Achilles Tendinopathy
Achilles tendinopathy causes pain and stiffness in the tendon at the back of the heel, often worst in the morning or after running. We rebuild the tendon with a progressive loading programme at our Marple clinic.

Understanding Your Condition
Achilles tendinopathy is a common tendon problem affecting the Achilles tendon where it attaches to the back of the heel. It causes pain and stiffness — often worst first thing in the morning, after rest, or during and after running — and it can be stubborn without the right approach.
The good news is that Achilles tendons respond well to a structured, progressive loading programme. At Complete Recovery Physiotherapy in Marple, we calm the irritation and rebuild the tendon's capacity with the right exercises — often adding shockwave therapy for stubborn cases — so your heel settles and you return to running and activity pain-free.

What You Feel
- Pain and stiffness in the Achilles tendon at the back of the heel
- Morning stiffness that eases as you move
- Pain during or after running, jumping or walking
- Tenderness when squeezing the tendon
- A thickening or nodule in the tendon
- Pain that worsens with increased activity
- Discomfort going up stairs or uphill
- Stiffness after sitting for long periods
Common Causes
- Sudden increases in running, distance or intensity
- Inadequate recovery between training sessions
- Hill running and speed work overload
- Poor calf strength and conditioning
- Age-related tendon changes reducing resilience
- Inappropriate or worn-out footwear
- Poor foot mechanics and overpronation
- Tight calf muscles increasing tendon load
Who Physiotherapy Can Help
Achilles tendinopathy commonly affects runners, walkers, racket-sport players and weekend warriors — particularly those who've ramped up training too quickly. We help both active people with recent onset and those with stubborn, long-standing tendinopathy that hasn't settled.
If your heel is stiff in the morning or aches during and after running, you likely have Achilles tendinopathy. A structured loading programme makes a real difference — even in cases that have lingered for months.
Struggling with Achilles Tendinopathy?
Book your assessment today. We'll find the root cause and start hands-on treatment in your first session.
Your Assessment
Your assessment confirms Achilles tendinopathy and grades how irritable the tendon has become. We palpate the tendon, test the calf complex, assess your foot mechanics and — where relevant — your running gait, and review your training to understand the cause.
Tendon problems need a specific loading approach, and the right level depends on how irritable your tendon is. We'll design a programme matched to your tolerance and explain how to progress it.
How We Treat It
Our hands-on treatment approach:
- Assessment to confirm Achilles tendinopathy and grade the problem
- Hands-on treatment to ease pain and calf tension
- A progressive tendon-loading programme to rebuild the tendon
- Calf strengthening and foot mechanics correction
- Training and footwear advice to address the cause
- Shockwave therapy for stubborn, long-standing cases where appropriate
Expected Recovery
Achilles tendinopathy typically improves over 8–12 weeks of consistent, progressive loading. Acute cases settle faster, while long-standing tendinopathy takes longer and often benefits from shockwave therapy.
Consistent, correctly-progressed loading is the key — tendons strengthen slowly but reliably with the right programme. We guide your progress carefully and adjust the load as your tendon adapts, so you keep improving toward pain-free running and activity.
Everything You Need to Know Before Booking
No GP referral needed. Direct access appointments available — often same-day or within a few days.
What Happens at Your First Appointment
Your first session is a 45-minute comprehensive assessment. We start by listening — understanding your symptoms, your history, and what you want to get back to. We then carry out a thorough hands-on physical examination to identify the root cause of your problem. You'll receive a clear explanation of what's going on, a personalised treatment plan, and hands-on treatment begins in that very first session. You leave knowing exactly what's wrong, what we'll do about it, and how long recovery will take.
What Should I Wear?
Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that allows easy access to the area we're treating. For knee, hip, or leg problems, shorts are ideal. For shoulder, neck, or back issues, a loose top or vest works well. You'll never be asked to undress beyond what's necessary for examination and treatment, and you'll always be treated with dignity and respect in our private treatment room.
How Many Sessions Will I Need?
This depends on your condition, how long you've had it, and your goals. Many patients feel significant improvement within 3–6 sessions. Acute injuries often resolve faster, while long-standing or complex conditions may need more. We'll give you a clear treatment timeline at your first appointment — and we only ever recommend sessions you genuinely need. Our goal is to get you independent and pain-free as quickly as possible, not to keep you coming back.
Can I Claim Through Insurance?
Yes. We are recognised by most major health insurance providers including AXA, Vitality, Bupa, WPA, and Healix. We can bill your insurer directly so you don't need to pay upfront — simply bring your insurance authorisation number to your appointment. If you're not sure whether you're covered, call us and we'll help you check before you book.
Treated by a Qualified, Experienced Professional

Rob Wood
Head Physio & Clinic Owner
Meet Rob, founder of Complete Recovery Physiotherapy in Marple.
Achilles Tendinopathy Frequently Asked Questions
Why Choose Complete Recovery Physiotherapy?
Tendon-Loading Specialists
Achilles tendinopathy needs a specific, progressive loading programme — not rest or generic stretches. We build this around your tendon's tolerance for proper, lasting recovery.
Shockwave for Stubborn Cases
For long-standing Achilles tendinopathy, we offer shockwave therapy to stimulate healing in chronic tendons — often avoiding injections or surgery.
Runner & Training Aware
We understand how running loads the Achilles, assessing gait and training to address the volume and intensity factors that cause tendinopathy.
Hands-On Plus Loading
Manual therapy to ease your pain combined with a structured strengthening programme — the combination that produces lasting results.
Honest Timelines
Tendons take time. We give realistic expectations and a clear plan, so you understand normal progress and aren't discouraged by slow healing.
Free Parking in Marple
Easy visits at Bowden Hall with free parking right outside — making regular rehab appointments straightforward.
Related Conditions We Treat

Ankle Pain
Ankle pain can come from a sprain, a tendon, the joint or referred from elsewhere. We assess precisely and rebuild strong, stable, pain-free ankle movement at our Marple clinic.
Learn More
Calf Strain
A calf strain is a tear of the calf muscle, usually from running or sudden acceleration. We grade the strain and guide a graded recovery restoring strength and a safe return to running at our Marple clinic.
Learn More
Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis causes sharp heel pain, often worst with the first steps in the morning. We settle the irritation and rebuild the tissue with targeted loading and hands-on treatment at our Marple clinic.
Learn More
Running Injuries
Running injuries affect the knee, hip, leg and foot, usually from training errors or biomechanics. We assess the cause and guide a graded return to pain-free running at our Marple clinic.
Learn MoreRelated Services

Physiotherapy
At Complete Recovery Physio, everything we do is built around high-quality physiotherapy. Whether you're recovering from an injury, dealing with ongoing pain, or looking to move more freely, we're here to support you.
Learn More
Sports Physio
Whether you're a weekend warrior, a dedicated athlete, or someone who simply loves staying active, sports injuries can be incredibly frustrating. Our specialist sports physiotherapy service is designed to help you recover fully, safely, and as quickly as possible.
Learn More
Shockwave Therapy
Shockwave Therapy is an evidence-based treatment that is particularly effective for stubborn tendon problems, plantar fasciitis, tennis elbow, shoulder tendinopathy, and other chronic soft tissue conditions that haven't responded to conventional treatment.
Learn MoreDon't Let Pain Hold You Back
Expert, hands-on physiotherapy in Marple. Free parking. Same-day and short-notice appointments often available.
Ready to Start Your Recovery?
Book your assessment today and take the first step towards a pain-free, active life. Free parking at our Marple clinic.



