Achilles Rupture Rehab - Calf Muscle Atrophy and Strength Loss | Tim Keeley | Physio REHAB
Channel: Physio Fitness | Physio REHAB | Tim Keeley
Date: 2021-10-15

#achilles #achillestendon #achillesrupture

*APOLOGIES FOR THE SOUND DISPRUTION ON THE MICROPHONE!*

The long journey of Achilles rehab following rupture or surgery is a tough one to say the least and most of you will discover the lack of strength the calf and the inability to stand up on your toes on one leg (do a calf raise on one leg). You're not alone.  

The calf - namely the gastroc and the soleus, atrophy pretty quick and although you bring back the TONE, the bulk fades off quite significantly - as you can see here with my patient. This lack of muscle bulk and overall power strength makes it very hard for your body and your brain to do a calf raise.

The key is perseverance. It WILL happen - you just need to trust the process and be consistent and progressive wherever you can in getting to do the calf raise. This HAS to happen before you return to running, no matter how long its been after surgery. 

Aim for double leg raises with weight, on and off a step, hops, trampoline hops and then progress from a 'percentage calf raise' (meaning 75% injured and 25% non-injured), progressing through to eccentric calf raise, then off a step, then single leg calf raise on the floor, then off a step, then off a step with weight.

Good luck!




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