07/17/2026
Injuries are a tough reality in sports, and while we all wish to avoid them, they do happen. When you're competing at a high level, there's always a risk. Achilles injuries can be particularly challenging—painful and requiring a long recovery—but thankfully, most aren't career-ending.
So, what does rehab for an Achilles repair look like?
In the first phase (weeks 0-4), we focus on protecting the repair while strengthening the rest of the body. During this time, we minimize swelling with ice and elevate the leg in a boot. To build strength without putting strain on the ankle, we may use blood flow restriction techniques. We typically start with non-weight bearing in the boot and then shift to weight-bearing as tolerated by week 2.
As we move to the next phase (weeks 4-8), it's all about normalizing your walking. At week 4, you'll start walking with crutches in a boot, using heel wedges to help offload the tendon. Each week, we'll gradually reduce those wedges until you’re walking normally by week 8. Gentle calf isometrics may begin around this time.
From months 3 to 5, we dive into building strength. This involves calf strengthening through seated heel raises and eventually moving to standing heel raises and single-leg raises. We'll also work on walking endurance and integrate the ankle into lower body workouts. You might even start doing some throwing exercises during this phase.
In months 6 to 8, it's time to step up your training. We'll incorporate plyometrics and focus on building power in the ankle. You'll also start working on positional drills at sub-max effort, making your training look more like what it did before the injury.
Finally, from month 9 to 12, we’ll gear up for a return to your sport. You'll practice regularly and simulate game scenarios as much as possible. We're back to strength training like before, participating in team drills, and preparing for the big return to games.
If you or someone you know is facing an Achilles injury and needs support in recovery, reach out to us and schedule an evaluation! Link in bio!