Physical Therapy for Posterior Tibilias Tendonitis

A fairly common injury particularly in overly-active individuals and athletes, posterior tibilias tendonitis can be healed via the use of a physical therapy treatment plan. Depending on the severity of the condition in the patient, many patients are able to regain full natural range of motion (ROM) and leg strength following therapy.

Initial Therapy

• Early in the treatment process, many therapists will introduce passive stretching mechanics to the patient in order to minimize the inflammation surrounding the tibilias tendon. According to iTendonitis.com, most treatment for this condition begins with rest via immobilization of the affected ankle and leg. Since the tibilias tendon runs along the back of the calf and into the ankle, patients may be required to wear a protective walking boot in order to prevent further injury from excessive joint movement. Exercises such as standing calf stretches and seated towel stretches are common starting points in therapy for patients with this ailment.

Mid Therapy

• A few weeks after the onset of therapy many patients should be able to introduce weight-bearing and resistance exercises into the therapeutic treatment plan. According to the University of Michigan Health System, balance and reach exercises are critical to the patient's long-term healing process since the ankle is used for most body balance on an everyday basis. Exercises can be conducted on steps, mini trampolines, and even wobble boards to heal promote increased ROM and strength in the fine muscle groups surrounding the joint. Immediately following exercise and continued passive stretching, patients will typically be given heat and ice therapy in an effort to minimize further inflammation and pain in the affected area.

Discharge and Home Therapy

• At the time of therapy discharge, most patients should regain full ROM within the ankle and should be able to return to normal activity. In the event of an overly-active patient (such as an athlete), patients may be required to pass a physical abilities test administered by the therapist before being cleared to return to any athletic activity. Therapists will also typically prescribe a home therapy program to the patient in order to maintain the level of ROM gained in the joint during therapy and to minimize the possibility of re-injury.