12 Month Anniversary: Achilles Tendon Rupture Non Surgical - Back to All Sports

12 Month Anniversary: Achilles Tendon Rupture Non Surgical - Back to All Sports
Discussion points:
- Nearly 100% healed
- Playing basketball and tennis now
- Tips

[@wilkiecoco]

I just stumbled on to your videos which are great!! I'm 66 years old and at week 7 now, and starting dorsiflexion exercises. When you say there might have been some positives, I have to tell you that when I was first placed in a cast in week 1, my surgeon told me to be on the alert for possible blood clots. She said to be aware of any unusual pain in my calf muscle or chest. Two weeks later, I woke up with a weird pain in my chest. In any other scenario, I might have just ignored it and hope it would go away and gone back to sleep. Instead, I was so on edge that I called the paramedic immediately. They arrived and as we were discussing which hospital they were going to take me to, I went into cardiac arrest. It wasn't a blood clot, it was a heart attack!! They immediately administered CPR and had to revive me with a defribulator!! So my Achilles rupture, might have actually saved my life!!

[@thabompala6524]

Wow! That’s crazy. God saved you indeed

[@markc5517]

We'll done on the video series. It has been my go to video series for my recovery. I'm around 9 months post injury and agree with your timelines and around general stiffness when first starting the day etc. Good luck to all out there recovering. Keep the faith it will happen, you'll be walking around 6-8 weeks which makes life more bearable.

[@dylanhughes4548]

At week 6 at the moment. Just to say thanks for putting all these up, a fantastic resource and really really helpful.

[@dude1202]

Total rupture?

[@B_ElitePerformance]

Cograts SJ you did it !!! 💪

[@byronherrera778]

Great sets of videos man thanks 🙏

[@mikevalentine9556]

Glad you made it through. These videos will help me immensely. ✌

[@vikasshah240]

Thank you for you videos, you have given me hope!

[@elisaps2840]

Awesome video SJ I am keen to see your next videos with what worked and what didn’t work for you through your journey I am week 6 non op. I am feeling better as time goes by I’m just keen to hear what exercise you found more useful in your recovery, cheers dude

[@jburtonj1]

Thank you for the videos. I'm 1 week (non-op), and good to see what waits ahead.

[@TheInfiniteMan94]

Really appreciated this series

[@johnmcdonald5998]

Thanks for sharing! So many of us are at different stages...nice to timeline it. Continued success in your complete recovery!!!

[@peterdaly9989]

Thank you for this its giving me hope of a full recovery 👍👍

[@jonathanmidwall8466]

These have been great and are helping me thru my own Achilles non op tear

[@kandyanne10]

congratulations on your 1 year recovery! Your channel has been super helpful for me. I tore mine Dec 8th 2018....playing competitive tennis. I chose the surgery route, but I am grateful my doctor did explain non surgery is an option. Your videos are relevant to me, even though I did have the surgery. I will be rewatching these vids many times over the next year!

[@carlatrovato5810]

Amazing! So happy for you. I’m week 2 and will review all your videos. I thought to skip from 7 to this one just to get inspiration. Will watch all in detail. Thank you!

[@elliottdiamond9263]

Great stuff mate! I'm a physio down in Bendigo VIC managing 4 or 5 achilles non-operative patients. Great yo hear your story, well done in your rehab!

[@keithgerrard5350]

Hi SJ, thanks for these videos. One year anniversary of my injury and these videos helped my recovery alot. Sincere thanks

[@alqgurley5487]

Excellent video series.... you've been a tremendous help with your personal experience and all the chronological coverage of the healing and rehab process. All the best to you!!

[@eliefeinstein6182]

You’re an inspiration

[@jvasquez2059]

SJ thank you for your videos, you and Agnes S got me through this awful injury. I'm at 11 months and ready to return to my full duty position at work! Like you and many others I had set backs including tendonitis and a torn calf muscle above the achilles but I stuck to the non-surgical route. I'm now back to hiking and sprinting and about 95% normal.

[@Chuck8701]

Youre videos are great, very inspiring' and extremely resourceful. Thank you soo.. much as I have recently torn my achilles. Your story is so inspirational Thanks a lot

[@elisaps2840]

Hi SJ thank you for your inspirational videos they really helped me make the right decision to go the non operational way I am 12 months recovered from January 2019 on my right Achilles. I then unfortunately did my left on December 2019 and I am back to the drawing board for round two but I am a lot more educated now after doing my right and watching your videos so thank you.

