Achilles tendinopathy
Pain and stiffness in the Achilles tendon at the back of the ankle, worse in the morning.
By Andrew Ellis, AHPRA registered physiotherapist · Reviewed July 2026
What it is
Achilles tendinopathy is irritation of the tendon at the back of the ankle, where the calf attaches to the heel. It usually builds from running, walking or a change in activity, and is often stiff and sore first thing in the morning and after exercise.
Signs and symptoms
Everyone is different, but these are common with achilles tendinopathy. You may have some and not others.
How physiotherapy helps
The Achilles responds well to graded loading. We confirm the diagnosis, settle the irritation, and build a progressive calf and tendon strengthening program. We manage your walking or running load so the tendon can rebuild its tolerance steadily.
- Tendon and calf assessment
- Progressive tendon loading
- Calf strengthening
- Walking and running load advice
How we treat it
The right mix depends on your assessment. These are the services we most often draw on for this.
Exercise and rehabilitation
Tailored programs to rebuild mobility, strength and confidence in the movements that matter to you.
Learn more →
Sports injury physiotherapy
Physiotherapy to treat your sports injury and get you back to training and competing, with the strength and control to stay there.
Learn more →
Soft tissue release
Skilled hands on work through muscles, tendons and ligaments to ease tension and restore flexibility.
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Trigger point dry needling
Fine needles into trigger points to release muscle tension and ease referred pain. A core focus at PACT.
Learn more →
What you will actually pay
The full fee is $165 for an initial visit and $142 for a follow up, and every appointment is a full, unhurried session with the time to work through complex, persistent problems. Once your cover is applied, here is what you actually pay.
Before any rebate. Private paying is welcome, and your fee buys the whole session, never a rushed 20 minutes.
A GP Chronic Disease Management referral rebates $61.80 on every visit, up to 5 a year.
The usual out of pocket once you claim on the spot, depending on your level of cover.
Nothing for you to pay at any visit. Accepted workers compensation and CTP motor accident claims are billed straight to your insurer, and we handle the paperwork.
The bars compare what an initial and a follow up visit cost you on each pathway.
See full fees and rebates. Telehealth with PACT Virtual Care is charged at the same rates, Australia wide.
Other problems we help with
Pain rarely sits in one neat box. These are commonly linked, and we treat them all.
Good to know before you book
Why is it worse in the morning?
How much will it cost?
Do I need a referral?
Can it be managed by telehealth?
This page is general information about achilles tendinopathy, not a diagnosis or a substitute for an assessment. If you are concerned about your symptoms, book an appointment or see your GP.
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Same day appointments often available at our Miranda clinic, or by telehealth across Australia.