly of the tendon itself.

Here is a good image of the above regions of tendinopathy

Management of Achilles tendon injuries

You Can Run Pain Free Revised EditionWhile management for mid-portion and insertional achilles tendinopathies is typically different, when it comes to the initial rehabilitation exercises required to commence rehabilitation, there can exist some overlap in the prescription of exercises.

For many runners suffering from either insertional or mid portion achilles tendinopathies, if they were equipped with the knowledge of the following key three exercises, it would allow them to make a sound start to rehabilitation. The sound start then provides the ‘launch pad’ for an effective and time sensitive rehabilitation program.

Beyond these exercises further targeted prescription of exercises will be generally required. These further exercises sit outside the scope of this blog post, which is aimed at giving runners the necessary tools to for achilles tendon rehabilitation.

Beyond exercise for achilles tendinopathy

While it is extremely important to be doing the correct exercises for achilles tendon rehabilitation, exercise prescription is not the sole treatment for achilles tendon pain. Manual therapy for initial pain management may be important, as are the appropriate addressing of contributing factors such as running training programming, attempting to minimise training errors, and selecting appropriate running footwear.

Read more about how to address common running injury contributory factors in You CAN Run Pain Free>>

The three key stages of achilles tendinopathy exercises

The below graph indicates the 3 key exercise stages that a runner must progress through in order to rehabilitate an achilles tendinopathy.

The key aim of tendinopathy treatment is to improve the energy storage capacity of the tendon. That is the ability for the tendon and associated muscle to do work and manage load, essentially acting like a ‘spring’ in storing and then releasing energy.

Keep in mind that the key concept of tendinopathy treatment is to improve the energy storage capacity of the tendon. #performbetter @pogophysio Click To Tweet

1. Isometric loading: achilles tendon holds

Management of achilles tendinopathies and tendon pain in general has changed a lot in recent years. One significant change is the emergence of isometric tendon loading as a mainstay of tendinopathy treatment. Isometric tendon loading has been found to have pain relieving effects on tendons, while simultaneously maintaining some baseline strength. Click HERE>> to learn more.

For this reason I often refer to isometric exercise as ‘medicine’ for sore and reactive achilles tendons. It is a paramount exercise to begin with for achilles tendinoapthies.

Depending on symptoms and tendon irritability these can be performed with either double legs or a single leg. For highly irritable (reactive) achilles tendons double leg holds, of often shorter duration, and less repetitions may be performed. The position of the isometric hold can either be mid or end of range (ie right up on the toes, or half way up).

Instructions:

  • These are performed for 45 seconds and repeated 5 times.
  • I suggest a 15-30 second recovery in between each repetition.
  • Take 15-30 seconds between reps.
  • This can then be repeated up to 3-4 times per day.
  • In highly reactive tendons I may prescribe these isometric holds every hour.

2. Isotonic loading: calf raises

These exercises can be commenced once a runner’s pain level and the tendon’s irritability has reduced. There are no ‘hard and fast’ rules for when to start a runner on isotonic loading for the rehabilitation of achilles tendinopathy. I tend to commence runners on graduated isotonic loading once they have approximately less than 5/10 pain (or tolerable and acceptable pain to the runner) on repeated single leg calf raises, their reported morning tendon stiffness has reduced.

The chief aim of isotonic exercise is to develop strength in the tendon and the associated muscle. #performbetter @pogophysio Click To Tweet

The chief aim of isotonic exercise is to develop strength in the tendon and the associated muscle. In the case of the achilles tendon, this is the strength of the soleous and gastrocnemius muscles which join together to form the achilles tendon.

Recurring loading, such as when walking or running does not induce enough adaptation of the tendon matrix, nor the work capacity of the muscle tendon unit. Hence heavier loads are required with the commencement of isotonic loaded exercise.

