Week 13-16 Achilles Recovery Update!

Here is a 4 week update of how my recovery has continued to progress even through a recent setback and new injury. In this update, I share how I am working through it with different therapeutic techniques. Recovery looks different for everyone and that is okay!
0:09 - Week 13, 14, 15, 16 update!
0:48 - Week 13 - everything was improving!
-0:57 - weightlifting
-1:35 - started working with Dr. Nate 2x and Dr. Meghan 1x a week
-2:20 - Dr Nate’s philosophy on rehab
-2:31 - rehab exercises (wedge position lean back and then right into calf raises)
-2:46 - BFR rehab everything is feeling good
-2:52 - surgeon followup
3:36 - Week 14 Update - everything was good and then….
-4:22 - continued to do progressive strengthening -
-4:33 - working a lot, stressed, dehydrated
-5:00 - line hops but with a pop
-6:10 - side to side jumps with assistance
-6:41 - achilles pop
-7:15 - not the same pop as the original rupture, but more medial
-7:45 - reached out to my surgeon
-8:30 - went into a non-operative protocol
-9:05 - ordered a wedge
-10:09 - bruising picture
-11:20 - made an appointment with surgeon
11:30 - WEEK 15 Update
-11:40 - surgeon appointment and more rehab
-12:15 - advocate for myself!
-13:00 - I knew I didn’t feel right
-13:30 - patient frustration!!
-14:10 - if you feel like something is off, it’s important to advocate for yourself
14:35 - WEEK 16 Update
-14:40 - partial re-rupture of achilles tendon
-15:10 - didn’t feel like another achilles tear but partial re-rupture
-15:28 - MRI report back and contacted surgeon
-16:15 - surgeon online appointment
-16:45 - scar tissue healing info
-17:10 - advised for a PRP injection
-18:28 - found another surgeon and back in a boot
-19:26 - boot protocol
-18:10 - always in a boot
-20:32 - second opinion update
-22:25 - what happens in an open repair
-23:05 - no surgery recommendation but PRP
-23:50 - if PRP doesn’t work, other options
-24:30 - everything feels better and moving in the right direction
25:46 - feel like I’ve been progressing the same even before the pop happened
26:15 - calf raise progression!
26:30 - 4 exercises every other day
-26:37 - 3 way calf raises
-26:51 - soleus calf raises on a bench
-27:02 - high toe weight shifts
-27:25 - isometric exercises on both legs with shifting
27:50 - a lot of external focus work in therapy
28:30 - laser work on tibia with soleus raises
29:00 - external focus helps with proprioception
29:51 - BFR exercises
30:39 - single leg calf raise observation
31:07 - hip exercises - band on knee with calf raise
31:55 - be mindful of dorsiflexion
32:35 - figure out the protocols for PRP
32:45 - it’s okay to be where you are with your recovery
34:00 - we need to do better at getting people stronger
35:00 - still moving in the right direction
Please remember we all heal at our own pace. Always consult your doctors/surgeons before weight bearing or changing your movement patterns as you progress through recovery
Amazon List
www.amazon.com...
The Physio Fix Instagram
/ thephysiofix
Ultra_Performance_PT (Dr. Meghan) Instagram
/ ultra_performance_pt
RehabExplained (Dr. Nate) Instagram
/ rehabexplained
Legion Supplements 20% off Code: ThePhysioFix
bit.ly/3kLNViN
Blood Flow Restriction Cuffs 30%off Code: PHYSIOFIX
hpluscuff.com
Splint:
amzn.to/34OgVko
Birkenstocks:
amzn.to/3rAV7S4
Squid Compression System:
squidcompressi...
Vivobarefoot:
www.vivobarefo... use code THEPHYSIOFIX for 10% off
Recover Fun Air Cup
recoverfun.com...
Cupping System
www.amazon.com...

[@joshua5857]

Thanks for sharing your journey! I had achilles surgery 5 weeks ago. This injury is truly life changing, but for the better. It slows you down and are able to look at life differently. And in the end you'll be back to 100% . 🙏💪

[@ThePhysioFix]

You're welcome! I am happy to share my journey if it helps others with their recoveries. I am sorry to hear you hurt your Achilles as well and I wish you all the best in your recovery!

[@travisyoung3833]

Thanks for sharing. I'm at week 12 in non surgical protocol. Things are feeling really good. Your setback is a reminder for me to work on strength before I move on to other things. I know this is an old post and you are well on your way, but these videos are helpful for us in the Achilles mess. Thanks!

[@ThePhysioFix]

I am happy that my videos are helping you but sorry you are going through this injury! It is a hard one for sure! Just keep chipping away and all the small things will add up overtime!