[@Namenono76]

the only thing you need fixing now is that broken jump shot! I'm just kidding mate, thank you for the resource here. I know these videos were 3 years ago but they are still relevant today. I ruptured my Achilles tendon 2 days ago and is currently in a plaster cast. Still have not had a consultation with the surgeon but will most likely go through the non-surgical route. I appreciate your videos - very helpful! Also, I can tell you're a good tennis player, I play tennis competitively and I actually ruptured it while doing volley drills.

[@SuperPeanut95]

Thank you you putting so much less pressure on me, tour my achillies last week and do not want to get surgery.

[@HouPress]

Really appreciate your video. I am 3 months from injury right I hurt it playing basketball around thanksgiving. I'm building back my calf muscle right now and stretching a lot. I have also gone the non surgical route.

[@obiecrenshaw]

SJ is a life saver! I appreciate you for taking the time, while going thru the pain, to make these videos. You helped so many people (as i read in the comments), and myself. I am in my 12 month recovery and i feel fine, just some stiffness, due to me going back to normal life around month 4, and i stopped stretching as much. thanks you so much, and for the newbies that just tore, FOLLOW HIS INSTRUCTIONS, Stay a couple weeks ahead (still follow week by week) of SJ videos, and YOU WILL BE FINE! SJ is a life saver! I appreciate you for taking the time, while going thru the pain, to make these videos. You helped so many people (as i read in the comments), and myself. I am in my 12 month recovery and i feel fine, just some stiffness, due to me going back to normal life around month 4, and i stopped stretching as much. thanks you so much, and for the newbies that just tore, FOLLOW HIS INSTRUCTIONS, Stay a couple weeks ahead (still follow week by week) of SJ videos, and YOU WILL BE FINE!

[@tonylaoshi-8990]

man, thanks for your persistence, you kept on healing and filming, good job, mate! I am at my first week and now it's really painful for me to watch you playing basketball again, I just wanna say: please, don't!!!! thanks a lot man!!!!! greetings from a Russian guy living in China

[@TofferHall]

Thank you for doing these videos. I am only at 2 weeks (non surgical) and I am finding these videos really helpful.

[@josephbarbetta6759]

Awesome video instructional series, thank you. You should be a director.

[@leonardotercero5485]

Hey brother ...your inspiring...I tore mine march 10 2019....been on a boot for 2 1/2 months.....it will be four months tommorow....ima start doing some weight training...I do have alot of stiffness.....your videos have helped

[@hoquenm85]

Amazing recovery! Thank you so much for documenting your journey, it's helped me out a great deal already. I ruptered my achilles 2 days ago whilst playing football. This is devastating for me as I was at a very high level of strength, fitness and performance, due to start a masters in strength and conditioning in September which involves alot of activity, demonstrating sports movements. I have a family holiday due in October so hope I can try and get walking by then.

[@bmeehan1]

This has been a great series to watch. I too went non surgical and am coming up on 16 weeks. I was late to start, but am coming out of the boot and cant wait to get my foot moving again and get back to jogging and sports...there is hpe!

[@SOSAMONE22]

Thank you this was extremely helpful because I recently ruptured my Achilles and choose not to get surgery and just knowing that I can play sports and move like I used to without getting surgery Is extremely pleasing

[@chris1514]

Hey SJ. Just wanted to say thank you for making the series of videos, I’m weak one right now and surgeon wants to go with a non-surgical route, and I would like to as well pending the MRI comes back as a normal tear. So I do have a long road to go, but these videos were very helpful, I watched everyone of them. Definitely encourages me, so thank you again for taking the time to make this for everyone.

[@blogsketballtv3287]

Ive been meaning to hit this page for a while now i ruptured my Achilles last January 2020, and stumbled on your page and helped me decide to ho non surgery route. Now its March 2020 and im back to playing streetball. Still not the same and stiffens still but im grateful to be back. Such a humbling experience. Thanks for all the tips .

[@alexrichmond46]

Congratulations SJ, i just had to skip to this one and see you all recovered haha but I am still watching each video week by week. Im on week 8 now. Thank you again!

[@dwightboquiren4179]

You chose the non surgical route?

[@theresamarkiewicz2545]

Thank you for these videos.I am only 8 weeks .Getting their slowly 🐌 but,yes you do have a whole new view of disabilities of others and let alone the things you take for granted.I like how you go week by week its really helpfully. HAPPY 😊YOU MADE 1 YEAR WITH RECOVERY.

[@topstuff9145]

SJ you legend! You did it! Your videos were an inspiration. I'm at 7.5 months post ATR non surgical. Things progressing well. Still working on single heel calf raises, they're coming along slowly but surely. Started gym work on stepper, cross trainer but not running ready yet. Can't wait to get back to sports.