Isotonic calf raises should be performed at the mid-range of the muscle’s movement. The benefit of performing this exercise in the mid-range, is that it will avoid the compression of the tendon at end of range that can occur with exercising with heavier loads. For example at the very end range of ankle plantar flexion (toes pointed), or dorsiflexion (think letting the heel drop off the edge of a step) the achilles tendon is subject to compressive loads against the heel bone (calcaneum) which can be potentially irritating and pain producing.

Instructions:

  • While taking a ‘one size fits all’ approach to the prescribing of these exercises has its limitations, I generally prescribe 3x 8reps for all runners to begin with. Variations of this prescription of reps and sets can be prescribed for specific sports, activity, or individual requirements.
  • Take 2mins recovery between sets.
  • The repetitions should be performed slowly (3-6 seconds per repetition). Start with 3s repetitions and build to 6s repetitions.
  • Typically these exercises will be performed 2-3 x week, or every second day.
  • Completion of these exercises typically will require gym access. I often coach runners that while you can get so far being ‘creative’ with loading at home (eg dumbells, sand-bags, children!), getting into a stable Smith rack in a gym/strength and conditioning facility is the gold standard.
  • Perform at mid range.
  • Weight/load wise I suggest starting at 10-15% of your body weight. For example a 70kg runner would commence with 7-10kgs. Runners are often surprised at how challenging this is!
  • To progress incrementally add weight each week eg 2-5kgs per week.
  • The ultimate target for strength is to be able to complete 8 reps taking 6 seconds per rep, pushing 0.4-0.5 times body weight. For example for a 70kg runner, this would be 28-35kgs.
  • Gradually increase the load with the repetitions while closely monitoring pain, in particular the pain and stiffness on getting out of bed the following morning. A sudden flare in symptoms may indicate that the weight used was too heavy. It’s important to increase the loads incrementally/
  • The key here is that over a period of weeks and months the load needs to be heavy. Heavy slow resistance (HSR) exercise creates adaptation in the tendon matrix, crucial for effective tendon rehabilitation.

Note: These exercises can be done seated if the tendon is highly irritable. Seated isotonic calf raises can serve as a stepping stone to doing the exercise in standing.

Seated calf isotonics

Note with isotonic calf raises be sure to avoid these common mistakes:

  • performing their repetitions too quickly. Each repetition will ideally be 3-6 seconds in length. The benefit of slowing the repetitions down is that the tendon is under tension for longer, increasing the likelihood of greater tendon adaptation to the exercise.  Performing the raises off a step edge. The problem here can be compression of the tendon at end of range with the heavier loads. It is also very difficult to stabilise the body enough with the loads required for this exercise to induce the required tendon matrix change.
  • Don’t go heavy enough with the weight. Some runners are afraid of pushing the heavier loads, some runners cite a fear that they may ‘tear’ a calf while pushing heavier loads. I coach these concerned runners that they have a greater likelihood of suffering a calf strain if they do not lift the heavier resistance than by performing the exercise itself.

Remember that muscle strength changes will take time: typically 6-8 weeks, so don’t expect significant ‘overnight’ progress.

3. Energy Storage loading: plyometric exercises

A crucial last stage of rehabilitation is the commencement and execution of what I term ‘energy storage’ tendon exercises. These exercises involve deformation of the tendon with jumping and hopping based exercises. These exercises assist the tendon to regain its capacity to absorb and then release energy via the stretch shorten cycle, that occurs when a runner lands and then pushes off at toe-off.

A crucial last stage of rehabilitation is the commencement and execution of what I term ‘energy storage’ tendon exercises. #performbetter @pogophysio Click To Tweet

As a guide I will generally commence runners on these exercises when the runner is reporting minimal or markedly reduced morning stiffness in the achilles tendon on waking. In addition other criteria for commencing a runner on energy storage exercises include: when the runner has been progressing well with isotonic calf raise exercises, has very mild tenderness on palpation of the achilles tendon, and has been tolerating some running without a flare in tendon irritability and symptoms.

  • For example increasing time under tension during heavy slow loading may increase strain on the tendon and result in greater adaptation, however increasing speed will be more likely to improve power and prepare for activities involving the Stretch Shortening Cycle

To begin with I will have runners complete the double leg hop protocol  as outlined by Malliaris(1).

