Achilles Rupture Rehab - Calf Muscle Atrophy and Strength Loss | Tim Keeley

Achilles Rupture Rehab - Calf Muscle Atrophy and Strength Loss | Tim Keeley | Physio REHAB

Рет қаралды 72,162

2 жыл бұрын

#achilles #achillestendon #achillesrupture
APOLOGIES FOR THE SOUND DISPRUTION ON THE MICROPHONE!
The long journey of Achilles rehab following rupture or surgery is a tough one to say the least and most of you will discover the lack of strength the calf and the inability to stand up on your toes on one leg (do a calf raise on one leg). You're not alone.
The calf - namely the gastroc and the soleus, atrophy pretty quick and although you bring back the TONE, the bulk fades off quite significantly - as you can see here with my patient. This lack of muscle bulk and overall power strength makes it very hard for your body and your brain to do a calf raise.
The key is perseverance. It WILL happen - you just need to trust the process and be consistent and progressive wherever you can in getting to do the calf raise. This HAS to happen before you return to running, no matter how long its been after surgery.
Aim for double leg raises with weight, on and off a step, hops, trampoline hops and then progress from a 'percentage calf raise' (meaning 75% injured and 25% non-injured), progressing through to eccentric calf raise, then off a step, then single leg calf raise on the floor, then off a step, then off a step with weight.
Good luck!
Physio Fitness | physiofitness.com.au
Physio REHAB | physiorehab.com
Facebook: facebook.com.au/physiofitness
Instagram: / physiofitnessaus

Пікірлер: 128

@LeontiusInvictus Жыл бұрын

I'm so grateful to have found this. I had surgery Nov 2021, and although im at the gym, running, playing soccer (not full speed) again, I do not have the single leg strength for even just one, full heel-raise. The heel only picks up off the floor slightly. I was worried that maybe I've somehow screwed myself, and that I would not have the function again, but it seems like I'm in the same boat as the patient in the video, regardless of how much time has elapsed. Looks like the solution is to double-down on daily, intentional raises like the ones shown at the end.

@troythackwray Жыл бұрын

I'm 5 months since surgery and this is the exact place I'm in. So glad I stumbled upon this video - I've been a little lost and not sure what to do about this deflated calf 👌🏾👌🏾

@physiorehab Жыл бұрын

👍

@lmccullom 5 ай бұрын

I just had an ankle surgery which caused me to lose all calf muscle. This was very helpful!

@josephbuckman158 Жыл бұрын

Best wishes

@Addy.Sir27 Жыл бұрын

Thank you sir❣️

@physiorehab Жыл бұрын

You’re welcome! 😄

@territalk1893 2 жыл бұрын

I love this! While recovering from bimalleolar ORIF, I couldn’t raise up on my toes (unless I let it take a free ride with my good foot). I called it my flat tire. Lol. Crazy feeling not being able to raise up on one foot.

@physiorehab 2 жыл бұрын

👍

@alice-in-wonderland.1223 Жыл бұрын

I'm almost 6 months from rupture (non surgical with boot) but my treatment was screwed up and delayed a few times so I think I'm a bit behind recovery wise. I'm doing these daily but can't do it on the atrophied leg without holding myself up on the counter. My 'good leg' got very strained with wearing the boot and has never come right, the ankle is really sore so I've been giving it a break and just using the ruptured leg -and the counter. I'm getting severe muscle cramps in my calf, it happens walking but is worst at night when I'm lying down. I have to get out of bed, stand up and massage it until it eases. It's so painful. I'm not getting much sleep.

@aattiar 10 ай бұрын

Had my rupture 6 years ago and never gotten any rehab or instructions on what to do. Here i am still not able to do one legged calf raises. Finally found sth that i can relate to and hope to eventually get over this injury. I hope its not too late...

@physiorehab 9 ай бұрын

It’s never too late. Try working on the Achilles Rehab program at physiorehab.com plus a lot of stationary bike.