[@johnmcdonald5998]

Good for you, 6 months for me and its coming along...still can't quite get the calf raise but like you...few months behind the 12 month...best of luck

[@gladiatortruckreviews]

Hello Sj! Good job on the recovery, you have been such a great help for me going this route also. Major inspiration for anyone going through this brutal injury. Would still love to see you go on with KZbin, I believe you are an inspiration for anyone that has to go through this. I don’t know if I could have gotten to 4.5 months without your video series. I have watched everything over and over. I wish you Goodluck in all you future endeavours and in the new Year! 🙏

[@SJachilles]

Thanks Jay. My goal is to post a few more videos about some of the key learning points so hopefully I'll get around to it soon! Comments like this help!

[@DrKwangLeeDCMSLAc]

Huge Congratulations for you full recovery. I got my Achilles tendon complete rupture 3days ago by play badminton single game. I am Chiropractor and Acupuncturist currently working as physician at sports rehabilitation center. I have seen many Achilles tendon rupture patient after surgery. I was going to go for surgery but according to my knowledge and after watch your video I decided to go Non surgical way. Thank you very much this amazing healing journey. 🙏😍

[@marybethfrank1095]

Wow!! Thanks so much for taking the time to record your journey. I'm 3.5 weeks post rupture playing netball and still in disbelief at what happened. I don't think that I'll ever want to play netball again but I am excited to see what the future holds after watching this video.

[@crystalm.178]

Marybeth Frank how it’s going for you? I ruptured mine 4 days ago. Scheduled for surgery Friday. I’m scared.

[@divobravo3133]

I just busted mine yesterday. In a cast with decisions to make. I’m glad I found your videos.

[@sbarrymufc]

I ruptured mine 18 months ago playing 5 a side football. I was advised against surgery because of my age. I was 38 at the time. I does heal with time and exercises. I haven't gone back playing 5 a side since because I can't afford to be out of work that long again but in saying that I can walk, run and play sport with my kids as if nothing has happened. Good luck with your recovery. You'll be back to yourself before you know it.

[@perthomasbenestadthorsager3426]

I am 2,5 weeks into my rupture. Decided for non surgical aswell. Found your videos now and it is inspiring, started squating in my moonboot, walking (strangely) but nevertheless walking without crutches. It was scary when I got the boot and they told me throw the crutches and start walking, real scary but doctor told me in the position I am at planar flexion there is no chance for rerupture. He was right so now just taking day by day some small training sessions not to much offcourse being relatively conservative. Again thanks for your very informative videos you are a real inspiration.

[@MsDimplesg]

I'm just on week 1 of my injury but your journey is giving me inspiration. I know everyone healing is different but this is inspiring to me

[@MsDimplesg]

@Kıvanç Demirel I am more or less back to normal now. Walking around and I can run, although my foot isn't as strong as it used to be but it does what it needs to do. Hang in there, it may seem pretty bad right now but you'll get through it.

[@dennispittman9623]

SJ, thanks for the video. Today is my 1 year anniversary, non-surgical Achilles Tendon recovery. Your videos really helped me. I wish I did videos like you did, to make people aware. It's amazing that the body can heal from this injury.

[@kimchiyamz6150]

Are you back 100 percent

[@SahilSharma-no6qd]

Thanks so much for sharing your story. I'm at week 2 of my injury and it's all very challenging to adjust. I really appreciate your series and your insight on what to look for as I go. Between your videos and the comments it's been really nice to know there is a positive path through this. Thank you so much!

[@svetlanajovanovic9885]

I'm in my 2nd week now... how you feeling?

[@paulc9187]

Hi SJ. 1st Merry Christmas and 2nd, Thank You so much for posting all these videos, they are helping me immensely , and by the sounds of things, hundreds of other injured individuals as well, we all owe you a debt of gratitude !. I had a complete tear 4 weeks ago, I suffered and struggled my first 3 weeks. I am 55 years old, ( I live in Canada) I was a fairly active person , my wife and I bike, hike, golf and go to a gym regularly, I ruptured my Achilles playing PickleBall. I work as a dentist in a solo practice. My surgeon recommended the non-surgical approach . I was unable to work at all my first week, and only part time the next 2 weeks due to pain and swelling in my cast whenever I had my leg down. I was switched into a boot the beginning of week 4 which helped me a lot , I could deal with the swelling and associated pain better, now I have very little pain. I've been suffering with a bit of depression and anxiety over my injury ...your videos help a lot. I know you can't respond to everyone... but I had a few questions I was hoping you could answer for me: Before my injury , my wife and had already booked 2 trips. One to Mexico to an all-inclusive It is booked at the 17 week mark post injury... do you think I will be ready to travel and do this trip? 9months post injury we are planning a 2 week trip to Europe which will involve a fair amount of walking...I'm worried will I be healed enough for this trip ?? Also I was wondering when would you recommend taking the boot off to sleep? I see you did it around the 9 to 10 week mark , but I sensed you may have done it a bit sooner....?? Thank you, and I am hoping you will be able to give me some advice. PS I was so glad you included the videos of you playing Basketball, Tennis and Golf ... very inspirational ... especially for someone like me wondering if I will ever again, be able to walk properly , let alone play any of those sports.