[@flikiana]

Good for you for advocating for yourself!! That is so important. And also you have a super positive attitude even with this setback. You’re really inspiring me to be more optimistic about my achillies injury. I’m currently 2 weeks post-op and it’s taking all my emotional strength to not be constantly sad, especially because I’m usually super active and run or workout daily. Your achillies injury-friendly exercises were great suggestions for me :)

[@ThePhysioFix]

I am sorry you are going through this K Wright! I am glad that sharing my journey is helping you! It is okay to be sad sometimes as some days are better than others but remember to take it one day at a time and You got this!

[@atag512]

man i felt this....and you have such a positive approach...im on week 5 and im now walking today, no crutches.....

[@ThePhysioFix]

It is a long road but take it day by day or minute by minute! Definitely not a sprint! You got this!

[@florentinofangon5245]

If you could do it over, would you change any of the protocol as far as being more conservative for a bit longer?

[@fayeola6616]

Your videos are amazing! I am currently week 6 ( non-op) and feeling great . I am an Olympic weightlifter too and I can’t wait to get back to it slowly in 5 months or so . Thank you for sharing your story ! You are amazing and I wish you the best

[@ThePhysioFix]

I am so sorry to hear that you are going through this injury but happy to hear that my videos are helping you! Take your time, listen to your body and if you need a PT that has been through this my team and I are happy to help!

[@ThePhysioFix]

You got this!!!!

[@LuAnnCutright-yk6zr]

Yes thanks for sharing! I am at week 12-13 and am at where I should be according to my PT. I am concerned that no one mentions they get tired, fatigued and exhausted just walking, working sitting at my desk and need to rest a lot more than before surgery. It makes sense to me that I feel this way but would like to know if others at this point feel this way.

[@ThePhysioFix]

FOR SURE!!!! Day to day activities definitely take a toll! Just keep going! You got this!!!

[@bwthigo09]

wow so interesting! I’ve been fighting Doctor’s and advocating for myself as well. Glad you spoke up for yourself bc it’s a challenge! Also have (what I’ve been told) as a higher than normal tear @ 7cm. Would you say your surgery or recovery was a bit more challenging bc of your 9cm?

[@ThePhysioFix]

I am sorry you are going through this injury and yes definitely need to advocate for yourself! I do not know if it was more challenging but I could not push the range of motion due to the degree of my tear.

[@benslagter]

Sorry you had the setback, but I think you’re handling it well! Definitely important to be your own advocate. My PRP injection wasn’t terribly painful, so hopefully yours is the same if you get it.

[@ThePhysioFix]

Thank you Ben! I always appreciate your support! Yes, I am big on people speaking up and being their own advocate! I am glad your way not too painful!

[@AlvarHugosson]

Sad to hear about this, but really glad you shared. Hope the rest of the journey will go smooth.

[@ThePhysioFix]

Thank you for your support Alvar and I hope so too!

[@Brwnsugaa45677]

Hello. I was wondering when your partial re rupture occurred? Did you experience calf cramping? I’m at 3 months. Been really active with no boot. Started to push it on double calf raises (about 50/50 or 60/50 on injured leg) and started to experience calf cramping when stretching in bed during the morning. Achilles has been feeling sore lately. But also weight lifted on lower legs for the first time. I’m hoping it’s my calf finally being fully worked and not a re rupture. Thank you for the videos ❤️

[@seanasewell]

Thanks for sharing! I’m two weeks post op. I got my cast off 1 week post op and fortunately work from home so am able to elevate and ice which has contributed to little to no swelling. Before my injury, I was also into weight lifting about 4 to 5 times a week. I don’t want to rush back into anything too soon. When I am ready, I’m afraid I will rush back into it too fast or too frequent in conjunction with 3X sessions of PT a week. If you were to do it all over, would you focus more on just the PT for the first 12 weeks and not include any Olympic lifts? And if so, when would you start to reintroduce that kind of activity? Again, my fear is doing too much and without realizing it, putting too much stress on my achilles, causing micro tears which might make me a bit more vulnerable to re-injury.

[@ThePhysioFix]

I hope that your recovery is going well and I am happy to hear that you are going to PT 3x a week! I would not change anything about my recovery plan as I do not think that caused me any delays in my healing. I modified everything for the longest time and made sure to listen to my body. I would definitely recommend a BFR cuff for your recovery as it is an amazing tool! Please reach out if you have any questions as I am happy to help!

