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Achilles Tendinopathy Rehab Sydney

Keep running during Achilles rehabilitation — without provoking flare-ups. Gradually reintroduce load in a controlled, supported environment that bridges the gap between rehab and return to running.

Runners Achilles Load Management Tendon Rehab
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Achilles tendinopathy rehabilitation on Anti-Gravity Treadmill — SportsFit Five Dock
Why the Anti-Gravity Treadmill for Achilles?

THE LOAD MANAGEMENT PROBLEM

Achilles tendinopathy is a load-sensitive condition. Too much load too soon provokes a flare-up. Too little load for too long fails to build the tissue's capacity and delays recovery. The challenge is threading the needle — enough load to stimulate adaptation, not so much that symptoms worsen.

The Anti-Gravity Treadmill solves this. By reducing body weight, the plantarflexion force through the Achilles during running is significantly reduced — allowing running to be reintroduced at a load the tendon can tolerate, before progressing toward full body-weight running as capacity builds.

The goal isn't to avoid loading the Achilles — it's to control how much load is applied and increase it progressively. The Anti-Gravity Treadmill makes this precision possible in a way that nothing else does.

The Protocol

ACHILLES TENDINOPATHY PROTOCOL

Four phases from supported jog introduction through to full ground running. Each phase progresses duration before reducing support percentage.

01
Approx. Weeks 0–3
Supported Jog Introduction
40–60% body-weight support
Jog intervals with walking breaks
Focus on smooth, relaxed running rhythm
Monitor push-off pain and next-day stiffness
02
Approx. Weeks 3–6
Progressive Reload
20–40% body-weight support
Progress toward continuous jogging
Increase duration before increasing speed
Avoid early incline running
03
Approx. Weeks 5–8
Elastic Load Reintroduction
10–30% body-weight support
Controlled cadence increases
Prepare for return to normal running loads
Monitor morning stiffness as key indicator
04
Weeks 8+
Transition to Ground Running
Gradual return to outdoor running
Supported sessions may continue to manage weekly load
Progressive increase in ground running volume
Continue heel raise strength program alongside
Progression & Red Flags

CLINICAL DECISION RULES

Before Running Begins
Criteria:
Walking tolerance improved
Heel raise strength progressing
Morning stiffness stable or improving
Red Flags
Regress If:
Increased morning stiffness
Local tendon swelling develops
Pain during push-off or acceleration
Progression Rules
Rules:
Increase duration before speed
Avoid early incline running
Monitor push-off pain and next-day stiffness
Common Questions

FAQ — ACHILLES TENDINOPATHY

Should I rest completely from running with Achilles tendinopathy?

Complete rest is rarely the answer for Achilles tendinopathy. Tendon tissue requires load to adapt and heal — the challenge is managing how much. The Anti-Gravity Treadmill allows controlled load introduction that avoids the flare-up cycle while building tendon capacity progressively.

How does this work alongside my heel raise program?

The Anti-Gravity Treadmill and a heel raise strengthening program complement each other well. The heel raise program builds the tendon's capacity for loading; the Anti-Gravity Treadmill allows running-specific load to be reintroduced progressively. Both continue concurrently as part of your overall Achilles rehab program.

Do I need a referral?

No referral needed. Book a free call and we'll assess your situation before your first appointment.

Get Started

STOP THE FLARE-UP CYCLE

Book a free call. We'll build a plan that gets your Achilles tolerating running load again — progressively and without the setbacks.

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No referral needed · Five Dock, Inner West Sydney · Health fund rebates available

Inner West Anti-Gravity Treadmill — Five Dock

164 Great North Road, Five Dock NSW 2046  ·  (02) 8054 3775  ·  SportsFit Health & Rehab →

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