Achilles Injuries – Not As Scary As They Sound
With the unfortunate injury to New York Jets quarterback, Aaron Rodgers, there has been a lot of buzz surrounding Achilles tendon injuries. The Achilles tendon is the thickest and strongest tendon in our body and connects the calf muscles, the gastrocnemius and the soleus, to the heel bone. An injury to this tissue can sound scary, however, most people make a full recovery, returning to exercise and physical activity.
Achilles tendon injuries come in three main types:
- Achilles tendonitis – an acute inflammation of the tendon
- Achilles tendinopathy – a chronic degeneration of the tendon
- Achilles tendon rupture – a partial or complete tear of the tendon – this is what Aaron Rodgers experienced.
Overexertion with inadequate recovery, changes or spikes in physical activity, and sudden, highly forceful movements are common culprits. While full thickness tears require surgical intervention, most cases of tendonitis, tendinopathy, and even partial tears respond very well to physical therapy and do not require invasive treatments.
Recovery times vary based on the severity of the injury. Patience, consistent effort, and a sound treatment plan are key to a successful recovery. Tendonitis and tendinopathy might take a few weeks to a few months to see improvements in symptoms, while a ruptured tendon may require surgery followed by several months of intensive physical therapy. Aaron Rodgers has an uphill battle ahead of him, but recent advances in surgical techniques and physical therapy treatments have significantly improved outcomes and sped up return to sport timelines.
At LifeMotion, we use a combination of evidence based modalities, such as Photobiomodulation (also known as laser treatment) and Focused Shockwave therapies, to reduce tissue inflammation and promote healing. These treatments in combination with a progressive loading program improve tissue strength and resiliency. If you or someone you know is struggling with this injury, let’s work together to get you back onto the field of life.