Instructions:

  • Aim to complete 3x week.
  • Do the following:DL=double leg
  1. DL 3x  60 jumps
  2. DL 3 x 30 stiff knee
  3. DL fwd/bwds 10 x 3
  4. DL side/side 10 x3
  • build the 3 sets gradually (ie add 1 set per session) based on tolerance, or as a guide each week progress to include the next level. Eg week 1 DL 3x 60 jumps, then week 2 add DL 3×30 stiff knee jumps etc
  • If you have a flare with your symptoms but you recover by the next session then continue same load. However if you have a  flare in symptoms and are not recovered by the time of the next session regress to the previous level, or rest, and try again in 1-2 days.
  • Shoes can be added in to achieve load tolerance (ie shoes will take load off the achilles tendon).

Runners can then progress to the single leg jump protocol, also designed by Malliaris.

Instructions:

  • Aim to complete 3x week.
  • Notes: build the 3 sets gradually (ie add 1 set per session) based on tolerance
  • If you experience a flare but recover by next session then continue same load.
  • If you experience a flare and are not recovered, regress or stop.
  • Shoes can be added in to achieve load tolerance.
  • Do the following:SL=single leg
  1. SL 3 x 60 hops
  2. SL 3 x 30 stiff leg hops (note there will still need to be some bend in the knee, but just not as much as (a)
  3. SL 3 x 30 forward/backwards hops
  4. SL 3 x 10 side hops
  5. SL 3 x 5 zig zag hops
  6. Add speed when familiar with above program
  7. SL 3 x 10 hop on 20cm box + speed
  8. SL 3 x 10 hopping for height (ie bounds for maximal power-increases rate of force development)

For more advanced energy storage exercise runners can try:

  1. Single leg step jump ups

Instructions:

  • Have a step in front of you
  • Standing on one leg hop up onto the step and back down maintaining balance
  • Aim to keep light and quick on your feet
  1. the ‘hopskotch’ with an activation band.

Instructions:

  • Put activation band around the ankles
  • Start with 4 x 15 seconds
  • Over weeks progress to 4 x30 seconds, followed by 4 x 1 minute.

http://bjsm.bmj.com/content/41/4/276.short?utm_source=TrendMD&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=BJSM_TrendMD-0

Increasing speed with these exercises will be more likely to develop power and therefore better simulate the action of running.

Closing Thought: time for recovery

It should be noted that achilles tendinopathy rehabilitation whether for a reactive or degenerative tendon needs to be astutely managed. Tendon rehabilitation is far from ‘straightforward’. Tendon adaptation to the loads outlined above will take time.

Adequate recovery time needs to be allowed between rehabilitation exercise sessions to allow for the tendon matrix undergoing net protein (collagen-tendon building block) degradation in the 24-36 hours following the strength exercise session. See below.

Anchilles Tendinopathy exercises

Reproduced from Magnusson et al. (2010) here.

If you are suffering from achilles tendon pain be sure to seek out the assistance of a sports physiotherapist to help you navigate the rehabilitation stages.

The above is a guide only, and does not take into account individual considerations.

For further help please refer to the below resources

  1. How to rehabilitate a tendinopathy: Phase 1 (reducing symptoms & pain) HERE>>

  1. Listen to tendon expert physiotherapist and researcher Associate Professor Dr Peter Malliaras discuss the rehabilitation of tendon injuries on Episode 62 of The Physical Performance Show podcast HERE>>

Dr Peter Malliaras Dr Peter Malliaras Dr Peter Malliaras

For further insights into tendon rehabilitation click through for:

If you have any questions or comments please leave them below.

