Table 1.

Rehabilitation weeks 9–16

Basic exercises

Exercise bike: 10–15 min

Ankle range of motion (pronation and supination, dorsal and plantar flexion. Dorsal flexion to 90 degrees. The other movements unlimited): 2 × 8 reps

Standing heel-rise (2 × 3 s tempo) 3 × 10 repsa

One leg standing balance exercise: 3 × 30 sa

Weeks 9–11

Basic exercises

Exercises with resistance band around the foot in sitting position (knee extended, dorsal flexion to 90 degrees, plantar flexion and inversion): 2 × 20 reps

Side laying hip abduction: 2 × 15 reps

Heel-rise in supine position with flexed legs: 2 × 15 reps

Sitting heel-rise with weight on injured leg (20–25 repetitions maximum): 3 × 15 reps

Gait training

Once a week, the training is situated in a pool where similar exercises are performed.

Weeks 12–16

Basic exercises (as above)

Walk on toes with support to start with, if needed: 2 × 5 m

Standing heel-rise is performed with increased weight on injured leg: 5 × 10 reps

Heel-rise in supine position with flexed legs (with increased weight on injured leg): 2 × 15 reps

Leg press with one leg at a time (10 repetitions maximum): 2 × 10 reps

Balance exercise on a trampoline: 2 × 45 s

Walk/jog on a trampoline: 2 × 45 s

Cross trainer: 1 min and 45 s

Lunges (only with injured leg in front): 2 × 10 reps

The plank (core exercise): 2 × 45 s

This program is performed as circle training.

Return to running—from week 14

Jogging upwards on stairs is allowed when the patient can walk 5 m on toes without heel falling down.

Running on even ground is allowed when the patient can perform 5 single-legged heel-rises with approximately 90% of the height of the un-injured leg.

After completed rehabilitation program

Examination of tendon healing and function. If needed, referral to further physiotherapy. Gradual return to sports (contact sports earliest 6–9 months after injury)

^aHome exercises, three times daily