Advanced Tissue Training: Lower Extremity Tendon Pathologies

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Video Runtime: 116 Minutes; Learning Assessment Time: 29 Minutes

This course focuses on the evidence-based evaluation and rehabilitation of midportion and insertional Achilles tendon pathologies. This course equips healthcare professionals, including athletic trainers and physical therapists, with advanced strategies to design effective rehabilitation protocols that integrate mechanotherapy, sports manual therapy, and progressive loading principles. Participants will learn to address biomechanical, neurological, and biochemical factors affecting tendon health, tailoring interventions to simple and complex cases. Designed for clinicians working in outpatient and sports performance settings, this course emphasizes safe progression from tissue repair to tolerance training, enabling athletes to return to sport with reduced risk of reinjury.

Learning Objectives

Analyze tendon-specific rehabilitation strategies for mid Achilles and insertional Achilles
Determine exercise dosages to support tissue repair and progression to high-load tolerance training
Construct rehabilitation programs addressing both local impairments and spinal contributions in complex tendon cases
Integrate biopsychosocial considerations into advanced rehabilitation protocols for lower extremity tendon pathologies

Course Series Overview

Meet your instructor

A person with spiky hair in a light suit and patterned tie stands indoors, representing modern hybrid care for medbridge.

Jim Rivard

Jim Rivard received his bachelor of science in physical therapy from the University of Puget Sound in 1988. He then completed four years of postgraduate residency and fellowship training at the Ola Grimsby Institute (OGI) and a chronic pain management certificate program at McGill University. Jim is the founder of MTI…

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Chapters & learning objectives

1. Assessing Collagen Pathologies and Impairments

This chapter provides a comprehensive overview of acute and chronic Achilles tendon pathologies. Participants will explore the signs and symptoms of midsubstance and insertional tendon injuries, including the implications of imaging and differential diagnosis. Emphasis is placed on distinguishing hardware (tissue damage), software (motor control deficits), and fuel (biochemical influences) issues to guide targeted rehabilitation strategies.

2. Advanced Tissue Training Concepts for Mid Achilles Tendinopathy/Strain

This chapter introduces advanced rehabilitation techniques for midsubstance Achilles tendon injuries, focusing on tissue repair and progression to high-load tolerance training. Participants will analyze the role of joint mobilizations, modified tension exercises, and motor control strategies in addressing tendon impairments. Practical examples highlight the safe application of progressive loading principles to support return-to-sport outcomes.

3. Advanced Tissue Training Concepts for Insertional Achilles Tendinopathy (IAT)

This chapter delves into the unique challenges of managing insertional Achilles tendinopathy. Participants will learn to implement tissue-sparing concepts, optimize exercise design for compressive and tensile loading, and address biomechanical interdependencies in the lower extremity. Special focus is given to the progression from seated to standing exercises, integrating sports manual therapy techniques, and addressing complex cases with biopsychosocial considerations.

More courses in this series

Rehab to Resilience: Transforming Sports Therapy Outcomes

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Tissue Repair Training in Rehabilitation and Athletic Performance

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Seven Core Principles of Sports Manual Therapy

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Precise Loading: Optimizing Dosage for Tissue Repair and Rehabilitative Exercise

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