@josephfernandez9658 7 ай бұрын

Thanks man, I've had my Orthopedic surgeon tell me that my tendon isn't attached today Dec 12th, I tore mine Sept 2, he's such a garbage doc, he placed his thumb on my ruptured and said he knows it is a 5cm gap, smh, he said we need surgery and he doesn't need a mri, and he said i just need a boot without the Dorsey flex position, long story short I don't trust him, im glad I don't trust his words, I found this vid and it have me hope. I can't lift my heel up higher than an inch in single raise, I will keep at it.

@sszkd1 3 ай бұрын

Can you upload a video on your brother in laws current ststus and what he has done?

@truthseeker4323 13 күн бұрын

Hi, very informative. Can you please share the video of single leg on the floor , and step as I am not sure what you mean.

@lamb-tika-cod4934 2 жыл бұрын

Snapped my tibia October 15th 2021. Writing this today in April..bought a calf machine for 50 quid from my old gym. Gonna smash em out every couple of days

@physiorehab 2 жыл бұрын

Hope it strengthens up!

@tinatoka Жыл бұрын

Me too it’s so painful trying one leg . I haven’t ran 10 years

@user-td3sl7wj9v 7 ай бұрын

Hi doc, do muscle injury may lead to muscle wasting? Thank you

@qvisvtdevs852 Жыл бұрын

Hello , I do have exactly the same problem but on my right leg ... it’s been about 10 years now After many exams the last one was EMG ( Electromyography ) , so apparently the nerve that is supposed to flex the calf muscle is functioning only at 35% , For years I had severe pain coming down from my spine ( sciatica ) , that had apparently damaged that particular nerve Do you think you could help me ? and yes I’m loosing the muscle volume ( lost quite a bit ) it’s exactly as in your video , but I have never had any Achilles problems that I know of , I cannot run nor walk properly, Best regards, and God bless you! Spasa T

@michaelb6510 11 ай бұрын

Fantastic audio. Almost left the video multiple times.

@alysiajocelyn7731 2 жыл бұрын

Hi! Thanks for these videos, they're super informative. I'm a pro dancer and I ruptured my achilles back in Dec with a 2.5-3cm gap. Is this the latest video of your brother in-law's recovery, how is he doing now? I've gone down the non-op route of healing and after 6 weeks of being out of my boot, I'm able to walk without crutches and feel strong enough to incorporate some of the exercises you mentioned in your other videos into my programme!

@physiorehab 2 жыл бұрын

He is back playing soccer ok. Still Needs to keep working on calf bulk and strength. For my full program go to: physiorehab.com/rehab-programs-achilles-injury-surgery-rehab

@DeeYee99 2 ай бұрын

How long does it take to recover from muscle atrophy anyways???

@CoachedByFe 2 жыл бұрын

Hey, your video was super informative and has given me inspiration for my current Rehab prog. I initially ruptured my Achilles on 21/09/20 and opted for non op, I then partially re-ruptured it on 19/12/20. Now 14 months-ish since being out the boot and I'm slowly gaining strength, balance etc but I was wondering whether there's added complications with the re-rupture in terms of recovering to full strength and power? Is there anything else specific you'd recommend to incorporate to my prog? Thanks a lot

@physiorehab 2 жыл бұрын

All I recommend is following the Achilles program we have to compare and see what you’re missing: physiorehab.com/rehab-programs-achilles-injury-surgery-rehab

@xintu228 8 ай бұрын

wait, you said running is absolutely banned until he can do a single legged calf raise, why is that? i see other physio talking about running after 6 months only. mine went through surgery 10 months ago and now i can do some running with hills trying to strength /bulk up the atrophied calf, should i stop? i can do double legged calf raise but not single legged at moment. one more thing, can bulking up be achieved through say 4 out 7 days instead of 7 days a week?

@rram992 3 ай бұрын

Had surgery for torn ACL and broken patella 12 years ago. I’ve been struggling getting my left leg(quad) to grow(it always falls behind my right leg). Are there any tips on being able to fix that?

@MsGraceNk 3 ай бұрын

Hi. I'm five weeks into my cast, had surgery from a partial achilles tendon tear (a glass cut me). I'll remove it next week. Doctor said I might not need a walking boot after, is this safe ?

