Athletes involved in such sports as soccer, football, dance, tennis and basketball have a high likelihood of suffering from Achilles tendinitis and rupture. Athletes are not the only group that suffers from this sports injury. Research will show that age, poor nutrition, anemia and peripheral vascular disease result in substandard circulation further predisposing the Achilles tendon to injury. Through shadowing both the nonoperative and operative treatments will be discussed and further elaborated on.
Physical therapy plays an important role in returning the injured back on their Achilles.
Typically, a program of aggressive stretching to decrease fibrosis and an aggressive exercise regiment help the injured in treating the injury. Physical therapy objectives are used to decrease inflammation and promote healing. Experience will include the many facets of physical therapy, including nonoperative and operative preparation and follow up.