[@SJachilles]

Hi Paul, thanks for the comments. My answers your questions would be, 1) If you don't have any issues like tendonitis (which i ended up getting), there is a chance you could travel at week 17. By that stage you would be 2 months out of the boot but probably still limping so as long as you don't need to walk too much you should be ok. My first trip was at month 6 which involved lots of walking after a 24 hour flight. 2) Trip to Europe at month 9 should be ok. I was walking 18 holes in golf by then which is about 12km. 3) I stopped wearing the boot at night after 8 weeks when I got out of the boot from every day life. Good luck!

[@andresvillalobos3]

SJ thank you so much for uploading all these. Ruptured my achilles 8 weeks ago playing soccer. Your videos have been an emotional, educational and psychological support and lifeline. Would be cool to get an update from you 2 years after your injury - reflecting on your journey to date, advice for people in the recovery process from a post two-year perspective and how you are doing 2 years after your injury. Thanks again and greetings from California!

[@kellib5291]

Hi there, i ruptured mine 12 weeks ago - non surgical. How has your recovery been? Did you choose surgical or non-surgical?

[@ronpetersmail]

Great series mate. A bit depressive as i am 1 week in. Choose non surgical route as infections here in Thailand are notorious. as a former pga pro and hard enduro racer i have a long way to go. Glad to see it all ends well for you. Cheers

[@kyleeffoito]

Thanks for putting these out! I am 6 weeks post rupture, conservative protocol early weight bearing. Your videos have been more helpful than the three doctors I consulted combined. All of whom were pushing surgery. Glad I stuck to my gut because healing is going great.

[@kyleeffoito]

I have been watching your videos since day 1 of my injury.. big thank you from Connecticut, USA @sj

[@lylejenish23]

Thanks for the video log SJ. My first ATR anniversary is May 27. Like you, non surgical and I am pleased with the results. I was very aggressive with weight bearing - walking several miles a week out of the boot after eight weeks and was back in the gym approx. five weeks post injury. Based on heel lift range, I am about 95% back to normal. I found that seated calf lifts helped a lot both in recovering calf size and strength. Playing tennis again and hiking and climbing. Some running.

[@rayrodriguez9893]

did u tear it ?? like u had a gap???

[@lylejenish23]

@@rayrodriguez9893 yes, complete tear.

[@veryfriendlyok]

Thanks for inspiring video, I am at week 5 non surgery

[@MikeShaw268]

Thank you so much for your informative and detailed videos . I think you have made a kind of revolution on ATR recovery in history. It’s proved again human body has self heeling function. I choose non-surgery. After 5 months my left leg complete ATR I am back on basketball court. I did not even put on planter cast or use boot, just keep the leg still and level.

[@khaleedabdul-azeezedwards9523]

Wow!!!! That is amazing. I was just telling someone that it could be done the way that you did it. I would love to hear more of your story. I ruptured mine 4 weeks ago from the day of writing this response.

[@pavandharwal9456]

I too did not put any cast or boot .. presently 5th week of recovery. I am glad that able to do partial heel raise and walk with may be 20% limp.

[@garrettdootson3190]

Very interesting. Im currently at week 2 non surgical, I've been in the boot with wedge since the injury. You were able to recover without any boot/cast? When did you start weight bearing and rehabbing?

[@pfenyves]

SJ -- Thank You! I just ruptured yesterday. Trying to make the decision on surgery vs conservative. I just found your video series, and this is a treasure trove. Very heartening to see a young healthy guy get so much function back with non-surgical approach. I was wondering if you could share the rehab protocol your were given? I of course am working with a orthopedist, but wonder if in the US there is a bigger bias toward surgery, and therefore less investment in conservative protocols. Thank you again! --Paul

[@Ebdawinner]

Thanks for ur videos. My birthday was 2 days ago (age 36), and feel like i ruptured my achilles playing basketball. I ruptured the other leg about 5 yrs ago and did the surgery. Looking to go non surgical route this time. I want to be done with basketball now, but ur videos got me optimistic about playing again as dumb as it sounds. Thanks for the videos

[@MichaelStoller84]

I didnt rupture my achilles. Not sure why my comment is here

[@wimdemoor5386]

Well done. I am in a fairly conservative route. 3 Week cast completely plantarflexed, 3 weeks cast in between position, 2 weeks cast and weightbaring at 90 degrees. Hopefully I can get the same results.

