19 Jul Road To Recovery: Astym Gave Me Relief From Achilles Tendonitis
After several years of running, including training for half-marathons, I was diagnosed with Achilles Tendonitis. I developed calcification deposits due to scar tissue along with a tear in the tendon. I went through various treatments including ultrasound therapy, Topaz surgery and platelet injections, as well as rest and immobilization. After a year and a half, I still experienced pain pretty much every time I moved. I could barely walk, let alone run. I could only wear shoes that had an elevated heel and was told by two different doctors that I was going to have to live with the condition and limit my activities. Over time, my whole body was affected by the injury as I was always compensating for pain.
I asked my doctor if I could go to physical therapy for my tendon problem. I wasn’t expecting it to help the tendon itself, but hoped that it could help with the loss of range of motion and the over-compensation happening on the other leg. He gave me the physical therapy script and I set out to look for a good therapist.
I had read a little bit about Astym on the website at Accelerated Rehabilitation in Bloomfield Hills, MI (now Athletico Physical Therapy). I decided to give it a go as I had nothing to lose. My physical therapist, Sarah Giroux, was excited to use the Astym treatment on me, and I was excited to see a health professional that didn’t just write me off as incurable.
Within the first few treatments, I was feeling different. I acquired some more flexibility in the joint and was feeling less pain all together. As treatment progressed I started taking the heel lifts out of my shoes. I was walking farther and farther everyday and even started going down the stairs facing forward instead of sideways!
Upon completing my treatment, I am now running again. I am up to 4 miles now and getting stronger by the day. Along with running and hiking, I am taking dance classes twice a week. The pain I used to experience is gone and I am even able to walk barefoot, something I haven’t done in almost 2 years.
Astym has truly been a miracle. It has allowed me to once again enjoy the things I love and to live my life balanced and pain free!
Rachael, Recreational Runner and Dancer
Pontiac, Michigan
Clinic: Athletico Physical Therapy