[@Resting_Horse]

Thanks for your video, i just needed this. I'm at week 8 post surgery and PT's are pushing me a lot, when i don't feel sure also. I am doing PT 3 times and working on my own 2 or 3 times in a week. Everytime i feel an exercise a bit risky i ask them to try before a similar but easier, or to execute very slow just to manage the drill better. Surgeon and PT tell i am too scared but i've been an athlete all my life and i know some premature sensations. I am working to heal 2/3 hours at day and i am disciplined to try to execute everything surgeon and PT tell me. But it happened i refused to do an exercise and i did it on my own when i felt it few days later. A single leg step up in the water and i didn't almost do a double calf raise. Didn't feel to do it, end of the story 🤷‍♂️😃. Best whishes for everything and thanks again for your detailed videos

[@ThePhysioFix]

So glad that you find my videos helpful! The fear is real and I understand the feeling! Listen to your body and I am sure that your providers have your best interest at heart, push through the fear when you can and give yourself grace on the days you cannot! You got this!

[@Resting_Horse]

@@ThePhysioFix thank you so much for your kind reply. I'm week 11 and going on improving. You are a great inspiration as you really worked hard and I am trying to keep your pace... but you were ahead, no doubts. I am having some troubles with eccentrics on one leg. It's a pity because strenght is quite good but my peronealis tendons are crhonically inflamed so Istill can't stay on one leg without a minimal support. Thanks again for your help, i'll keep following and being inspired

[@LyricoolTV]

Super grateful for your videos... still watching them.. but.. week 7 here

[@ThePhysioFix]

thank you for your kind words and support! I really appreciate it! I am happy they are helping you! You got this!!!

[@ajaykumara7158]

Thanks i had fully torn Achilles tendon. 11 weeks of surgery. Walker using on one leg with toes of injued leh

[@5MofMS]

I feel for you watching this....I'm week 8 right now, and I am only doing pool work twice a week and feel good so far. I don't want any setbacks, do you think you were doing too much without letting the tendon rest enough?

[@ThePhysioFix]

I am sorry you are going through this! I do not think I did too much too fast sometimes things just happen. My re-rupture was in a different location from the original rupture.

[@5MofMS]

@@ThePhysioFix Im walking good now and training to strengthen the ankle and Achilles. I think I’ll be runninh short distance in about 4 weeks. The pool has been a life saver. I’m going to bullet proof my calves and Achilles after this. Thanks for sharing your experience.

[@ruunaskiprod]

Do you think that first small pop had something to do with your partial achilles rerupture? Im at 8 weeks post op right now and I felt small pop in my achilles when I did bodyweight heel raises. I ended my session there and now 1 day later it feels almost normal again but I havent done heel raises today. Should I be worried?

[@ThePhysioFix]

Good morning! To be honest I do not really know. It could have been scar tissue too. I understand why you are concerned but scar tissue could also make that popping sound. I am glad it felt normal the next day! That is good news and I hope you are doing well in your recovery!

[@513cats]

Hate to hear this! Tendons have a mind of their own! You cant push them or trick them into recovering faster. Keep up the strong work. One day at a time! Good luck!

[@ThePhysioFix]

Thank you! Yeah you cannot push and definitely need to listen to your body. I am just doing my best to give it everything it needs to help it heal the best way.

[@JudyBarris]

I’m 74 and ruptured my acheilies 11 weeks ago and I wore a boot for 8 weeks now I’m wearing a brace it the aturo one my incision is red with scabs still it doesn’t hurt me but is that normal to be red and still have scab

[@ThePhysioFix]

O man! I am so sorry to hear that you are going through this injury! The scar and wound can take time for sure! Keep an eye on it and make sure it is not opening more or oozing. If you can put a little extra cushion or a compression sock on the repaired it can help!

[@afouad1976]

I can't make single heel raise. I am week 13 PO. I started physio since 6 weeks. Your advice please

[@ThePhysioFix]

The single leg heel raise is a difficult exercise post Achilles! It takes time and I would use assistance with bands or on a machine for now!

[@dobmehdi7358]

i hope you are going to be better end Good luck for all your wish😊

[@ThePhysioFix]

Thank you so much!

[@pablocortes6950]

OMG...SOO SCAREY!!

[@ThePhysioFix]

definitely not fun to go through but I made it through! Long road but worth it in the end!

[@MrCox2121]

It seems as if you were pushing yourself too hard too fast. I did not even come out of the boot until week 12.

[@ThePhysioFix]

My rerupture was not at the original site and was at a different place. I do not think I went too hard or too fast based on the research I did but everyone is different and needs to do what is best for them. I hope your recovery went well and you are back to all the things you love!

[@gaygachad8305]

Lmao i thought it's was about ACHILLES the Greek warrior but u do look like a female Achilles .

[@ThePhysioFix]

That is hilarious! I will take that as a compliment for sure!