[@Jorlivia]

After watching all these videos, I agree that if you are just trying to get back to low impact sports and activities and you have a year... go NONOP! If you are a Athlete that needs to get back to high impact sports in a shorter amount of time i.e. 4-6 months go OP!

[@antoniolaveglia3873]

By the way. We want more videos like you said... the answer is yes we would like w.e info you have that could help us out thank you!

[@asifsamad1378]

Dude!!! This was a great resource as I went through my own journey. Lové your meticulous approach and your practical , personal notes . So valuable thanks man!! Ps which city in Australia are you in ?

[@DonavanMcdabb]

2 years later how you feeling bud

[@alphajagtuning]

That's amazing that you recovered so well! I had my injury 2 years ago, went no surgical, but recovery has not been nearly as good as yours. At 2.5 month Dr told me recovery isn't going good and I might never fully recover. At now 2years I still cannot do a single half raise and can only lift about 55kg on that leg or 75% or my weight..

[@rayrodriguez9893]

but do you walk ans run good with no pain? im trying to.go non surgical bjt i have a gap my doc says i have tk get surgery but now they lut me in a cast with the feet forwaed see if it gets better and i dont have tk get surgery but they saying if i dont get surgery im nlt gona be able to walk??

[@alphajagtuning]

@@rayrodriguez9893 I can run but not too fast and walk perfectly fine. However strength is not there in comparison to the good leg. Maybe don't risk it and get the surgery

[@alphajagtuning]

@Mike Wilkerson correct , have been paying beach volleyball on regular basis. Although lately have to take it easy I think I might have injured it some again

[@daleanderson1285]

12 months this week since full rupture right where the muscle and tendon meet. It happened sprinting playing charity football match. Im currently about 80%-85% and I feel like its taken a long time to recover. Im a personal trainer by trade so I may have pushed myself too hard to get back, or Im just a slow healer. Jumpings ok but my sprints are off. Im nearly 2 seconds slower on the 100 metres. Im cycling swimming and light jogging. Your vids have really helped because like you, I was mega depressed at first and thought I wouldnt come back. However last month I did a Tuff Mudder, in October Im have a half marathon and next year Im hoping to do a marathon. Oh yeah, next week Im taking part in the same charity match I ruptured in last year. Think I might stay in goal. 😂

[@SJachilles]

Sounds like you are doing well! Keep it up

[@rayrodriguez9893]

@@SJachilles sj can you please givr me a call 786 444 6990 pleaseeee i just took my cast off after 5 weeks and rrally dont want surgery have some question to ask please call me sj please

[@joedunne1134]

Hi SJ, thank you so much for all the time & effort you have put into these videos,they really helped me out after I ended up in the same situation as yourself. I was just wondering if your balance had been affected at all ? My treatment was very poor & I didn't manage to get into a boot until 6 weeks after my accident. My muscle mass has diminished to nothing. My calf felt like a bag of water ,& even now 2 years later it is considerably smaller than my unijured leg. I have went back to your video's to try & build my calf muscle back up . My balance has really been affected as well,but hopefully I'll be able to build it back up. Thank again Joe.

[@OverDriveDriven]

How are you doing now. I have similar situation that I didn’t get a cast until 3 weeks after injury and going non surgical route

[@dude1202]

Hi good morning SJ I know you probably are not looking lately too much to the comments but I’m just wondering how are you today? If you’re doing all good and you can keep going with your sports and regular life? Thanks so much for your help and all the best wishes to you and everyone going through this.

[@takom8994]

Hi SJ, thanks so much for your videos!! I was just wondering where in Australia you got treated and which Drs and physio you saw. I have the same injury and I'm based in Australia and was just after some recommendations as I'd like the best care and recovery process. Look forward to your reply!

[@davidpaul1056]

Hi SJ! Thank you so much for your videos and research! I just ruptured my achilles 3 days ago. I too during basketball driving to the lane. Like you my passion is golf. Here in the states spring is coming and I really want to play golf this season especially after suffering through the worst of winter already. I am 53 years old. I am now leaning towards non-operation because of your videos. Not sure if you still respond to comments anymore, but if you do I have a couple questions that you may have answered, but I can't find easily. Questions: 1. how long from time of injury did it take before you could play golf? 2. Is the time to playing golf the same with the operation route vs the non-operation route? 3. The best I can tell the only risk to the non-operative route is if you get a long heal and you have to do the operation anyway which means you just wasted a lot of time. Do you agree with this statement? 4. The orthopedic tech who put my splint on said that based on the MRI some achilles injuries require an operation. Did you find this to be true in your research or will all achilles ruptures heal back together? 5. Did you ever have an MRI? Again, thank you so much, you are a saint and have removed so much stress/anxiety with great research and information...I appreciate you so much!

