4-PHASE POST PROCEDURE REHAB OVERVIEW 

Phase 1: 1-2 weeks post procedure:

• Isometric strengthening, muscle activation, and firing of muscle-tendon unit

• Joint mobilizations and gentle stretching of the muscle-tendon unit

• Evaluate and treat other regional weaknesses and imbalances in the kinetic chain

• Desensitization of the tissues with deep tissue and myofascial release work

 

Phase 2: 2-6 weeks post procedure:

• Progressive strengthening of the muscle-tendon unit and regional muscles; fix atrophy

• Controlled low-load, high repetition concentric followed by low load eccentrics

• Tissue remodeling with deep tissue work in line with collagen fiber orientation of tendon

• Basic sport-specific skills reintroduced without loading tendon significantly

 

Phase 3: 6-10 weeks post procedure:

• More dynamic and balanced concentric and progressive eccentric loading of the tendon

• Some early sport-specific, less ballistic skill reintegration with moderate tendon loading

• Likely will need a recovery day after more significant loading

 

Phase 4: 8-12 weeks post procedure:

• Return to sport-specific skills in a progressively more dynamic and ballistic fashion

• Progressively load tendon cyclically (recovery dictates daily vs every other day loading)

• May begin a phased return to a running program if indicated (separate handout)

• Game/Activity simulation with a therapist to recreate the environment

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**Consider progression to a personal trainer if more training needed prior to returning to sport

**Note: Pain up to 3-4/10 is acceptable so long as it remits on the recovery day