Achilles Tendon
From acute tendinopathy to rehab after a tendon rupture: we rely on eccentric training based on the Alfredson protocol and heavy slow resistance — and get you back on the running track, at the net, on the court.
Key facts
- First appointment within 48 hours
- Eccentric training based on the Alfredson protocol
- KVG basic insurance, UVG accident insurance and self-pay
- Locations in Zurich West & Kloten
Typical complaints we treat
- Acute tendinopathy — pain after a spike in training load
- Mid-portion pain — 2–6 cm above the heel
- Insertional tendinopathy — right at the heel bone attachment
- Rehab after tendon rupture — conservative or post-op
When to see a physio about Achilles problems
Achilles tendon pain responds to dosed loading, not to rest. Come and see us if morning start-up pain lasts longer than two weeks, if tenderness on the tendon is clearly localisable, or if you suddenly can’t run pain-free after a spike in training load (training camp, competition). In the assessment we differentiate mid-portion from insertional tendinopathy — the two need different loading strategies.
If you feel a sudden snap in the tendon with loss of function (you can no longer stand on tiptoe), immediate medical assessment is needed — that may be a rupture.
Conservative or surgical — and where we come in
Tendinopathies are treated conservatively — and the evidence supports this as the right first choice. For complete Achilles tendon ruptures, the surgical team decides whether to operate; we support both paths (conservative with a functional brace, or post-operative after tendon repair). Where there is a risk of re-rupture, we structure the load progression particularly conservatively.
What makes MTT different with us
With us, MTT doesn’t happen in a back room — it takes place in the main area of our Sport Performance Center, with the same equipment the pros train on. For the Achilles tendon, that means calf raises with dosed additional load, controlled excursion over several stages, and isokinetic monitoring of plantar flexion. That way we know when you can return to full running volume — and you don’t have to leave it to gut feeling.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Achilles tendon therapy take?
An acute mid-portion tendinopathy usually responds to structured eccentric training within 8–12 weeks. Insertional tendinopathies often take longer and respond to different loading angles. After an Achilles tendon rupture, aftercare takes 4–6 months until full loading, longer depending on your sport.
Should I rest completely when my Achilles hurts?
No — complete rest often makes tendinopathy worse. Tendons respond to dosed loading. We modulate your training load and introduce eccentric exercises, which the research shows to be the gold standard. We only recommend complete rest in the immediate post-operative phase after a rupture.
What is the Alfredson protocol?
The Alfredson protocol is an evidence-based eccentric training programme for Achilles tendinopathies: twice daily, 3 sets of 15 calf raises with the emphasis on the lowering phase, over 12 weeks. Studies show clear improvements in pain and function scores.
Does health insurance cover Achilles therapy?
With a doctor’s prescription, basic health insurance covers 9 sessions of 30 minutes each; a follow-up prescription extends this by another 9 sessions. For a sports accident with an Achilles tendon rupture, Swiss accident insurance (UVG) covers 100 percent of the costs — without a doctor’s prescription. We sort out the registration with the insurer directly.
Do I need a doctor’s prescription?
For billing through basic health insurance (KVG), yes — with a diagnosis. Not for a documented sports accident registered with UVG accident insurance. Self-payers can book at any time without a prescription — often the fastest route when symptoms are fresh.
What is different about MTT compared with conventional physio?
Medical training therapy (MTT) is active, dosed loading on equipment — it complements manual therapy. With us, MTT takes place in the Sport Performance Center, with the same equipment the pros use. For the Achilles tendon, that means targeted heavy-slow-resistance work with progressive load and objective monitoring.
Booking: book online (German interface) or call us in English — Kloten 044 803 91 19, Zurich West 044 814 23 20.