Achilles Rupture Rehab

First, let me say thank you to everyone on the team for all the fantastic information, guidance, and the overwhelmingly friendly demeanor in which both are provided. You’ve found a convert and are the first source I mention when people ask me about training. Here’s hoping you make it to Minnesota one of these days for a seminar.

My wife ruptured her Achilles tendon about two months ago and has moved on to the “boot” portion of her rehab. She’s itching to do as much as possible, as soon as possible, and I have three quick questions:

(1) We’ve already started with upper body work, avoiding anything where the kinetic chain continues through the feet: i.e., no leg drive on benches, seated presses, some arm assistance stuff, all relatively light as she regains strength after a while off. I assume this is OK, but is this pushing things?

(2) If all continues to go well with recovery, should regular programming with squats, deadlift, etc. start up again once she’s able to ditch the boot for good (in about a month)?

(3) Is there anything she should be careful about or beware when getting started in earnest again?

Thank you again!

kevin durant hurt his achilles, they say he will be out for the entire 2020 nba season. looks like your wife will have a long road ahead.

I suspect my wife will be out for the 2020 NBA season as well, but leaving that aside, she’s still anxious to get under the bar again as soon as prudent.

Hi SteveD,

This may give you an idea of a rehab progression. Obviously these timeframes may differ based on patient, surgeon, PT’s background and other confounding factors. Either way, its only a matter of time before squats and deadlifts can begin.

https://www.uwhealth.org/files/uwhealth/docs/sportsmed/SM-143151_Achilles_Tendon_Rehab_final.pdf

Thank you for this resource. I sent her a copy tonight. Her surgeon has been a touch more cautious on some of the timelines but this is a nice roadmap to have. And of course we’ll be listening to what the treating experts say as well.