Avoid THIS Mistake with Achilles Tendon Pain!

Did you know that during a single running stride, your Achilles tendon is tasked with absorbing and snapping back roughly 6 to 8 times your total body weight? If you are treating Achilles pain with seated calf raises, you are essentially trying to move a boulder with a toothpick. This common rehab exercise often loads the tendon with less than half of your body weight. Research shows that if the mechanical load is too low, the tendon simply won't adapt or get stronger. To fix a tendon that is struggling with the high demands of running, we have to bridge the gap between "easy" gym movements and the massive forces of your gait. The goal of effective rehab is progressive loading. We start by calming the sensitivity down and then systematically increase the weight until the tissue can handle the reality of the road. If your current routine feels easy, it’s likely not doing enough to trigger the cellular changes needed for a full recovery. The Progression Path Phase 1: Double Leg Standing Calf Raise. This is the starting point for a sensitive or "angry" tendon. It provides a stable base to begin introducing vertical load. Phase 2: Single Leg Standing Calf Raise. By shifting to one leg, you immediately double the demand on the Achilles, moving closer to the forces required for a walking or running gait. Phase 3: Weighted Single Leg Calf Raise. Once you can handle your own body weight, you must add external resistance (dumbbells or a smith machine) to reach the threshold where the tendon actually rebuilds its structural integrity. ------------------- 🛑 DON'T FORGET CLICK SUBSCRIBE! 🛑 ------------------- Follow me on social and say hello! 👋 ➡️ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michaelbraccio/ ➡️ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@michaelbraccio?lang=en ------------------- Who am I? 🤔 I'm a chiropractor interested in rehabilitation, tendinopathy, and chronic pain. I graduated from the University of Washington with a Bachelor's in Science and from Palmer Chiropractic College West with a Doctorate in Chiropractic. ------------------- 🚨Disclaimer: 🚨 The videos on this channel are for informational purposes only and do not constitute medical advice; the content is not intended to substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a physician or other qualified health provider with any questions regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you have watched on this channel.