Achilles tendon pain is usually felt at the back of your heel, where the tendon connects your calf muscles to your heel bone. If you’ve ever had Achilles tendon pain, you know how frustrating it can be. Whether you’re an athlete or just enjoy walking, that nagging ache at the back of your heel can really slow you down. But did you know your tendon may respond to rehab exercises very differently than someone else’s?
A recent study by Dr. Seth O’Neill highlights just how personal Achilles rehab needs to be. The research found that tendon strain during exercise varies widely between people, depending on their individual tendon structure and muscle function.
What Is Achilles Tendinopathy?
Achilles tendinopathy is an overuse injury that causes pain, stiffness, or swelling in the tendon connecting your calf to your heel. It’s often triggered by repetitive activities like running, jumping, or even just walking.
Why Personalisation Matters
In the study, people with Achilles tendinopathy performed common rehab exercises while researchers tracked how much strain their tendons experienced using advanced 3D imaging and motion analysis.
Key takeaways:
- Everyone’s tendon responds differently. Even with the same exercise, some tendons took on more load than others.
- Walking may be enough. For some, walking produced enough strain to aid recovery. Others needed more challenging exercises.
- Jumping exercises aren’t for everyone. High-load movements like hopping caused the most strain, and may not be safe for all, especially if you haven’t done them in years.
What This Means for You…
This study confirms what we see in practice: rehab should be tailored, not templated. A physiotherapist can:
- Assess your specific needs and goals
- Select exercises that help you heal without overloading your tendons
- Progress your plan as your strength and tolerance improve
