Therapeutic goals
Reduction of pain and inflammatory phenomena.
Improvement of the flexibility of the triceps surae muscle-tendon complex.
Progressive strengthening of the triceps surae.
Recovery of weight-bearing and push-off function.
Correction of contributing biomechanical factors.
Prevention of recurrence and a gradual return to sport.
Techniques used
Massage therapy and myofascial release of the triceps surae (gastrocnemius and soleus). Soft tissue mobilisation of the Achilles tendon.
Progressive stretching of the triceps surae (gastrocnemius and soleus). Ankle mobility work, particularly in dorsiflexion. Additional stretching of the posterior chain of the lower limb.
Eccentric Achilles tendon training (Alfredson protocol). Double-leg then single-leg heel raises. Strengthening of the ankle stabiliser muscles (tibialis posterior, fibularis muscles). Work on the intrinsic foot muscles.
Single-leg balance exercises. Work on wobble boards or proprioceptive cushions. Retraining of ankle stability and weight-bearing control.
Gradual return to brisk walking, then to running. Work on push-off and the running cycle. Advice on warming up and stretching, and adjustment of training loads.
Exercise programme
- Eccentric training following the Alfredson protocol (3×15 heel drops, twice a day)
- Calf raises on both legs, then on one leg
- Controlled eccentric lowering on a step
- Single-leg balance exercises
- Wobble board work
Protocol details
Injury related to this protocol
Ce protocole de rééducation est spécifiquement conçu pour la prise en charge de achilles tendinopathy.
Similar protocols
Plantar fasciopathy
Plantar fasciopathy. Functional rehabilitation of the foot and ankle, addressing the associated biomechanical factors.
Peroneal tendinopathy
Peroneal (fibularis) tendinopathy (peroneus longus and brevis). Functional rehabilitation of the ankle and foot, addressing…
Anterior ankle impingement
Anterior ankle impingement syndrome (anterior ankle impingement). Functional ankle rehabilitation, addressing the associated biomechanical and…