How We Treat Achilles Tendon Pain At Severn Clinics
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Our service is for people who want to be truly free from chronic pain & injuries. This involves healing the real causes of pain and injury susceptibility, deep in the body and nervous system. It also means moving beyond outdated ‘symptom based’ approaches to pain.
We combine cutting edge technology, hands on methods, tailored rehab programs and stress management. This enables us to manage everything from fresh ankle sprains; to the chronic pains associated with conditions like osteoarthritis, disc bulges and PTSD.
We provide transformative healthcare in a welcoming and friendly environment. For us, genuine care and authentic communication are not bonus features. They are healthcare fundamentals.
Successful management and relief of stubborn back pain can be surprisingly straight forward. Yet in other instances a systematic, focused, and persistent approach may be required to get your back pain under control.
We specialise in providing flexible ‘multidisciplinary’ pain relief – using a wide range of tools and techniques. This ensures we have the best possible chance to help everyone: from the most easy straightforward cases right through to the most treatment resistant forms of back pain.
Find The Cause
Hands On Pain Relief
Rehabilitation And Prevention
Getting to the bottom of your back pain means finding out where exactly the pain is coming from – and exactly what is causing it.
Back pain can come from muscle, tendons, discs, joints, ligaments, nerves, bones, fascia (connective tissue) or even an internal organ. Establishing clearly which tissue is creating the pain is the first step towards relief. But we don’t stop there because we want to know WHY you are suffering.
Some back pains are caused by damaged or degenerated tissue. Some back pains are caused by weakness deep in the core and hip. Some back pains are caused by psychological stress. Some back pains are caused by scar tissue from old injuries. Some back pains are caused by the nature of a person’s job. Some back pains can even be caused by having flat feet or a rotated pelvis.
Finding out why you have back pain is essential if you want longer term relief from pain. Which is why we place great importance on this step. We have a wide range of technologies and tests at our disposal, in order to identify the source of back pain. If you need an X Ray or MRI to diagnose your pain we’ll organise a referral for the relevant imaging for you on the spot.
In most cases of back pain, it’s necessary to work with a team who combine a variety of technologies and hands-on methods to ease your back pain. So that’s exactly what we do.
Most people who require treatment for stubborn back pain don’t respond particularly well to just being given home exercises. Much in the same way that most people with toothache don’t respond too well to just being sent home with some dental floss. When toothache is bad you need a filling, when back pain is bad you need treatments and technologies that ease your pain.
If you have chronic back pain you almost certainly need hands on treatments with professionals who are trained to physically relieve pain. We use some of the most advanced pain technology available anywhere, combined with a wide range of skill based manual techniques.
Successful prevention of back pain in the longer term often requires more than just the right ‘treatments’.
For many patients, back pain treatments that bring some blessed relief are often just the start point. Core exercises, custom orthotics, glute strengthening, stress management, postural correction, lifestyle tweaks, workstation tweaks and even dietary tweaks are often necessary. Muscle weakness deep in the core is often thekey issue.
Most cases of back pain are either caused by something that we are doing wrong or something that the body needs help with like core strength or alignment. Making necessary adjustments to your lifestyle and the wellbeing of your body may be necessary for longer term success. Coaching for these important changes in those who wish to make them is a part of what we do
Book an online consultation and get personalized advice from the comfort of your home. Our licensed practitioners are here to assess your concerns, provide expert diagnosis, and offer treatment recommendations—all through a secure virtual session.
027 508 8083
tobias@severnclinics.co.nz
At Severn Clinic, we pride ourselves on offering comprehensive solutions for Achilles tendon pain, tailored to meet each patient’s unique needs. Recognising the challenges associated with this condition, our clinic is dedicated to providing advanced treatments to reduce discomfort and facilitate actual tissue healing. With a team of experienced professionals, we are committed to delivering personalised care of the highest standard. From state-of-the-art Extracorporeal Radial shockwave therapy and LLLT to Traditional interventions like physical therapy and IASTM, our treatment options are designed to address Achilles tendon issues effectively.
At our clinic, we specialise in the use of radial shockwave therapy (RSWT) and focused shockwave therapy (FSWT) for the effective treatment of Achilles tendon pain, including Achilles tendinopathy. These advanced non-invasive treatment modalities have been extensively studied and have consistently shown promising results in clinical trials and research articles.
A study published by the International Journal of Surgery Open reported significant improvements in pain scores and functional outcomes in patients with chronic Achilles tendinopathy treated with radial shockwave therapy. Additionally, a systematic review and meta-analysis published in the Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery and Research concluded that radial shockwave therapy is a safe and effective treatment option for chronic Achilles tendon disorders.
Other studies conducted by Sydney Heel Pain Clinic, Propel Physiotherapy, research published by the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), and the survey from Hindawi have all highlighted the efficacy of shockwave therapy in improving pain, function, and overall quality of life in individuals with chronic Achilles tendon conditions.
