First PT-9 weeks
Wow, what a difference a few days can make. Progress feels good. I’m just about 9 weeks since surgery and just started PT today. The first session was so helpful. I was treated with a great session including massage, stretches, lots of education about what works well for stretches/exercises, ultrasound, and STEM. All in all, it was very encouraging and I am feeling more confident in my ability to fully recover. Learning to walk properly again is my first challenge. I also discovered that my good leg is very tight with only about 9% dorsiflexion when it should be closer to 15%. So now I have some work to do on my good leg to build up more flexibility and strengthen my other Achilles to hopefully to prevent this from happening again. In case there are any other ATR’s here in the Twin Cities, I recommend Jon Groskreutz-from OSI Physical Therapy-he does a great job understanding the situation and setting up a plan for progress. Cheers!
April 2nd, 2009 at 11:05 am
Sounds good, I’m still waiting to do PT. Another 2 weeks, but am walking around pretty good. I also have 16 stairs to go up or down at the house so that probably has strengthened my tendon and muscles as well. Just keep plugging along. Cycling or elliptical should be beneficial as well.
IowaJim
April 3rd, 2009 at 8:52 am
Welcome to the PT stage! Feels great, right? My PT has me focusing on strengthening the calf muscle. I’ll warm up with 10 mins on the stationary bike. This does WONDERS for loosening up the tendon and calf. I can walk almost normal (pre-ATR) after I hit the bike. The mornings are pretty rough - it’s so tight and I have a hardcore limp. Does that happen to you?
April 4th, 2009 at 12:29 pm
Hi Famin–Yes, PT really helps to loosen up the tendon. Had my second visit on Friday. I’m having trouble getting enough dorsiflexion so still walking with a limp. Mornings are worse but even later in the day, I’m still limping. My PT said it will likely be another week or two until I can walk at a normal pace without limping. I highly recommend PT for this injury as I’ve already noticed improvements after just 2 visits. Just gotta stick with in now.