Burwood NSW · Achilles Tendinopathy Treatment
Achilles tendinopathy is one of the most common running injuries — causing pain, stiffness, and swelling in the Achilles tendon. With the right treatment, the vast majority of patients make a full recovery.
Whether you have mid-portion or insertional Achilles tendinopathy, our physiotherapists deliver a structured loading program backed by the best available evidence — restoring pain-free function for running, sport, and daily life.
How We Treat This Condition
Evidence-based treatment tailored to your specific presentation and goals.
Tendon Assessment
VISA-A questionnaire, palpation, calf endurance testing, and gait analysis to determine tendon health and guide the right treatment approach.
Learn more →Eccentric Calf Loading
Heavy eccentric heel drops on a step are the gold-standard for mid-portion Achilles tendinopathy — progressively rebuilding tendon capacity.
Learn more →Isometric Loading
For insertional tendinopathy or acute flares, isometric calf holds provide immediate pain relief without compressing the tendon insertion.
Learn more →Shockwave Therapy
Highly effective for both mid-portion and chronic Achilles tendinopathy — shockwave stimulates tendon healing and significantly reduces pain.
Learn more →Manual Therapy
Calf release, ankle and subtalar mobilisation, and neural tension management to restore full movement and reduce tendon load.
Learn more →Return to Running
A criteria-based return-to-running program with objective calf strength testing before return to sport.
Learn more →When to See a Physio for Achilles Pain
See a physiotherapist if you have morning stiffness or pain in the Achilles that eases with movement then returns, pain that increases with running or jumping, or any sudden sharp pain and weakness that could indicate a rupture — this needs urgent assessment.
What Happens at Your First Appointment?
Full Assessment
Detailed history, movement analysis and clinical tests to identify the root cause of your problem.
Diagnosis & Plan
We explain exactly what is going on and create a realistic, goal-focused treatment timeline.
Hands-On Treatment
Most patients receive treatment in their first session — manual therapy, needling, or exercise prescription.
Home Program
You leave with clear exercises and self-management strategies to accelerate your recovery.
Why Choose Burwood Physio?
- AHPRA-registered physiotherapists
- Same-day and next-day appointments available
- HICAPS on-site — claim health fund rebate instantly
- Medicare bulk billing with GP CDM plan
- NDIS registered provider
- WorkCover and icare accepted
- Evidence-based treatment — no unnecessary sessions
- 2 minutes walk from Burwood Station
📍 Located in Burwood: Shop 2, 36–38 Victoria St East, Burwood NSW 2134. 2 min from Burwood Station. Open Mon–Sat.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is Achilles tendinopathy?
It is a painful degenerative condition of the Achilles tendon caused by overloading — most common in runners and middle-aged active adults.
What is the best exercise for Achilles tendinopathy?
Eccentric heel drops (for mid-portion) and isometric calf holds (for insertional) are the gold-standard exercises, ideally prescribed by a physiotherapist.
How long does Achilles tendinopathy take to resolve?
Most cases significantly improve within 8–16 weeks with consistent loading exercise. Chronic cases may take 6–12 months.
Is shockwave therapy effective for Achilles tendinopathy?
Yes. Shockwave therapy alongside eccentric loading provides better outcomes than exercise alone for mid-portion and chronic cases.
Can I keep running with Achilles tendinopathy?
Careful load management is required. Running through high pain levels accelerates tendon degeneration. Your physiotherapist will guide appropriate activity.
What causes Achilles tendinopathy?
Achilles tendinopathy typically develops from a rapid increase in running volume or intensity, tight calf muscles, poor footwear, or biomechanical factors that overload the tendon beyond its capacity to adapt.
What does Achilles tendinopathy treatment involve at Burwood Physio?
Treatment centres on a progressive loading program, typically starting with isometric exercises for pain relief, then building through heavy slow resistance training tailored to your tendon’s stage of healing.
Is it a rupture or tendinopathy — how do I know?
A tendinopathy causes gradual pain with loading, while an Achilles rupture typically causes a sudden sharp pain, often described as being kicked in the calf, with immediate loss of push-off strength. A rupture requires urgent medical assessment.
Does Achilles tendinopathy affect both legs?
It can, though it commonly affects one leg first. Addressing underlying factors like calf strength and training load helps reduce the risk of it developing in the other leg.
Can Achilles tendinopathy be related to other running injuries?
Yes. Weakness or stiffness elsewhere in the kinetic chain, including the hip and calf, can increase load on the Achilles. We assess the whole lower limb, not just the tendon itself.
Achilles pain stopping your training?
Evidence-based loading programs deliver excellent results. Book today.