Achilles Tendon Pain Treatment in Mineola, NY

MULLIGAN CONCEPT

Achilles Tendon Pain

Achilles tendon pain is felt at the back of the ankle or where the tendon attaches to the heel, and is often worst with the first steps in the morning or at the start of a run. At Enhanced Physical Therapy in Mineola, the foundation is a progressive tendon loading program, supported by Mulligan ankle mobilization, Pain Release Phenomenon for persistent pain, and taping.

Certified Mulligan Practitioner Over 10 Years of Experience

Our clinics director is a Certified Mulligan Practitioner (CMP) with over a decade
of experience using this evidence-based approach. Each treatment is customized to
your specific diagnosis and movement limitations to achieve optimal outcomes.

Common signs of Achilles tendon pain

Pain at the back of the ankle or heel
Stiffness first thing in the morning that eases as you walk
Pain at the start of a run or with hills and stairs
A thickened or tender tendon
Pain rising onto your toes

What causes it

Sudden increases in running, hill training, new shoes, a stiff ankle and weak calves overload the Achilles. It is common in runners and in people in their 40s and 50s. Some medications, such as certain antibiotics, also raise the risk.

How we examine it

We test calf strength and endurance, ankle motion and tendon tenderness, and screen for a rupture. We test whether an ankle glide or taping makes heel raises or walking more comfortable.

Mulligan techniques we use

Ankle MWM. Improves ankle bending, which can reduce tendon load.
Pain Release Phenomenon (PRP). For Achilles pain lasting more than six weeks. Pain Release Phenomenon, not platelet rich plasma.
Taping and heel support. Short-term support while loading builds.

What the research says

Progressive tendon loading has the strongest evidence for Achilles pain. Evidence for Mulligan techniques comes from case reports that combined manual therapy with loading, so we use them as an add-on, not the main treatment.

What else is in your treatment plan

Your plan includes progressive calf and tendon loading, running or activity changes, footwear advice and manual therapy where it helps.

How long recovery takes

Achilles tendon pain usually takes 12 weeks or more of consistent loading to settle.

When to see a doctor first

Call your doctor, or get urgent care, if you have any of the following:

A sudden snap or feeling of being kicked in the back of the ankle (possible rupture): seek care the same day
Unable to rise onto your toes
Recent use of fluoroquinolone antibiotics with new Achilles pain: tell your doctor
A hot, red, swollen tendon
Calf swelling and tenderness

Achilles tendon pain treatment near Mineola

Enhanced Physical Therapy is at 137 Willis Ave, Suite 100, Mineola, NY 11501, a short walk from NYU Langone Hospital-Long Island. We see patients from Mineola, Garden City, Williston Park, New Hyde Park, Carle Place, Westbury, Albertson and Manhasset, and across central Nassau County.

Frequently asked questions

Should I stop running with Achilles pain?

Often you reduce rather than stop. We set a loading and running plan you can manage.

Is stretching good for Achilles pain?

Strengthening helps more than stretching for most people.

What is Pain Release Phenomenon?

A Mulligan technique where gentle pressure is held until pain fades. It is not platelet rich plasma.

How long does Achilles pain take to heal?

Usually three months or more of consistent loading.

Written and clinically reviewed by Jacob Kurian, PT, MSPT, CMP, DPT, Certified Mulligan Practitioner, Enhanced Physical Therapy, Mineola NY. Last updated October 14, 2026.

Move Better, Feel Better

If this is limiting your work, sleep or activity, call Enhanced Physical Therapy at (516) 833-5880 to book an evaluation with Jacob Kurian, Certified Mulligan Practitioner. Mulligan treatment may help reduce pain and improve movement, and we will tell you honestly what to expect.