Effectiveness of specific soft tissue mobilizations for the management of Achilles tendinosis: Single case study—Experimental design

A single case study ABA design was used to evaluate the effectiveness of a treatment protocol of accessory and combined specific soft tissue mobilizations (SSTMs) in a 39-year-old female with a 5-year history of Achilles tendinosis. The study involved three phases each lasting 6 weeks: a pre-treatment, treatment and post-treatment phase. There was also a 3-month follow-up after the post-treatment phase. The VISA A questionnaire was used as a severity index for Achilles tendinosis to quantify symptoms and dysfunction. A visual analogue scale (VAS) was used to record pain. Dorsiflexion range was measured using a goniometer with the knee extended to reflect gastrocnemius length and a weight-bearing dorsiflexion lunge test was used as a measure for soleus length. Following treatment, considerable improvements were recorded in all outcomes. The subject returned to a full gym programme and recorded no pain on the VAS as well as scoring 100% on the index of severity for Achilles tendinosis during the post-treatment phase and follow-up. The single case study design limits generalization but the results support the use of SSTMs in the treatment of Achilles tendinosis and suggests that further research into this intervention is warranted.