[@justbrowsin1783]

I am currently on my 3rd week after rupturing my right achilles. I hope I can get back to my usual activities pre rupture just like you. I did not go for surgery too and opted with a nonsurgical route.

[@justbrowsin1783]

What types of ankle or foot support have you been using when you're having sports activities? Thanks.

[@zakariamaster7717]

Sj !!! Congrats on your recovery ! Could you post another update to see how you are doing now ? Have things improved further ? What is your best advice to avoid calf muscle atrophy ?

[@SJachilles]

yeah things continue to get better as you go. Best thing to reduce atrophy has got to be the range of motion exercises.

[@thejohnsimienproject7329]

@@SJachilles range of motion for the ankle or calf?

[@harlan-batac]

I am so glad I stumbled upon this series. You are truly inspirational. Over two weeks ago, I ruptured my left achilles tendon and am on the non-surgical route. One question - you mentioned in one of your videos some research on how the two ends of the rupture heal itself naturally - do you have that research handy?

[@SJachilles]

Unfortunately the link doesn't work anymore. If you google how tendons and ligaments heal, then you'll find a fair bit of stuff.

[@harlan-batac]

@@SJachilles Thanks

[@thestunnaz]

Awesome and so inspiring. I'm in week 3.5 right now. Imagine going through this with the pandemic going on! It sucks! Love basketball and golf too! My two sports!

[@thestunnaz]

Made it to 1 year! No problems and I'm playing basketball and golf too. So glad I went non surgical and your videos totally helped!

[@hammond5315]

@@thestunnaz im at week 3.5 right now too. which week did you start partial weight bearing? when did you start walking without crutches?

[@thestunnaz]

@@hammond5315 started between 4 and 5 weeks. By week 6 I was walking pretty well with boot and did 5000 steps. I had one crutch for security.. but ditched that pretty quickly. Hang in there..you're getting close. The toughest is the first 4 weeks. Things get easier and more normal progressively fast. Keep working on range of motion exercises.

[@hammond5315]

@@thestunnaz i tried partial weight bearing at 25% and felt achilles pain. i just want to start walking again without crutches, even its with a boot on

[@thestunnaz]

@@hammond5315 it will happen soon but you're still not there at 3.5 weeks. Give it some time and slowly weight bear with crutches. Follow your protocol and be careful at this stage. You don't want to sit back by being impatient.

[@AeroSatan]

For anyone who's ready to for weight bearing and physical therapy check out the BoB calf master. I'm at 4 1/2 months and the range of motion and calf strength that is you get using it has so far been nothing short of amazing. Also balancing on one foot on a balancing Mat and all kinds of bands! There's hope!

[@Longsen]

I ruptured mine back in June of 2018, & I did the non-surgical route as well. I went through Physical Therapy from September through December. Started being able to walk again without the boot around November. It's been about a year & 4 months now since I ruptured it, & I still experience sharp pain throughout my calve while walking on my college campus or playing ball. So I was wondering do you get that pain too from time to time?

[@yaron5651]

Hi SJ, Great video series. I am at 10 weeks stage. Where are you in Australia?

[@xaznfilipinox]

Hi SJ, Question: Do you feel KT tape is necessary for help tendonitis when recovering? I tore mine literally 6 weeks ago and your videos give me hope. I am a nursing student and I am trying to aim to be in a shoe by week 8 still in a boot and back ironically in the hospital for my surgery rotation. I really like your videos and they give me hope because I feel like I lost something and your videos give me perspective. Thank you and I hope I can get to where you are a year from now too. Feel like forever. I am doing the rehab protocol too and following it strictly. Thank you SJ

[@SJachilles]

Hi Anita, i don't think KT tape does much to be honest. I only used it to signal to people around me that i was injured and hence was slower at walking etc. It also serves as a reminder to yourself when returning to sports but I don't think it does anything from a healing perspective.