@iali00 Жыл бұрын

Wish I could get this guy as my therapist. Just had my surgery yesterday and looks like like a long road ahead.

@physiorehab Жыл бұрын

I do Telehealth! If you need a good rehab program have a look at physiorehab.com

@iali00 Жыл бұрын

@@physiorehab Cool. I’ll check out the link. I live in the US, do you take our private insurance? My rehab costs are 95% covered by Aetna.

@humzaibz1217 4 ай бұрын

Is a compex necessary for this? Do you 100% need one ?

@amandamoore5722 2 жыл бұрын

Hi there! I have been working on all of exercises but it is often tight and sore. How many days a week do you think I should be doing my Achilles/calf specific exercises? And then on the “off” days- can I be doing other things- just not the Achilles specific excercises? For example, on the off day can I do my squats? ALSO!!! What are trampoline jumps and hops? Both feet or single leg?

@physiorehab 2 жыл бұрын

Best to follow my program rather than doing ad-how exercises. You can find it here physiorehab.com/rehab-programs-achilles-injury-surgery-rehab

@gerrylaan7410 2 жыл бұрын

Hey mate good stuff! Quick question here, do you recommend any type of running shoe or brand for people recovering from this injury? I'll be out of the boot in about two and a half weeks and want to get back to running as soon as possible

@physiorehab 2 жыл бұрын

Perhaps go for a high pitch running shoes. Meaning they will give you cushioning and elevate the heel.

@joanw9091 Жыл бұрын

I can relate to that atrophied calf! 10 weeks immobilized for an ankle avulsion and sprain. Had shooting pains in the achilles while in the cast and trying to lay down. Now that I'm recovering 7 weeks out of cast, I still have a lot of tingling and stiffness in the achilles. It hates when I lay down on it. All the nerves start tingling. I can't sleep. Any ideas of what I'm dealing with? I'm doing all the remobilizing exercises, riding a recumbent bike, walking with crutches still. It's taking so long to get the ankle fully flexed.

@physiorehab Жыл бұрын

It takes a long time with the rehab. Stick to the exercises. My full program is here: physiorehab.com/rehab-programs-achilles-injury-surgery-rehab

@cld3761 Жыл бұрын

I ruptured my Achilles tendon September 2021. Still working on strengthening calf muscles. Not a runner so don't care about running. However the non injured leg and hip have gone through their own issues. Now the injured leg is experiencing issues with the ankle. It locks up on the outside and/or something tightens and pulls my foot to the right.

@physiorehab Жыл бұрын

Perhaps have a look at my rehab program at physiorehab.com

@GulnaharMahbubMonika Жыл бұрын

I injured my ATFL, CFL and PTFL at the same time its been almost 3 months. I can walk properly but I have calf muscle loss and my ankle range is lesser than my other ankle. The problem is whenever I walk to much or do some exercise my ankle still get swollen. I am icing and keeping my ankle elevated but my concern is it's been such a long time but still slightly swallowing is still there and it increases when I stress on it more. I am a Basketball player so I want to start playing but because of this swelling issue I am unable to do exercises properly and unable to improve my ankle range and the calf muscle as well.

@physiorehab Жыл бұрын

Oh ankle sprains take a long time and need a lot of stability training

@unitedafrica6232 Жыл бұрын

Hi, thanks for your videos. I raptured my achilles on 20th November, going non operative the public hospital put me in an above knee cast for 3 weeks (wanted me in this 4 weeks than another below knee cast for 2 further weeks so 6 weeks before weight bearing). I decided to seek an alternate opinion as no where had this protocol, so another doctor was shocked and put me in a vacoped boot at 3.5 weeks in & im learning to partial weight bear. I just wanted to ask, when I take the boot off to clean my foot or change my sock, small movements away from planterflex position can be really painful, like day one of injury pain. Is that normal in your opinion at this point? If so, when does that pain reduce. I’m basically too scared to take the boot off as that pain in original Achilles rapture site if I move it too far out of position is insane…is that normal? I’m starting physio next week but my only worry is my tendon isn’t healing :( Thank you in advance for your thoughts.

