Case Study – From Achilles Surgery to Walking 13 Holes of Golf: How Hydrotherapy Transformed Recovery
Imagine running for a tennis ball, feeling like you've hit an invisible wall, and suddenly crashing to the ground. That’s exactly what happened to our 66-year-old patient, who ruptured her Achilles tendon while playing tennis.
She acted quickly, seeing her GP, getting an urgent MRI, and undergoing surgery the very next day. As someone who played tennis weekly, golfed every other day, ran regularly, practiced Pilates, and trained with a personal trainer, the idea of being immobilised for weeks was daunting. But thanks to early hydrotherapy intervention, her recovery was exceptional.
The Struggles of Early Recovery
When she first came to AquaPhysio, eight weeks after surgery, she was still in an Aircast boot and experiencing several common post-operative challenges:
- Swollen, discoloured foot and ankle
- Weak calf muscle and a flat-footed gait, with little push-off during walking
- No active dorsiflexion and only half of her normal plantar flexion range
With limited movement, no ability to lift her toes, and a weakened calf, she was unsure how to rebuild strength without risking further damage to her healing tendon. That’s when hydrotherapy became a game-changer.
Why Water Was the Ideal Rehab Tool
At AquaPhysio, we understand that early movement is essential for optimal recovery, but it needs to be done safely. The buoyancy of water enabled her to start strengthening her calf, improving joint mobility, and retraining her gait without placing excessive strain on the healing Achilles.
Week-by-Week Progress
Session 1: Gentle hydrostatic pressure reduced swelling, and we began retraining her walking pattern
Session 2: She performed her first calf raises
Week 3: Running in the deep-water zone helped restore coordination and build confidence
Week 8–9: She walked 13 holes of golf and achieved single-leg calf raises on her repaired side
This was a remarkable milestone, particularly for someone who couldn’t swim!
In the Patient’s Own Words
Her early feedback:
"I just wanted to tell you how much I have benefitted from your expert guidance and help in getting me 'up and running,' so to speak, through the water physio sessions at AquaPhysio. It has certainly got me to where I am now much faster and safer, so a big thank you to you."
After returning from a golfing holiday in Morocco:
"My Achilles held up pretty well on four consecutive days of golfing, though the third round was a complete waste of time! The golf courses were absolutely stunning with the Atlas Mountains as a backdrop. Just want to add for those who might be thinking that not being able to swim might be an obstacle to rehab in the water—I found water rehab to be very safe and effective in building up my range of movements. I felt totally supported by your expert hands and experience.”
Why Hydrotherapy Made the Difference
- Accelerated mobility and strength: She returned to running and single-leg calf raises ahead of schedule
- Reduced swelling and stiffness: Warm water and hydrostatic pressure improved circulation and comfort
- Safe, supported movement: She could strengthen without pain or fear of reinjury
- Smooth transition to land-based activity: Gave her confidence to resume walking, golfing, and more