Physio With A Finish Line,

Brad Beer physiotherapist gold coast

Brad Beer (APAM)

APA Sports & Exercise Physiotherapist
Author ‘You CAN Run Pain Free!’ Running & Jogging Bestseller
Founder POGO Physio

Featured in the Top 50 Physical Therapy Blog

References

  1. Mastering Lower Limb Tendinopathies Workshop: Peter Malliaris, October 2016.

pain free performance Gold Coast physio

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Showing 36 comments
  • greg davis
    Reply

    Hi Brad,

    Are the isotonic exercises recommended for insertional achilles tendonopathy (what I have) and why use the board as pictured in the video if the foot should not drop below the horizontal plane?

    Thanks, Greg

  • Brian
    Reply

    Hi Brad,
    I’ve read in other places (possibly on https://runnersconnect.net but I can’t find the article now) that it’s OK to run during recovery so long as pain during running doesn’t go above 3/10, above 5/10 the morning after, and doesn’t get worse week on week. What are your thoughts?

  • Brian
    Reply

    Hi Brad,
    I’ve read in other places (possibly on https://runnersconnect.net but I can’t find the article now) that it’s OK to run during recovery so long as pain during running doesn’t go above 3/10, above 5/10 the morning after, and doesn’t get worse week on week. What are your thoughts?

  • Sports Injury treatment
    Reply

    Thank you very much.

    • Brad Beer
      Reply

      Our pleasure.

      Thanks for your support.

      Regards Brad Beer

  • Brian
    Reply

    Thanks Brad, that podcast was very informative!

    • Brad Beer
      Reply

      I’m pleased it was useful-there certainly is lots of great take-aways in the episode.

      Regards Brad Beer

  • Jack
    Reply

    Hi Brad – I have Achilles Insertional Calcific Tendinopathy. Will these exercises still help in cases where there is calcification?

    • Brad Beer
      Reply

      Hi Jack,

      Thank you for your comment. Yes these are still useful for calcific insertional tendinopathy. Just leave out the eccentric component (dropping off bit of wood in smith rack etc). Also suggest listening to Ep 62 of the podcast I host that I did with Dr Peter Malliaras on how to get on top of tendon pathology: HERE>> Episode 62 The Physical Performance Show to help guide you further. If you get stuck let me know-can offer SKYPE consults.

      All the best -Brad Beer

  • Chris
    Reply

    Hi Brad, do you recommend that you don’t progress to the energy storage exercises until you can perform 3 x sets of 8 at 40-50% of your body weight? When you do start the jumping/hopping etc do the loaded calf raise exercises then stop? Many thanks Chris Sherer

    • Brad Beer
      Reply

      Hi Chris,

      I like to start energy storage work early in rehab-just gentle eg calf springs against wall.

      But yes as several weeks into isotonics loaded (up to 0.3-0.4x BW) than def want some energy storage activities.

      Trail starting with double leg hops> double leg-single leg landing FWD jumps> single leg hops etc

      Hope this helps.

      Regards Brad Beer

      • Chris Sherer
        Reply

        Hi Brad, do you perform the energy storage techniques together with the strength training in the same session? or do them on different days? Thanks

        • Brad Beer
          Reply

          Hi Chris,

          Thank you for your question.

          You can do plyometric.energy storage exercises on same day as strength training-ie during the session.

          This can be basic single leg jumps> full box jump ups and downs.

          Suggest tuning into Expert podcast edition with Richard Blagrove for more info HERE>>

          Regards Brad Beer
          Sports & Exercise Physiotherapist

  • Gary
    Reply

    Dear Mr Beer,
    Any advice how to differentiate diagnosis between insertional achilles tendiopathy and retrocalcaneal bursitis? Symptoms are the same, how about treatment? Would you recommend the three step program for bursitis?
    Gary

    • Brad Beer
      Reply

      Hi Gary,

      Thank you for your query.

      Bursitis and tendinopathy can co-exist, aside from imaging (eg ultrasound or MRI) you can look for point tenderness on the achilles tendon itself, as opposed to lateral to the edge of the tendon proper when palpating.

      Treatment wise > good quality anti inflammatory can help both> isometrics > isotonics etc can help tendon, but won’t help the bursa-ony medication and deloading will.

