Exercise, Loading, and incremental activity progression have long been established as the most effective means to rehab tendons that undergo high levels of load. There are 2 important things to consider when rehabbing a tendon for runners:

1. Asymmetry: Are both tendons loading evenly during a run?
2. Tendon load capacity: Are you running the correct distances (or days per week) for the capacity which your tendon is capable of handling?

Asymmetry is tricky to measure, but with some smart devices these days that you can have on your shoelaces, on your wrist, or around your chest, you can measure Ground Contact Time (GCT) and limb symmetry index (LSI). If you have greater GCT on the opposite limb, this can be associated with increased risk of developing Achilles Tendon issues, also the more you run, the stronger your limb symmetry index will be.

Other important factors to consider that could influence pain is speed, inclination (elevation gain), and surface.

The importance of loading an injured tendon can be undisputed. Loading an injured tendon stimulated a cellular response that improves tendon structural health, HOWEVER, excessive load does not allow collagen fibrils sufficient recovery time and may result in damage accumulation.

This is where professional advice becomes so vital. Kinesiologist are educated to ensure you stimulate your tendon in the correct Envelope of Function to help ensure you optimally load your tendon to allow for adaptation that will lead to greater load that the tendon can handle.

For more help on Tendon issues, contact me at travis@tmkin.ca