[@robertomartinez7853]

Mine was a little tricky my injury happend may 3 2020 .. and honestly at first i didnt think it was that bad, so i gave it a week to see if it would heal but after it didnt feel like it was and i noticed the dent in my achilles is when i reached out to my doctor and during the pandemic it was hard to get someone to actually look at it, all the visits i had with my doctor were video visits so he was not able to recognize the severity of my injury so it wasnt until 2 months later that i was finally diagnosed and until july 9 that i was able to get surgery! i wasn't offered the non surgical route and i assume that was becouse its been so long since it happened, that its been healing but it just has not been healing correctly.. but i am now 1 week in 😅 so i hope i can recover just as fine ... when you wake up from the surgery i was in so much pain they performed a nerve block so my leg was totally out for a whole day and the norcos they prescribed definitely helped 😉 .. really enjoyed scheming through your videos .. i couldnt find any on the surgical route and im not really a camera kind of guy haha

[@christinachristofi7313]

Hi SJ thank you so much for posting all the videos and medical evidence for the non surgical route. I am currently on week 9 on a complete rapture following the non surgical route. It was very tough at the beginning lack of mobility (a set back on week 4) I am just coming out of the boot and starting on stretches and short walks. The toughest part is not being to drive (I had just moved to a rural location) in the Uk my rapture was on the right leg and pressing the brake and accelerated pedal in the car meant I couldn’t drive. When did you resume driving? Do you think it’s to early in the recovery to even attempt to get behind the wheel. Obviously don’t want to cause an accident and want to be sensible but not being in the city taxi or public transport is almost impossible. Congratulations in your recovery it gives me real inspiration and hope there is light at the end of the tunnel.

[@christinachristofi7313]

Jayson William Thank you I really appreciate your reply and advise. I have practised on my drive performing simple manoeuvres but I realise that there is some way to go in terms of strength and flexibility in order to feel confident that I can operate the pedals especially in the case of an emergency stop. I may try a local drive in 2 weeks or so when the Achilles’ tendon is more recovered. The fear remains of a re rapture so nice and steady. Wishing you a Happy New Year and a full recovery.

[@ashiqhabibullah3104]

Hello How are you feeling now ? Hope all is well and you are back to full fitness. Pl upload your latest video. Thanks

[@iamtimur4795]

two years since my achilles tendon rupture, and two years since I saw the first video in this series :)

[@SJachilles]

Thanks. How are you going? I’m 100pc and loving it sports right now!

[@iamtimur4795]

@@SJachilles well, thanks to you and medicine of course, I can say that I completely recovered. Already two snowboarding seasons behind me, kitesufing and regular workout which involve a lot of jumping rope, so..yeah, seems OK to me :)

[@antoniolaveglia3873]

Hey SJ, great videos and very inspirational! I’m 15 weeks out non op and am trying to work on my dorsiflexion. I’m barely able to go past neutral bc it’s super tight but am hesitant at times to stretch it super hard. Any tips/certain stretches you did that helped loosen up ankle and make progress with dorsiflexion? Thank you and congratulations again

[@SJachilles]

Knee to wall is the best for dorsiflexion. You will be doing them all the way until the 12 month mark with the goal of getting to around 12cm from the wall.

[@antoniolaveglia3873]

SJ ok great. 1)Question With the knee to wall, how much can you push the stretch? I know it’s a weird question but sensation wise, how much can you push it? 2) I’m at 4 month mark, do you think it’s ok to be on feet for a good part of day for work? I’m a medical student and do rounding on the floors. Any thoughts? Thank you for the reply

[@ghitza4me]

Hi SJ i just wont ti thank you for all the job you do! I Also rupture my akilyes tendon but Is attached only fo 1,3mm! The doctor Say to me Is ok but i think that Is Better ti operate.how much your tendon attached?

[@mariepalmer4628]

Thanks for the fantastic videos, SJ! I just completely ruptured mine and have been reading a lot about it. A lot of recent studies do recommend the non-operative route, but don't mention the length of gap between the two torn ends of the tendon. Other studies that do mention that gap only went the non-operative route with patients that had a gap of less than a particular length (different lengths for different studies). I wondered if your gap was measured by ultrasound and if that was a factor in your decision to not operate? I can't help but think the farther apart the tendon ends are, the more difficult to recover.

[@SJachilles]

Unfortunately they don't scan us in Australia because they believe the clinical tests are enough to know whether you ruptured or not. Hence i don't know my gap but from memory it looks like it was around 1cm. You could visibly see my gap from the outside.

[@mariepalmer4628]

@@SJachilles Thanks for the reply! Mine wasn't scanned either. I'm at about 2.5 weeks now so slowly starting to weight-bear and get in some exercises. Your videos are really useful and inspiring so thanks for loading them!

[@gabrielmagno1889]

Hey SJ, I just recently ruptured my achilles from basketball like you and had surgery on it about 2 weeks ago. I would like to know, do you think I will be able to get back to high school varsity basketball before 9 months?

[@miguelhipolito7275]

How are you doing now?

[@pherney]

When did you start running. I am at 10 months post op and I am running up to 3 miles. Pain gets bad and I need to rest 2-3 days before running again.

[@AskewTube]

hi friend how are you feeling now, any problem or complications? do you have any idea about the re-rupture of the other tendon? thank you

[@AbdulBasit-ie6mo]

Congratulations. Can you travel with the injury?

