Calf Strengthening After the Brace and the Road Back to Sport

Patients often reach physiotherapy six to eight weeks after rupture. Strength work starts with heavy isometrics high on the toes, shifted onto the affected side and held to fatigue, then seated calf raises for hypertrophy, 3 sets of 8 to 10 with three seconds up and four down. A resistance band helps when coordination is poor. Gait, balance and daily activity are normalized, and explosive movements are avoided. From 12 to 26 weeks the focus stays on hypertrophy, using heavy slow resistance single-leg heel raises with added load, on both sides. Plyometrics are only for athletes returning to explosive sport, and many will not be ready before 26 weeks. Exercise speed can rise in the meantime, and kinetic chain work begins. A qualitative study of 23 athletes found personal motivation, a shift in focus and confidence in the healthcare team shaped return to sport. Mathijs uses five single-leg heel raises as a starting point for running, checks for tendon elongation at six months, and advises continuing exercise for at least a year.