Alfredson Protocol

The Alfredson protocol is a method of treatment for tendonitis of the Achilles tendon. The tendon attaches to the bone of the foot from the three major muscles of the legs and can become inflamed in runners and other athletes.

Eccentric Exercises

• The protocol is based on research published in 2001 by Professor H. Alfredson and others of Umea University in Sweden that proves that eccentric exercise (lengthening) of the calf muscles lessens the symptoms of Achilles tendonitis.

Protocol

• The protocol involves using a step. The toes should be placed on the edge of the step and the heel lowered below the level of the step. This lengthens the muscle tendon. The heel should then be replaced to the starting position.

Repetition

• The Alfredson protocol recommends repeating a set of 15 of these exercises three times, and repeating this twice a day, for 12 weeks. Exercises should not be performed except under advisement from your doctor.