Achilles Tendinosis

What is Achilles tendinosis? Tendinosis is sometimes referred to as chronic tendonitis and is damage done to a tendon at a cellular level.  The achilles tendon is the large tendon that covers the bottom third of your calf at the back of your leg. It connects your calf muscle to your heel and provides the power to lift your heel off the ground when walking and running.

Achilles tendinosis is a condition in which your achilles tendon undergoes trauma and becomes inflamed and swollen due to irritation. The whole process sets up a vicious cycle of pain and swelling and if this cycle is not interrupted – it can lead to irreparable damage to the achilles tendon making it prone to rupture and subsequent surgery.

What causes achilles tendinosis? There are many factors that lead to achilles tendinosis. The most common cause is a change in the level of physical activity e.g. an increase in duration or intensity of activity, a new activity or even a change in footwear or surface on which you run. As there are numerous variables that can cause this condition, it is important to seek the correct professional advice to determine the cause of the condition so the appropriate treatment can be undertaken.

Once achilles tendinosis occurs, it is unlikely to resolve without physiotherapy intervention. The condition can last up 3 months with more recalcitrant presenting conditions. Without treatment it may be a lot longer and lead to a more problematic condition.

What are the symptoms of achilles tendinosis? Symptoms usually commence gradually and are characterized by stiffness and pain in the achilles region. Symptoms are commonly noticed when mobilizing (walking and/or running) after a period of inactivity.

Often the first few steps in the morning can be difficult and painful. Pain can vary from being a dull ache to being more severe depending on the activity undertaken. It is important to respect pain and not to try and push through pain. Pain indicates trauma and can result in further damage.

How is achilles tendinosis diagnosed? The best way to diagnose the presence of tendinosis is to seek the assistance of your physiotherapist. A physiotherapist will take a thorough history and physical examination. Remember all achilles tendinosis present differently and there are many factors that can cause this condition therefore your treatment needs to be specifically tailored to your needs.

Biomechanical assessment is crucial to shed light on this condition for treatment. This takes time and looks at not only your muscle length and strength around your ankle, but also your hip and knee. In addition to this, a dynamic assessment of your stance and walking is also required to be more comprehensive and complete.

What is the treatment of achilles tendinosis? Treatment of achilles tendinosis varies between people and depends on what is found in your detailed assessment. It can consist of the following:

1. soft tissue massage of the achilles tendon and associated surrounding musculature
2. ultrasound of achilles tendon
3. prescription of orthotics. This may require the professional input of a podiatrist.
4. modification of your training regime
5. formulation of a rehabilitation program that includes both strengthening and stretching. A walking and running program is also indicated to assist you in getting back to your recreational hobby or sport
6. icing regime. This is crucial for soft tissue swelling management and retarding the disease process. Icing can last up to 2 to 3 months.

Neck Pain & Headaches Seminar a success!

Left: Michael demonstrating some neck treament
Right: Lauren teaching us how to strike a Pilates Pose

Hoppers Crossing Physio recently held an Information Evening at the Clinic to discuss some of the intricacies of headaches, neck pain and how this related back to your posture.The evening was attended by 15 or so interested patients of the clinic and everyone learnt the difference between a Migraine and a headache.

The seminar was presented by our very own Michael Tricarico and Lauren Stanley – and at the end of the evening – one lucky ticket holder won the Lucky Door Prize of a Roll Mat. Michael explained some of the techniques that trained Physiotherapists use to diagnose and treat neck pain and headaches and then called for a brave volunteer from the audience to participate in a demonstration of some of the equipment used to treatment this condition.  Lauren was able to demystify how Pilates could be used to aid the treatment of neck pain and improve our posture.

Did you know that many people believe that getting shorter and less mobile as we get older is part of the natural aging process – and that after years of accumulating bad habits and posture – most people tend to turn to Doctors for help.  The reality is – that through improved body awareness, correcting our posture and regular exercise such as Pilates – many people will feel better and stand taller, not jut out chins, square shoulders and potentially alleviate neck-related headaches.

Our evening ended up with everyone in the room attempting a basic Pilates maneuver and feeling their core muscles switch on – all from the comfort of sitting in a chair!  If you would like further information on our Pilates programs – please call our Clinic.

HCPC will be holding it’s next Information Evening on September 17 entitled “Sporting Injuries – acute management & rehabilitation” – to reserve your seat please call us on 94795110.

Michael addressing attendees at our information session on Neck Pain & Headaches

AFL Star Recruit finds his mark with Pilates

Bachar Houli stood out for draft selection to the Essendon Football Club in the 2006 National Draft, having played football for a number of years with the Western Jets Football Club.  The start of a very promising career for the young midfielder.  Unfortunately during that initial 2006 season – Bachar sustained an injury to his lower back - and was sidelined for many weeks.

Concerned that his AFL career may have been over before it really started, Bachar was searching for an effective treatment regime that would help his injury heal without any undue stress, strain or pain.

The Hoppers Crossing Physiotherapy Centre works with the Western Jets to ensure the ongoing fitness of their players and it was in conjunction with the Western Jets Sports Physician, that a treatment plan was developed for Bachar’s specific injury.

HCPC assessed Bachar and he then commenced treatment, which included a detailed Pilates program.  Bachar’s dedication to his recovery saw him progress very well, and as he developed improved core stability strength – the pain through his lower back completely disappeared.

Bachar was able to complete this program in the comfort of the HCPC Gym, on the state of the art Pilates Equipment available. Bachar’s progress was regularly checked and reviewed and as Bachars strength returned, his exercise regime was progressed to more challenging exercises – with his triumphant football return being a clear goal for both Bachar and HCPC.

Within months he was back on the Football field and playing some of the best football he had ever played and credits his rapid recovery and improved core strength to his personalized Pilates program – again ensuring that he caught the eye of the National AFL Selectors.

This is one of many success stories of people being helped through a specifically tailored exercise program provided by HCPC.

Why not call our Centre on 97495110 and come in for an assessment by our highly trained staff – feel the benefits of good health when we help you to be the best you can!