Achilles tendon rupture - causes, symptoms and modern treatment approaches
Nicolas Weitlaner
February 6, 2026
5 min
An Achilles tendon rupture is one of the most common serious injuries to the lower extremities - especially in people aged between 30 and 50 who are active in sport. At the therapy centre at Zollikerberg Hospital, we support those affected from the acute phase through to a full return to everyday life and sport.
In this article, we explain how a tear can occur, how it can be recognised and what the current treatment and rehabilitation process looks like.
How does an Achilles tendon rupture occur?
In most cases, this type of injury occurs during a specific (sporting) activity. The mechanism of the accident usually involves a sudden push-off movement or a rapid change of direction, as is often the case in running sports such as football, basketball or volleyball. This can expose the tendon to strong and, above all, sudden tensile forces. However, pre-existing risk factors can play a role, as the Achilles tendon itself is the thickest and strongest tendon in the human body. For example, degenerative processes in the tendon, poor blood circulation in the tendon or the use of corticosteroids can have a negative impact on the stability of the tendon and therefore favour a tear.
When does physiotherapy begin after an Achilles tendon rupture?
Achilles tendon ruptures can be treated both surgically and conservatively. There is no clearly superior treatment method in the literature, which is why an individual assessment by your treatment team is advisable.
However, physiotherapy can be started immediately. The extent of the injury and the clinical presentation will determine the initial treatment method.
What does the rehabilitation process at the Zollikerberg Therapy Centre look like?
The rehabilitation process is very individualised due to the prescribed movement limits and different load specifications. In principle, the aim is to achieve full weight-bearing of the injured limb as quickly as possible, to maximise the range of movement and thus, among other things, to normalise the gait pattern. These are all basic requirements for carrying out everyday activities. In order to resume sporting activities, it is also necessary to carry out targeted strength building. This ranges from initial, usually isolated training of the ankle muscles to sport-specific (speed-strength) training.
Zollikerberg Hospital Therapy Centre
Physiotherapy after Achilles tendon rupture at Zollikerberg Hospital
An Achilles tendon rupture requires structured and individually tailored rehabilitation. At the Zollikerberg Hospital Therapy Centre, our physiotherapists support patients with modern, evidence-based treatment concepts from the early phase through to a safe return to everyday life and sport.
Due to the large number of different types of tears and their individual progression, it is unfortunately not possible to make a general recommendation for ankle exercises. We always endeavour to create individual solutions and treatment plans and to work with the patient in the centre.
On the other hand, most exercises in the supine or lateral position that address the surrounding muscles of the hip and knee can usually be started at a very early stage. However, it is important not to allow any unwanted strain on the injured structure.
How long does it take to walk normally again?
This depends too much on individual factors, the instructions of the treating medical team and subjective symptoms to be able to give a generalised answer.
What can I expect in the first therapy sessions?
The main purpose of the first therapy session is to fully assess all current symptoms, identify areas of life that are affected by the injury and agree on common goals. Based on this, the first interventions can be implemented, questions clarified and initial exercises instructed and given.
In the subsequent sessions, the focus is on mobility of the ankle joint and a measured increase in load (both depending on the instructions given by the medical team and the subjective symptoms).
If you have any questions following an Achilles tendon rupture or would like individual advice, the physiotherapy team at the Zollikerberg Hospital Therapy Centre will be happy to help you. We will accompany you competently and personally on your way back to an active everyday life.
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