Achilles Tendinitis

The key to stretching during the Achilles tendinitis recovery phase is consistency rather than intensity. Repeating static stretches 2–3 times a day—with your foot against a wall, knee extended (for the gastrocnemius) and knee slightly bent (for the soleus)—for at least 30 seconds each will gradually restore tendon flexibility. Stretching the plantar fascia along with the tendon helps relax the entire hindfoot connection structure. If pain actually increases after stretching, you must stop immediately and consult a medical professional. From a Korean medicine perspective, stretching is an exercise stimulus that gently activates the muscles and tendons governed by the liver and promotes meridian circulation. However, excessive stretching can further irritate the tendons if kidney energy is deficient or if there is blood stasis in the muscles and veins. At Dongjedang, we advise that stretching is more effective when the meridians are clear after acupuncture treatment, and we provide personalized instruction on specific self-care movements tailored to the treatment stage.