Remedial Massage For Achilles Tendinopathy

What Is Achilles Tendinopath?

In general achilles tendinopathy is caused by overusing the lower leg and ankle region. It begins as low level inflammation and micro-tearing which you may not notice, as the condition progresses the damage and inflammation become more pronounced and there is an increase of nerve sensitivity. If dealt with in the early stages, achilles tendinopathy can be fairly easy to treat and manage, however as the injury progresses some of the damage and dysfunction can be much harder to resolve.

What Are The Symptoms?

Most people experience a slow onset of pain and dysfunction directly on the back of the heel where the calf muscles attach. The pain and stiffness is most commonly at it’s worst in the morning and when starting exercise, and can disappear completely as you warm up. Sometimes the area is visibly swollen and tender. The pain can range from minor discomfort to very severe pain, even when just walking.

Some Management techniques | Remedial Massage For Achilles Tendinopathy

• time off high impact activity such as running
• Ice or heat (as directed by your therapist)
• Low level laser or dry needling can manage pain and swelling
• Stretching and strengthening
• Remedial massage
• Bracing or taping to unload the muscle and tendon

Other things that may be used if the condition does not settle:

• Corticosteroid injection
• Surgery
• Blood injections / PRP

How Does Remedial Massage For Achilles Tendinopathy Help?

Achilles tendinopathies often don’t get better on their own. They will generally feel better with rest, however as soon as aggravating activities are resumed they often return. Many clients think if they push through with their activities they can strengthen the area, but often this just makes the condition worse.

Remedial Massage is used to address the muscular issues that are putting pressure on the achilles, reduce pain and inflammation, and promote healing to restore the muscle and tendon.

After treatment our remedial massage therapist will provide you with targeted stretches or strengthening exercises to help resolve the problem between sessions. They will also help you address any factors that have lead to the injury and help you reduce the risk of the injury recurring.

Some things that we may address include:

• Restricted muscles
• Abnormal gait
• Restricted range in the ankle joints
• Weakness (from lower back to feet)
• Training incorrectly
• Poor footwear

Our therapist will also give you advice as to when you can return to your normal activities. It is crucial to get back to your normal life as soon as possible as you can lose strength, and that can set you back months.

If you would like to speak with one of our therapists about your issue feel free to give us a call:

Melbourne Natural Therapies
Remedial Massage Melbourne
Remedial Massage For Achilles Tendinopathy
0483 807 887