@physiorehab Жыл бұрын

As long as you don’t walk on it without the boot then you will be ok. It takes a long time to heal so that’s why you’re in the boot. Follow my complete program here: physiorehab.com/rehab-programs-achilles-injury-surgery-rehab

@hardevsingh369 2 жыл бұрын

Hi, I've just got out of my cast today after having cast on for calf tear. Was advised none surgery was best option. Now starting my journey on rehab. Was told to focus on tip toeing up on both legs then to eventually work the ruptured leg more. Then move to step tip toe up. Day 1 was a massive challenge and feel there's no strength. Any further advice would be much appreciated. Also thank you for the video.

@physiorehab 2 жыл бұрын

Yep sure my advice is to follow my rehab program it gives you all the right exercises: physiorehab.com/rehab-programs-achilles-injury-surgery-rehab

@captainspaulding8868 2 жыл бұрын

For atrophied muscles, is the focus on low reps and building weight, or just doing a bunch of high reps with little weight to reactivate the muscle?

@physiorehab 2 жыл бұрын

Start with high reps and low weight then increase the weight and lower the reps

@JLillard5 2 жыл бұрын

I am 2 years + post surgery and I still have this problem. I workout daily, Did all my PT at first. Is it too late for me to try these or no? And any other recommended exercises? I can do everything but still weaker/smaller and jog/run awkward.

@physiorehab 2 жыл бұрын

Never too late for strengthening. All the rehab exercises and programming can be found here: physiorehab.com/rehab-programs-achilles-injury-surgery-rehab

@cheyyotrujillo8177 Жыл бұрын

I broke Left my tibia and fibula on Nov 13, 2019 had hardware removal surgery on June, 05 2021 I work out my legs twice a week but my left leg (calf) is noticeable thinner as my oppressed to my right looks more toned any advice? Should I work on my left leg more often doing isolated workouts specifically for my left leg? Because I’m at the point where I think a may have permanent atrophy

@physiorehab Жыл бұрын

You have to keep working on calf raises and the bike

@markharriot6850 9 ай бұрын

Great video, did he ever get the calf back to look like the good one? If so, how long did it take? Thanks

@physiorehab 6 ай бұрын

Still smaller - he doesn’t do enough strengthening!

@Phoenix1664 2 жыл бұрын

I tore mine in a rugby match 3 years ago. Hasn't been the same since. Not sure it ever will be

@Phoenix1664 2 жыл бұрын

@Sean H roll how? Did it work?

@captainspaulding8868 2 жыл бұрын

If the atrophied muscles start to get sore and inflamed when trying to re-strengthen them, is it best to use heat or ice?

@physiorehab 2 жыл бұрын

Rest and stretch, then drop the load and go for consistency

@jm4211 2 жыл бұрын

How is your brother-in-law doing now? Fully healed now? Are there any signs that the tendon was ruptured - e.g. slight bump or difference in thickness?

@physiorehab 2 жыл бұрын

Full healed. Back training at soccer. Thicker still will be so for a while

@gerrylaan7410 2 жыл бұрын

Hey Tim! Not sure if you'll still read these but why is it that your brother in law is banned from running untill he can do a single legged calf raise on his injured leg? Im at approx. 18 weeks from my rupture and been doing short runs of around 4km for about three weeks now and progressing well on those. I couldnt do a single legged calf raise for the life of me but I feel like the runs are really helping me out. Physio says its going great, although I havent told him about the runs ha.

@physiorehab 2 жыл бұрын

Youre lucky I guess

@gerrylaan7410 2 жыл бұрын

@@physiorehab yeah just for anyone reading with, tendon has been very sore and swollen for the past two weeks now, i was lucky for a few weeks and now I'm not.. guess slow and steady really does win the race here

@maxescano Жыл бұрын

Hi, my right ankle doesn't plantar flex enough for the calf to tense. Had a sprain 1 month ago but even before that, my right calf seems to not be tensed. What can I do?

