Table 1 Rehabilitation weeks 9–16

Basic exercises

 Exercise bike: 10–15 min

 Ankle range of motion (pronation and supination, dorsal and plantar flexion. Dorsal flexion to 90 degrees. The other movements unlimited): 2 × 8 reps

 Standing heel-rise (2 × 3 s tempo) 3 × 10 reps^a

 One leg standing balance exercise: 3 × 30 s^a

Weeks 9–11

 Basic exercises

 Exercises with resistance band around the foot in sitting position (knee extended, dorsal flexion to 90 degrees, plantar flexion and inversion): 2 × 20 reps

 Side laying hip abduction: 2 × 15 reps

 Heel-rise in supine position with flexed legs: 2 × 15 reps

 Sitting heel-rise with weight on injured leg (20–25 repetitions maximum): 3 × 15 reps

 Gait training

 Once a week, the training is situated in a pool where similar exercises are performed.

Weeks 12–16

 Basic exercises (as above)

 Walk on toes with support to start with, if needed: 2 × 5 m

 Standing heel-rise is performed with increased weight on injured leg: 5 × 10 reps

 Heel-rise in supine position with flexed legs (with increased weight on injured leg): 2 × 15 reps

 Leg press with one leg at a time (10 repetitions maximum): 2 × 10 reps

 Balance exercise on a trampoline: 2 × 45 s

 Walk/jog on a trampoline: 2 × 45 s

 Cross trainer: 1 min and 45 s

 Lunges (only with injured leg in front): 2 × 10 reps

 The plank (core exercise): 2 × 45 s

 This program is performed as circle training.

Return to running—from week 14

 Jogging upwards on stairs is allowed when the patient can walk 5 m on toes without heel falling down.

 Running on even ground is allowed when the patient can perform 5 single-legged heel-rises with approximately 90% of the height of the un-injured leg.

After completed rehabilitation program

 Examination of tendon healing and function. If needed, referral to further physiotherapy. Gradual return to sports (contact sports earliest 6–9 months after injury)