Understanding and Treating Achilles Tendinitis at Fit2Go Clinics: From Inflammation to Functional Recovery
- James Tomlinson
- May 28
- 4 min read
Discover how Fit2Go Clinics in Nottingham treat Achilles Tendinitis using TECAR, Shockwave, bespoke physio plans, and preventative screening to promote lasting recovery and prevent reinjury.
What is Achilles Tendinitis?
Achilles Tendinitis is a common overuse injury that affects the Achilles tendon - the thick band of fibrous tissue connecting the calf muscles (gastrocnemius and soleus) to the heel bone (calcaneus). It is especially prevalent among runners, athletes, and those who increase activity levels rapidly, but can also affect individuals with sedentary lifestyles who develop tight calves and poor ankle mobility.
At Fit2Go Clinics in West Bridgford and East Leake, we understand that Achilles Tendinitis is more than just a localised inflammation - it is a biomechanical and functional dysfunction that requires an integrated approach to care. Our multi-modal treatment programmes combine advanced technology, clinical expertise and functional retraining to restore tendon health and reduce recurrence.
Clinical Features and Functional Impact
Achilles Tendinitis typically presents with:
Pain and stiffness in the back of the heel, especially in the morning or after rest
Swelling or thickening of the tendon
Tenderness during palpation
Pain that worsens with activity (e.g., walking, running, jumping)
Decreased push-off strength and calf endurance
The condition can be classified into two major types:
Non-insertional Achilles Tendinitis - affects the mid-portion of the tendon, more common in active individuals.
Insertional Achilles Tendinitis – affects the point where the tendon attaches to the heel, seen in both athletes and sedentary populations.
What Causes Achilles Tendinitis?
From a clinical and biomechanical standpoint, Achilles Tendinitis is rarely due to a single event. Instead, it often arises from a combination of repetitive strain, poor biomechanics and insufficient tissue recovery. Common contributing factors include:
Sudden increase in training volume or intensity
Poor ankle dorsiflexion (limited upward foot motion)
Weak or inflexible calf muscles
Poor footwear or training surfaces
Overpronation (collapsing arch during walking or running)
Previous lower limb injuries
These dysfunctions accumulate until the tendon becomes overloaded, inflamed, and eventually degenerative.
Prevention and Monitoring with Body Screen Technology
At Fit2Go, we believe that prevention is as important as rehabilitation. Our Body Screen technology, while not used for diagnosis, plays a valuable role in helping us:
Assess lower limb symmetry
Monitor ankle and calf strength progression
Identify predisposing movement patterns (such as asymmetrical gait or restricted mobility)
Track improvements in postural control and functional loading
By using Body Screen before injuries arise - or during recovery to ensure progress - we help patients reduce the risk of flare-ups and improve long-term function.
Phase One: TECAR Therapy for Tissue Regeneration
A key tool in the early stages of Achilles Tendinitis treatment at Fit2Go is TECAR Therapy (Transfer of Energy Capacitive and Resistive).
TECAR uses radiofrequency energy to stimulate tissue repair by:
Increasing cellular metabolism in the tendon
Promoting microcirculation to clear inflammatory by-products
Soothing muscle stiffness and cramping in the calf complex
Accelerating the early healing response
Patients often find TECAR to be both relaxing and highly effective, especially when combined with manual therapy and stretching in the acute or subacute phase.
Phase Two: Shockwave Therapy for Chronic Tendon Healing
In persistent or chronic cases, where the tendon shows signs of tendinosis (degeneration without inflammation), we introduce Shockwave Therapy (Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy – ESWT). This non-invasive treatment delivers mechanical impulses into the tissue to:
Stimulate new blood vessel formation
Break down calcific deposits or thickened collagen
Enhance collagen realignment and tendon strength
Reduce neurogenic inflammation (pain caused by nerve irritation)
Shockwave is typically applied once a week for 3–5 sessions and has strong evidence in the scientific literature for improving chronic Achilles pathology.
Phase Three: Personalised Physiotherapy and Loading Protocols
Achilles Tendinitis cannot be resolved with passive treatments alone. The cornerstone of recovery is graduated tendon loading, which must be tailored to the individual's pain tolerance, biomechanics, and functional demands.
At Fit2Go, our physiotherapists develop bespoke rehabilitation programmes with:
Stage 1: Isometric Calf Loading
Reduces pain while maintaining strength
Can be performed early in rehab
Stage 2: Eccentric Loading (Alfredson Protocol)
Proven to remodel tendon structure
Involves controlled heel drops from a step
Stage 3: Plyometrics and Dynamic Balance
Prepares the tendon for explosive or sport-specific activities
Incorporates hopping, bounding, and reactive drills
Stage 4: Return-to-Activity Conditioning
Functional retraining for running, jumping, or daily tasks
Includes calf raises, single-leg stability, and speed-based work
Progressions are monitored weekly, and exercise prescription is adapted based on objective improvements tracked via Body Screen monitoring.
Injection Therapy: When Is It Appropriate?
In selected cases, particularly when inflammation is acute or when pain persists despite conservative care, injection treatments may be considered. At Fit2Go, we offer:
Corticosteroid-sparing options such as high-volume saline injections or viscoelastic gels to reduce tendon sheath friction
Guided ultrasound procedures with precision targeting to reduce adverse effects
These interventions are never used in isolation, but rather as adjuncts to progressive rehabilitation.
Education, Lifestyle and Footwear Guidance
Patient education is essential. At Fit2Go, we ensure each person understands:
How to modify activity during recovery
The role of footwear in shock absorption and foot biomechanics
When and how to use orthotics if needed
Why pacing and graded exposure are key for return to running or sport
This self-awareness is vital in reducing recurrence and empowering patients to take control of their health.
Long-Term Outcomes and Prevention
Once recovery is achieved, ongoing monitoring and functional training can help prevent relapse. Many of our patients benefit from:
Periodic Body Screen re-checks
Group Stretch & Strength classes focused on foot and ankle health
Conditioning sessions that maintain tendon capacity for sport or daily life
This integrated, long-term view makes Fit2Go different - our goal is not just recovery, but resilience.
Conclusion: A Complete Solution for Achilles Tendinitis
Achilles Tendinitis is a complex condition requiring more than rest and stretching. By using modern technologies like TECAR and Shockwave, tailoring every exercise, and tracking recovery through preventative screening, Fit2Go offers a comprehensive pathway to recovery.
Whether you're a recreational runner, a competitive athlete, or someone struggling with pain during daily activities, the team at Fit2Go West Bridgford and East Leake is here to help you get back on your feet - stronger, smarter, and pain-free.
Book Your Achilles Recovery Programme Today
Contact Fit2Go Clinics in West Bridgford or East Leake to book a full lower limb assessment and start your recovery with expert physiotherapy, state-of-the-art treatments, and functional rehabilitation.
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