Shockwave Therapy is not the only treatment for achilles tendon pain. So here is a list of achilles tendon pain treatments that we provide at our clinic. And a couple of others that we do not provide but are still worth considering.
Shockwave therapy delivers high-energy acoustic waves to the affected area, stimulating the body’s natural healing response, increasing blood flow, and promoting tissue regeneration. These acoustic waves create microtrauma within the tendon, which triggers the release of growth factors such as transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) and stimulates collagen production, an essential component for tendon repair and remodelling. RSWT typically penetrates tissues to 0 to 20 millimetres, making it suitable for treating superficial musculoskeletal conditions and areas closer to the skin surface.
In laymans terms shockwave therapy helps to break down scar tissue, reduce inflammation, and improve cellular metabolism in the Achilles tendon, ultimately leading to pain relief and improved function.
Focused shockwave therapy (FSWT) delivers high-intensity shockwaves directly to the precise location of the Achilles tendon injury. This focused approach allows deeper penetration of the shockwaves into the affected tissue, resulting in enhanced therapeutic effects. FSWT targets the pathological tissue more precisely, allowing for greater stimulation of the body’s natural healing response and facilitating faster recovery. FSWT can penetrate tissues to a depth of up to 60 millimetres or more, making it practical for targeting deeper structures such as tendons, ligaments, and bones. This focused approach reduces the risk of potential side effects associated with radial shockwave therapy, such as bruising or discomfort in surrounding tissues. Furthermore, FSWT typically requires fewer treatment sessions to achieve optimal results, leading to faster recovery times and improved patient outcomes with Achilles tendon pain.
Focused shockwave therapy is a very high tech Achilles tendon treatment and one that a substantial number of patients experience breakthroughs with. We are proud to be only one of 3 clinics in all of NZ providing this treatment for Achille pain sufferers.
Manual release, or soft tissue mobilisation , involves applying pressure to the muscles and connective tissues surrounding the Achilles tendon to release tension, break down adhesions, and improve blood flow. By targeting specific areas of tightness and restriction, manual release techniques aim to alleviate pain, restore mobility, and promote healing in the Achilles tendon area. During the manual release, we apply various methods such as kneading, stretching, and deep tissue massage to address muscle imbalances, reduce adhesions, and release trigger points. Adhesions are areas of scar tissue that form between muscle fibres, causing stiffness and limiting range of motion in the Achilles tendon. By breaking down these adhesions, manual release helps restore standard movement patterns and reduce pain associated with Achilles tendinopathy.
Additionally, manual release techniques can target trigger points, which are hyperirritable muscle spots that can refer pain to other body areas, such as the heel and arch. By releasing trigger points in the muscles surrounding the Achilles tendon, manual release therapy can help alleviate referred pain and improve overall comfort and function in the affected area.
Physical therapy offers a multifaceted approach to managing Achilles tendon pain, addressing both the symptoms and underlying causes of the condition. Through personalized exercise programs, physical therapists target muscle imbalances, flexibility deficits, and weakness in the surrounding musculature, which are often contributing factors to Achilles tendon injuries. Specific stretching exercises help alleviate tightness in the calf muscles and Achilles tendon, reducing strain on the tendon and promoting flexibility. Strengthening exercises focus on improving muscle function and stability, providing better support to the Achilles tendon during movement. Functional exercises further enhance balance and proprioception, improving overall movement patterns and reducing the risk of re-injury. Additionally, manual therapy techniques, such as ankle joint mobilization, can help reduce stiffness and improve joint function, further supporting the rehabilitation process. By combining these strategies, physical therapy not only helps alleviate pain and discomfort but also promotes tissue healing, improves mobility, and reduces the risk of future Achilles tendon injuries.
Heel lifts and arch supports play crucial roles in managing Achilles tendon pain by providing additional support and alleviating strain on the tendon. Heel lifts help reduce tension on the Achilles tendon by slightly elevating the heel, which in turn decreases the amount of stretching required by the tendon during activities such as walking or running. This reduction in tension can help alleviate pain and discomfort associated with Achilles tendonitis. Additionally, arch supports help distribute weight more evenly across the foot, reducing excessive pronation (rolling inward) and offloading stress from the Achilles tendon. By providing stability and support to the foot’s arch, arch supports can help improve overall biomechanics, reducing strain on the Achilles tendon and promoting proper alignment during movement. Overall, heel lifts and arch supports serve as valuable adjuncts to treatment for Achilles tendon pain, providing support, reducing strain, and promoting optimal healing and recovery.
