foot ankle- postoperative rehabilitation following achilles tendon repair
This document outlines a structured, phase‑based postoperative rehabilitation program for patients following Achilles tendon repair, as developed by the Advanced Continuing Education Institute. The protocol is divided into four sequential phases: (I) Immediate Protection (weeks 0‑8) focusing on protecting the repair, minimizing pain and inflammation, preventing muscle atrophy, and restricting weight bearing and range of motion; (II) Intermediate (weeks 8‑12) advancing weight‑bearing tolerance, introducing passive ankle motion and light proprioceptive drills while continuing submaximal isometrics; (III) Advanced Motion & Strengthening (weeks 12‑20) progressing to full ankle motion, increasing strength, power, and endurance through Theraband, leg press, squats, lunges, pool‑based walking/running, plyometrics, and sport‑specific drills; and (IV) Return to Activity (months 5‑7) emphasizing continued strength, power, endurance, and a gradual re‑introduction to sport activities with closed‑chain, plyometric, running, agility, and sport‑specific training. Each phase lists specific weight‑bearing status, ROM allowances, and detailed exercise progressions, providing clinicians with a clear timeline for safe and effective functional recovery.
Topics
Immediate Protection Phase (Weeks 0‑8): Safeguarding the Repair
Defines the initial goals of protecting the healing tendon, reducing pain/inflammation, preventing atrophy, and controlling weight‑bearing forces. Specifies non‑weight‑bearing with crutches, no passive ROM, and a delayed introduction of submaximal isometric strengthening.
Intermediate Phase (Weeks 8‑12): Introducing Motion and Proprioception
Outlines progression to partial weight‑bearing in a walking boot, initiation of passive dorsiflexion/plantarflexion/inversion/eversion, continuation of submaximal isometrics, and the start of seated balance on a BAPS board.
Advanced Motion & Strengthening Phase (Weeks 12‑20): Building Strength, Power, and Endurance
Details a multi‑week progression that adds 4‑way Theraband isotonic work, leg press, squats, lunges, step‑ups, standing proprioceptive drills, stair‑climbing, pool‑based walking/running, towel gathering, toe‑calf raises, and the initiation of plyometrics, running, agility, and sport‑specific drills.
Return to Activity Phase (Months 5‑7): Gradual Re‑Entry to Sport
Focuses on continued strength, power, and endurance training, with closed‑chain strengthening, ongoing plyometrics, running, agility work, and accelerated sport‑specific drills to prepare the athlete for full competition.
Protocol Governance and Copyright
Notes the ownership by Advanced Continuing Education Institute, LLC, and the prohibition on redistribution, alteration, or reproduction of the material.