As Sports Massage Therapists, we have all seen that look of pain on the athlete’s face as they peg-leg through the door. Their facial expression begs “please fix my Achilles tendon so I can get back to my sport!”
One of the worst injuries that athletes can face is Achilles tendonitis. Why?
Because without successful rehabilitation of minor tendon tears, it can lead to a career ending injury (full rupture). Scar tissue can also set in, causing anatomical issues that makes athleticism difficult.
The chronic pain associated with the tendon being inflamed will hinder performance. It can also psychologically weaken the athlete because a full rupture constantly weighs upon their mind.
Our goal as Sports Massage Therapists, who work under a doctor’s direction, is to help the tendon fibers heal naturally, as well as reduce scarring.
There are many ways in which this can be therapeutically done, but I will share my tip on how I work on acute or chronic Achilles tendonitis.
Before we get started we are going to assume three things:
- They went to the doctor first and are cleared for massage.
- The patient is willing to tolerate above moderate pain during acute stage.
- The athlete is not taking pain medication during treatment.
We are also going to make sure these three muscles (which make up the Achilles tendon) are relaxed and hypotonic:
- Plantaris
- Gastrocnemius
- Soleus
Now, let’s get on with the Sports Massage Tip!
I want the patient in the prone position with both feet hanging off the table. This allows free movement of the ankle and foot, as well as a stress-free position for the Achilles tendon.
I will then add lotion to the tendon from the base of the calcaneus to the distal belly of the gastrocnemius. I will keep the actual muscles of the calf lotion-free so as to get a grip on them and not slip.
With a rounded, smooth-shaped massage tool, I will then use gentle cross-fiber friction up and down the tendon while pulling the calf muscles superiorly.
Ten minutes of friction each day will help the Achilles tendon to heal while reducing pain and scar tissue.
In the video above I demonstrate this sports massage technique.
Doug Holland, LMT