      Hope this helps.

      Regards Brad Beer

  • Sam
    Reply

    Hi Brad,

    When progressing to isotonic raises, should I continue to do isometric raises in between sessions?

    Thanks,
    Sam

    • Brad Beer
      Reply

      Hi Sam,

      Yes they are not mutually exclusive -but as isotonics start can pull back on isometrics to eg a few times per week if still quite symptomatic (there are no recipes!)

      Be sure to tune into the Dr Peter Malliaras podcast for more insight into the treatment of tendon pathologies HERE>>

      Regards Brad Beer

  • Glen
    Reply

    I’m an avid hiker, not a runner and have been struggling with insertional achilles tendinitis on one side. I tried some PT and heel lifts without much success. Since progressing through this regimen, it’s improved greatly. I now do the energy storage exercises twice a week and it seems to keep things in check. I also wear a night splint 4-5x a week and I think that helps a bit too. Thank you for posting this!

    • Brad Beer
      Reply

      Hi Glen,

      Thank you for your comments.

      That’s wonderful that you are on top of your achilles tendinopathy.

      If you are yet to listen to Peter Malliaras share on the podcast, be sure to tune in HERE>>

      Regards Brad Beer

  • Adrian
    Reply

    Hi Brad,
    Thanks a lot for this article.
    When you prescribe a weight around 10 to 15% of BW for isotonic exercises, is this amount of weight intended for a single leg or double legged execution ?
    Should i double the amount of recommended weight for the two leg version?
    Thank you.

    • Brad Beer
      Reply

      Thanks Adrian,

      The key is to load the tendon heavily to elicit adaptation of the achilles tendon.

      For isotonic calf raises (eg standing smith rack raises) I suggest you build up to 0.3-0.4 x your body weight, aiming for good controlled movement (ie 2-3s up, 2-3s down) single leg.

      For seated calf raises over time the aim is to build up to 1.5 x body weight (in smith rack).

      Hope this helps!

      Brad

  • Adrian
    Reply

    Hi Brad,

    When progressing to isotonic raises, when you suggest:

    “-Starting at 10-15% of your body weight, and to progress incrementally adding weight each week eg 2-5kgs per week.

    -The ultimate target for strength is to be able to complete 8 reps taking 6 seconds per rep, pushing 0.4-0.5 times body weight. For example for a 70kg runner, this would be 28-35kgs.”

    Are these suggestions in weight intended for a single leg calf rise or should it be doubled if I do the double legged version ?

    Thanks,
    Adrian.

  • Emily
    Reply

    Would you recommend massaging the tendon area?

    • Brad Beer
      Reply

      No best to not massage the tendon at all.

      Be sure to work on the exercise loading: isometrics, isotonics, ebergy storage.

      Any questions please ask.

      Brad Beer

  • Rehab
    Reply

    The key is to load the tendon heavily to elicit adaptation of the achilles tendon.

    For isotonic calf raises (eg standing smith rack raises) I suggest you build up to 0.3-0.4 x your body weight, aiming for good controlled movement (ie 2-3s up, 2-3s down) single leg.

    For seated calf raises over time the aim is to build up to 1.5 x body weight (in smith rack).

    Hope this helps!

    Brad

  • Ann
    Reply

    Hi Brad,
    I’m getting over Achilles tendonitis: I had a lot of success with getting rid of the persistent crepitus after being on a Medrol dose pack (almost totally totally gone after 48 hours on the meds), and then I took an extra week off as directed after finishing the Medrol dose pack.

    Question: before I started the anti-inflammatories, I had been trying isometric heel drops to no success. These actually made my Achilles WAYYY “creakier” feeling. I’m now in my second week back of running (very low miles — about 12 last week, 16-17 this week). I have no pain when running, but I’ve noticed just a wee little bit of that creaky feeling when moving that ankle around (doing activities like yoga). This is far far less than what it was, but it’s still there just a little tiny bit. This makes me a little nervous — at what point do I start trying any sort of strength exercises again? (background: I’m an elite runner, 2:48 marathoner, usually get to max of mid-50 mile weeks in my marathon buildup.) Are the isometric holds safe to do? Or, should I avoid those and try some band work (wrap foot with band, press foot away from torso)? Any advice would be great! I just don’t want this thing to come back at me! Right now I’ve been using a prescription anti-inflammatory gel twice a day with “flossing” as directed by my doctor.