@physiorehab Жыл бұрын

Perhaps work on that mobility

@MaxShorts365 Жыл бұрын

Hi, is there a follow up video or update on his calf size 12 months on? Has it improved?

@michaelb6510 Жыл бұрын

Notice how he answered most questions but this one.

@arielsavoy7496 Ай бұрын

How is he doing as of toda

@winslowwong9719 2 жыл бұрын

Audio sounds like a techno beat

@physiorehab 2 жыл бұрын

Yep - Microphone battery fail

@thesupaone08 2 жыл бұрын

Is it true that after a achilles tear that standing on tiptoe of the injured foot alone/solely will never happen???

@physiorehab Жыл бұрын

Not exactly sure what you’re talking about

@HOPE-ix6ee Жыл бұрын

I have right leg calf muscle past from 4 years due to Spinal tumor compression now I had successful surgery, does it grow back?

@physiorehab Жыл бұрын

Depends how much it’s been affected Neurally and how much strengthening work you put it

@gmontenegro9711 11 ай бұрын

What would cause a spontaneous atrophy of the calf muscle (size and strength)? My inner calf muscle looks like it’s torn but I’ve never injured my calf.

@physiorehab 9 ай бұрын

Atrophy Can come from a nerve issue as well. Have you had a back injury?

@gmontenegro9711 9 ай бұрын

@@physiorehab no, the worst lve had, was like a lower back strain or severe pump after squats that I couldn’t even sit comfortably. But that was back around 2012, calves were definitely growing during that time. The outer calf head is perfectly intact and gets a pump but inner calf head slightly flexes and never gets a pump. I noticed the calf issue about 2 months ago and left me perplexed. Curious would plantar fasciitis ever cause any issue with the calf muscles? That’s the only other leg/foot related issue I ever faced, lasted for a few days with both feet, but nothing else.

@warriorwithin9310 2 жыл бұрын

I can't do calf raises on both my legs. I didn't have any injuries to either legs, but within 12 months, I couldn't raise my legs so I now I just get by walking on my heels. Very frustrating. Anyone out there with any infor regarding my problem would appreciate.

@physiorehab 2 жыл бұрын

Perhaps get that assessed by a PHYSIO first?

@naya4607 Жыл бұрын

Would you recommend EMS to kick start strength training?

@physiorehab Жыл бұрын

You can!

@mondayvictor2815 Жыл бұрын

Is it possible to build muscles in the leg while having foot drop because my left leg has atrophy

@physiorehab Жыл бұрын

It’s difficult

@user-dh7sh6iy4b 9 ай бұрын

Im unfortunately going through my employers workmans comp drs and im positive ive torn my achilles,its been a month of injury,should i just go to emergency im fearing im way behind on treatments

@user-dh7sh6iy4b 9 ай бұрын

Im afraid of my calf atrophy

@physiorehab 8 ай бұрын

Get it assessed! Also have a look at my Achilles rehab program at physiorehab.com

@amirrasool7286 2 жыл бұрын

What about using an ems machine once out of a cast and into a boot? Week 3 onwards

@physiorehab 2 жыл бұрын

Try anything but nothing beats getting in there and strengthening it

@yarvadavid7608 Жыл бұрын

My complete right side body muscle is shrinking and aching alot since 5 years 24/7 wt to do. I don't have any injuries

@physiorehab Жыл бұрын

Perhaps seek professional assessment

@shahidansari875 2 жыл бұрын

I am not able to perform this exercise from right leg due to calf muscle weakness. I can't stand on my right feet due calf muscle weakness

@physiorehab 2 жыл бұрын

You may have to regress the exercises to 2 legs

@natak6303 2 жыл бұрын

I have exactly same problem 😞, i can not rise my right leg at all 😟 calf muscle almost gone 🤦🏻‍♀️ i walk funny

@physiorehab 2 жыл бұрын

Keep the calf raises going you will get there

@adgiousdfhgp 2 жыл бұрын

Is it normal that I still can’t do a single leg calf raise after 6 month post surgery ? I’m training but it doesn’t seem to improve. I can slightly lift my heel but that’s it. Any Tips ?

