An Achilles rupture is loud, sudden and unmistakable — patients describe a snap, feeling like they were kicked from behind, and then the inability to push off. Recovery is a 9–12 month commitment. Here's what to expect at each stage.
What's actually happened
The Achilles tendon — the largest tendon in the body — has snapped. Usually a complete rupture, often during a sudden push-off in sport. Most commonly in men aged 30–50 returning to recreational sport after a sedentary period.
Surgery or no surgery?
Modern evidence supports both surgical and conservative (functional bracing) management with comparable long-term outcomes when paired with structured rehab. Surgery is more common in younger, athletic patients. Either way, the rehab plan is what determines your outcome.
What recovery looks like
- Weeks 0–6 — Boot with heel wedges, protected weight-bearing, gentle ankle ROM, calf isometrics
- Weeks 6–12 — Wedges removed progressively, transition out of the boot, calf strengthening begins seriously
- Months 3–6 — Heavy calf loading, single-leg heel raises, controlled hopping introduced late in this phase
- Months 6–9 — Plyometric progressions, return to running (treadmill first, then road), sport-specific drills
- Months 9–12+ — Full return to sport, but strength deficits often persist longer. Keep loading.
The Achilles forgives nothing. Skip a phase, push too early, get lazy with calf raises — and you'll be paying for it at month 8. Trust the timeline.
Book a 60-minute first session — bring your scans, surgical notes if relevant, and we'll map out the plan against your timeline.