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Achilles Tendinopathy Treatment in Glen Iris

Expert physiotherapy for Achilles tendon pain — available in-clinic and in your home across Glen Iris, Malvern, Hawthorn & surrounds.

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Achilles Pain Slowing You Down? We Can Help.

Achilles tendinopathy is a common and often frustrating condition that causes pain, stiffness, and swelling in the Achilles tendon — the large tendon connecting your calf muscles to your heel bone. It’s particularly common in runners, but can affect anyone who is on their feet regularly.

At GRIT Physio & Podiatry in Glen Iris, our physiotherapists use evidence-based progressive loading programs to treat Achilles tendinopathy effectively. With the right treatment, most patients can return to full activity without surgery.

Common Conditions We Treat

  • Load Management: Structured activity modification to reduce Achilles tendon stress and allow healing.
  • Heavy Slow Resistance Training: Evidence-based progressive calf loading program to stimulate tendon adaptation.
  • Shockwave Therapy: Extracorporeal shockwave therapy for chronic mid-portion and insertional Achilles tendinopathy.
  • Manual Therapy & Dry Needling: Soft tissue release and trigger point needling for tight calf and soleus muscles.
  • Footwear & Orthotic Assessment: Heel raise prescription and footwear advice to reduce Achilles loading.
  • Return-to-Running Program: Structured graded running program to safely return to full training.

Our Treatment Approach

Every patient is different. We start with a thorough assessment to understand exactly what’s causing your pain — then build a personalised treatment plan around your goals, lifestyle, and timeline.

  • Load Management: Structured graded loading program to progressively stress the tendon and stimulate healing without aggravating symptoms.
  • Exercise Rehabilitation: Heavy slow resistance training (e.g. heel raises) proven to remodel tendon tissue and restore strength.
  • Shockwave Therapy: Radial shockwave applied to the tendon to stimulate blood flow, reduce pain, and accelerate tissue repair.
  • Manual Therapy: Soft tissue release to the calf complex and ankle joint mobilisation to restore range of motion.

In-Clinic & In-Home Available

We offer Achilles tendinopathy physiotherapy both at our Glen Iris clinic and in the comfort of your own home — ideal for patients who find walking or driving painful.

✔ NDIS Participants Welcome
We work with self-managed and plan-managed NDIS participants. Contact us to discuss your funding options.

📞 Call us: 9999 7271

Frequently Asked Questions

Achilles Tendinopathy is a common overuse injury affecting the Achilles tendon, typically causing pain, stiffness, and tenderness in the back of the heel or lower calf. It results from repetitive strain that leads to degenerative changes within the tendon structure.
It’s often caused by a sudden increase in activity, changes in footwear, poor biomechanics, or insufficient recovery between activities. Factors like tight calf muscles, improper training techniques, and certain medical conditions can also contribute.
Diagnosis typically involves a thorough physical examination, including palpation of the tendon, assessment of ankle range of motion, and specific strength tests. Imaging like ultrasound or MRI may be used to confirm the diagnosis and assess tendon integrity.
Recovery time varies based on severity and chronicity. Acute cases may improve within 6-12 weeks with consistent treatment, while chronic conditions can take several months. Adherence to a structured rehabilitation program is crucial for optimal outcomes.
Evidence-based physiotherapy, focusing on progressive loading, eccentric strengthening, and addressing biomechanical factors, is considered the gold standard. Adjunctive therapies like shockwave or dry needling may be used for stubborn cases.
Modified activity is often recommended. Complete rest can be detrimental. Our approach involves carefully graded exposure to exercise, allowing you to maintain some activity while promoting tendon healing and adaptation, guided by pain levels and symptom response.

Ready to Get Started?

Book an appointment online or call our Glen Iris clinic today.

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Or call us: 9999 7271