@physiorehab 2 жыл бұрын

Yep it can be, usually it’s the muscle atrophy. You have to stick at it. Have a look at my rehab program for it here: physiorehab.com/rehab-programs-achilles-injury-surgery-rehab

@adgiousdfhgp 2 жыл бұрын

@@physiorehab Yes it’s the medial gastrocnemius head that is completely gone. Can you say how long it took for your brother in law to get the single leg calf raise. I’d like to know as a point of reference. PS: I’ve checked your other content, great work 👌🏽

@cloudyw1thachanceofra1nbow 2 жыл бұрын

@@adgiousdfhgp hey! I am a professional athelete, I tore my achilles in june, had surgery on 11th of june. Single leg calf raise is one of the last things that come back after achilles tears. U have to work your calf 2-3 times per week in the gym. Work 2-3 exercises untill it burns. Slowly in time add more weights and u will get there. To give u an example, exactly one month ago i wasnt able to lift my heel of the ground. Now i can, its not the most natural calf raise but the progress is there. Keep working, have patience and believe in yourself. U have any other questions, dont hesitate to ask. God bless u

@adgiousdfhgp 2 жыл бұрын

@@cloudyw1thachanceofra1nbow Hey. Thx for you your response. It’s good to hear that I’m not alone. My general concern is that the tendon is elongated and that current state is permanent because of the lack of tension in the tendon itself. Do you have that as well? When you are almost at peak platarflexion that your tendon is pretty loose.. I can get the heel of the ground but only like 5-6 cm max. And maximum plantarflex height with my non injured leg is like 12 cm.

@cloudyw1thachanceofra1nbow 2 жыл бұрын

@@adgiousdfhgp well what i can tell u for sure is that i can also feel and see an anatomical difference in the repaired tendon vs the healthy one. When i m doing both legs calves raises I can tell u that i feel that on my healthy leg, the heel goes a little bit higher. Not much. It might be 1-2 cm.

@lakshitsharma7393 Жыл бұрын

I have pain in my back side of ankle whenever I move my ankle back side it starts paining please give me idea ...🥺

@physiorehab Жыл бұрын

Try the strengthening work and if not better seek physio assessment

@samgaming0473 11 ай бұрын

Same problem sir

@redpillyoass5894 11 ай бұрын

What’s up with the audio?

@manojbind7501 2 жыл бұрын

Hello sir, I have looseness, numbness and weakness in my calves, due to which I am unable to stand on my toes, for this sir tell me any exercise

@physiorehab 2 жыл бұрын

Have a look at our exercises and rehab programs at physiorehab.com

@thesupaone08 2 жыл бұрын

@@physiorehab Is it true that after a achilles tear that standing on tiptoe of the injured foot alone/solely will never happen???

@eduardoluizfernandes2363 Жыл бұрын

It is possible after a few years of tear and surgery (actually about 4-5 years) to gain the bulk and strenght of calf muscles if I put the reps and loads? Thx

@physiorehab Жыл бұрын

Always possible

@ivkajurkovic1041 Жыл бұрын

My Achilles tendon ruptured at about 60% of the cross-section, so I'm wondering how long it will take for the ruptured parts to get together again, given that I'm 67 years old and the leg was in a cast for a month?

@physiorehab 10 ай бұрын

About 9-12 weeks and then 12 months of rehab

@thatsjustscott 9 ай бұрын

THIS IS EXACTLY WHAT I AM EXPERIENCING!!! The only way I could describe it to myself is that my calf strength feels like it atrophied??? But it sounded kind of dramatic? Nope! This is my now and I don’t know what to do 😢😢

@physiorehab 8 ай бұрын

Perhaps get it assessed to see what the problem is

@mirceagherbovet1731 Жыл бұрын

23 YEARS after tendon rupture, and my calf it's not what it use to be, it's not look the same as the other calf. It's not about functionality, that is normal, but the look. "Fortunately" 6 weeks ago, the another tendon was broken. So... Perhaps in another 23 years, they will look the same.

@physiorehab 10 ай бұрын

😂