    Thanks!
    ~Ann

    • Brad Beer
      Reply

      Hi Ann,

      Thanks for your comment/query.

      Re your Qs: I would suggest reading this and getting into isometric holds 5x45s straight away and also starting gym based calf work and soleous (seated) work asap. Blog HERE>>

      Yes isometrics are safe to do.

      If ‘flossing means’ flexing your foot up and down stop that -that could irritate your heel.

      Take a listen HERE>> (podcast w tendon specialist ) also.

      Brad Beer
      Sports & Exercise Physiotherapist

  • Reply

    The information shared will be very beneficial for the visitors of the blog and interested in the subject. It’s like a helpful piece of information. You made some decent points there. Thanks for sharing.

  • Bjørn
    Reply

    This article and your comments are extremely valuable. Thank you. I have been reading a lot about Achilles tendinopathy, and done many mistakes, but finally got some real progress following this approach. I am now about to “graduate” from the program, doing the advanced energy storage activities and running easy about 45 mins every second day. I am scared about re-starting interval training though, as I fell this easily could lead to a large set back. Do you have any advise or resources for the transition back to normal training? (I am a 2:30 marathoner, used to run 2 times a day prior to injury)

    • Julian Tubman
      Reply

      Hi Bjorn, great to hear that you’re back running and have made good progress.
      Here are a few tips that may help:
      – Start off incorporating a few strides into easy paced runs
      – Introduce faster 3-5 minute tempo paced blocks into easy paced runs
      – Add in longer intervals (approx 3 minutes) followed by walking recovery.
      – It may sound obvious but ensure that you have easy runs or rest days following faster speed sessions/intense energy storage, and more importantly listen to your body.
      – Perform speed work on track or a firmer surface rather than grass to start with to reduce Achilles tendon length excursion
      – Gradually build on the length and speed of intervals whilst continuing to perform heavy resistance training.
      Here is a blog that you may find helpful:
      https://www.pogophysio.com.au/blog/how-to-return-to-high-speed-running-after-injury/
      Hope it all helps
      Julian

  • James Bailey
    Reply

    Love your podcast, unfortunately cannot get back to Episode #62 anymore, I’ll do some digging. I’m 45 had a very bad Achilles flare-up about 4 years ago and been really struggling with it ever since, very frustrating. Thanks for the insights.

    • Julian Tubman
      Reply

      Thanks for the feedback James, hopefully this blog helps with your rehab. Good luck!

  • Bee
    Reply

    Thanks for the breakdown of stages, this has really given me an idea of what to look out for. One question I have is when does one typically start the weight training? I did one leg raises/hold for about a month and got up to about 45-50 seconds by the end of five weeks. I had Achilles tendonitis for about a year now and recently went back into running (I do cross country) completing 2-3 mile runs for almost 30 minutes 3 times a week, which caused some flare-ups. I plan to cut down my run by a lot and get started back on the heel rasing that I slowed down on, starting on two legs (standing on one for me feels a bit stiff…not painful, but stiff). When would be the best time one would start incorporating weights?

    • Julian Tubman
      Reply

      Glad you found this helpful Bee. There are no clear cut rules on when to start weight training, however, if your tendon pain has settled well with isometrics and is <4/10 or 'mild' with a single leg heel raise, and morning stiffness has reduced, you should be able to commence weighted calf exercises.

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  • […] afflict distance runners who were in training, behind tibial stress syndrome (shin splints), and Achilles tendinopathy. Amongst runners, the incidence* of plantar fasciitis ranged from 4.5 to 10%, while the […]

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