Custom-made orthotics are specially designed shoe inserts that provide support and alignment for the foot, addressing biomechanical issues and reducing strain on the Achilles tendon. These orthotics are custom-fitted to the individual’s foot anatomy, ensuring optimal comfort and effectiveness. By correcting foot alignment and promoting proper biomechanics, custom orthotics help distribute pressure evenly across the foot, minimising excessive stress on the Achilles tendon. Additionally, our clinic conducts a thorough biomechanical gait analysis to identify any underlying issues contributing to the discomfort. With this detailed assessment, we can pinpoint the root cause of the problem and tailor a solution that suits your individual needs. This ensures that the custom orthotics are specifically crafted to address your unique biomechanical needs, providing support, stability, and alignment. By ensuring a proper fit and function, our custom orthotics aim to alleviate Achilles tendon pain, enhance biomechanical efficiency, and promote long-term healing and comfort. This can help alleviate pain, improve stability, and prevent further injury, making custom orthotics an essential component of treatment for Achilles tendon conditions.
Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM) emerges as a valuable intervention in the treatment of Achilles tendon pain. Inspired by James Cyriax’s cross-friction massage principles, IASTM utilizes specialized instruments, often stainless steel with beveled edges and adaptable contours, to provide deeper penetration and targeted manipulation of affected areas.This technique employs specialized instruments to target scar tissue within the affected soft tissues, stimulating the generation of new extracellular matrix proteins like collagen and fostering the healing process. Widely acknowledged in sports rehabilitation and athlete training, IASTM demonstrates significant efficacy in improving soft tissue function, expanding range of motion, and reducing pain associated with sports injuries, particularly Achilles tendon issues. With its focused approach to mitigating scar tissue and promoting tissue repair, IASTM represents a valuable tool in the comprehensive management and alleviation of Achilles tendon pain in our clinical setting.
Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) utilizes specific wavelengths of light, typically in the range of 600 to 1000 nanometers, to penetrate deep into the tissues, promoting cellular repair and reducing inflammation. In the treatment of Achilles tendon pain, LLLT targets the affected area, where it stimulates mitochondrial activity within cells by producing ATP which increases tissue metabolism and blood flow, and promotes tissue regeneration. By enhancing cellular metabolism and accelerating the healing process, LLLT can provide significant relief from pain and discomfort associated with Achilles tendinopathy. This non-invasive treatment modality is safe, painless, and often used as part of a comprehensive approach to managing Achilles tendon injuries.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve), and diclofenac (Voltaren), may be prescribed to reduce pain and inflammation associated with Achilles tendinopathy. These medications work by rehabilitating on of prostaglandins, which are substances that contribute to inflammation and pain. NSAIDs can provide symptomatic relief and improve personalisation in individuals with Achilles tendon pain. However, they are typically used as part of a comprehensive treatment plan and may be combined with other therapeutic modalities for optimal outcomes.
Surgery is considered a last resort for Achilles tendon pain when conservative treatments like physical therapy, shockwave therapy, and other non-invasive interventions have failed to provide relief. Surgical options may include procedures such as Achilles tendon repair or lengthening, depending on the specific nature and severity of the injury. It’s important to note that surgery carries inherent risks and requires a significant recovery period, making it a consideration only when all other avenues have been exhausted. Some surgical options may include gastrocnemius recession to lengthen calf muscles, debridement and repair for partial tendon damage, debridement with tendon transfer for extensive tendon damage, or minimally invasive techniques like Hydrocision TenJet® to break up scar tissue selectively. However, advancements in these surgical techniques have improved outcomes, and individuals undergoing surgery for Achilles tendon pain can often achieve significant improvements in function and quality of life with proper post-operative care and rehabilitation.
Hands On Treatments
We are in the business of helping you get out of pain. The heart of our clinical process is a committed and very hands on approach to getting you out of pain as quickly, painlessly and safely as possible. We are willing to use a wide range of tools and also to work tirelessly in our efforts to get you out of pain.
Flexible Treatment Approach
Even among professionals there is little agreement on the best ways to treat pain. If there is one thing that we know for certain about pain management though, it’s that a flexible multidisciplinary treatment approach to back pain is best. This is why we take such great care to provide the most diverse range of pain relief tools possible under one roof.
Get To The Bottom Of It
The human body seldom if ever generates pain for no reason. Pain is a highly organised and intelligent form of feedback that we have evolved over millions of years. In other words if you have pain it will be for a good reason. We always strive to find the deepest possible explanation for your pain so that you have the best possible chance of preventing it in the longer term.
Excellent Communication
Unlike a one-off filling at the dentist, successfully managing back pain is a process. A process that often requires commitment, trust and clear communication. We believe that clear and open communication combined with genuine rapport are fundamental within our arsenal of pain management tools.
Assume Nothing
Just because a treatment has worked for us a thousand times before; doesn’t mean it’s guaranteed to work on you! Pain management is not a ‘1 size fits all’ moment in life. We monitor our patients’ response to treatment very closely. This approach enables us to make agile treatment protocols that can be altered in real time should we find that you aren’t responding to the methods that we expect to work for you.
Our team offers a wide range of treatments, helping you to achieve your recovery goals.
Please utilise our booking system for Wellington appointments by clicking the button below. For Wairarapa appointments, kindly use the appointment request form.