[@cmacmoney1985]

I was the same 2.4cm gap. Lots of rest then gradual training now I can do it all 😁

[@cmacmoney1985]

You are stuffed for the first few weeks though 😂

[@dude1202]

Hey my friend how’s your tendon doing? I have a 2.1 cm gap and I choose non-surgical procedure but I want to be sure . Thanks

[@nicklewis8426]

@sj Great encouragement man. Just found out today I have a torn Achilles. Which one did you tear? Respond back man thanks

[@SJachilles]

i tore my left achilles. All good now!

[@Damien1847]

How’s your ankle motion at this point? Specifically dorsiflexion.

[@midknight_3]

hi, im at 10th week post op... let me just ask, did you have to change your mechanics and your playstyle in basketball?

[@maxtorque5329]

I had 2 ruptures 9 months apart different legs...psychology i can't return to active sports...the fear of rerupture and having to go through all of it again just prevents me from being active again

[@adamwatson3558]

Hi SJ, been following your videos all the way through my recovery. I'm currently 6months out from a complete rupture of my right achilles tendon. Went on my first run last week. Cheers for putting these out.

[@AlanTrades]

You were able to run after 6 months? From a full rupture?

[@adamwatson3558]

Hi ConditionRed. Yes, I can’t run fast, but feels good to run at a moderate pace for a few minutes. I’m out on the bike and back to full strength. Can do 1hr with uphill and downhill easy. Definitely rely more on my left leg but still good. My single calf raise came back at the 4/5month mark. I think the key for me in recovery was early weight bearing and walking a lot 10 weeks or so after the injury. I bagged up my boot (to keep it clean) and went on flat hikes which really helped with stability.

[@AlanTrades]

@@adamwatson3558 do you feel any gap in the tendon wear it snapped or is it fully reattached?

[@adamwatson3558]

Fully reattached. Had ultrasound and MRI to confirm full rupture but mine healed (reattached) v fast. Within 2 weeks. Felt dip when I ruptured it, now feels and looks continuous but all scar tissue so it’s v thick compared to good side.

[@AlanTrades]

@@adamwatson3558 ok that's great, what would you say helped the fast recovery? Early mobility and weight bearing?

[@dude1202]

Is exiting to see the good comments , I’m in my second week following SJ steps but I’m still scared if you choose non-surgical having a 2cm gap is that posible or it has to be no separated at all???

[@rayrodriguez9893]

i have same problem doc ssying i have to go surgical but im tellinf him. noo so they put me in a cast with thr feet facinf forward see if it gets better

[@dgillies5420]

Most injuries lead to a minor loss in range of motion - maybe 1%. I lost a couple of degrees of flexibility in my knee and elbow after breaks in each. Maybe with soft tissue injuries you can get back 100%, but i guess it depends because now you probably have more tissue in the same location which might impede motion at the limits.

[@cigarking5553]

How are you feeling these days with it. I’m at the 7 month mark

[@somashekharkonappalli3732]

Hi SJ. Do you still have a palpable gap at your achilles

[@vadansebastian7675]

Hello SK, How are tou feeling after two years?

[@peterikya1661]

Does your gap fully close in thickness or is there still some space

[@harlisonalves8094]

Hey bro Hope you are well . I tore my left Achilles too fully tore (2mm gap) and I also chosen to go non surgical but there are lots of people and even a consultant doctor telling me I should go for surgery. I am very active with my sports and kids , most of my movements are explosive .. . Am I doing the right thing on going non surgical ? I know it is going to take a while .. I am ready and patience for it , I have never had such an bad injury before .. I watched all ur videos and I can see ur sports are very explosive too and I am happy u are doing well .. I am so scared to feel the same pain again .. thanks

[@captainandrewcrabtree6535]

How did your tendon heal up and any advice?

[@PK-rf4hq]

Hi CJ, Thanks for all your videos. I just ruptured my Achilles yesterday and they put me in a boot but unfortunately I can’t even get the MRI until Tuesday. In the meantime I would like to set my foot to the right position because I would like to go the non operative route. Any advice on how many centimeters of padding I can put below my hill to get to the right flexation degree?

[@kellib5291]

Hi how has your recovery been going? I am at week 12 non surgical. Did you end up going non surgical too?

[@PK-rf4hq]

@@kellib5291 just saw this. Great! I am on week 12 and walking (and starting to lightly jog against doctors orders 😬). There is a Facebook Achilles rupture group that has a lot of people posting but using SJs videos have been tremendously helpful. Very glad I went non-op.

[@kellib5291]

P K thanks for the reply. I will check out the facebook page