To return to full fitness after Achilles tendon sensitivity, one should not be confined to a rigid, one-size-fits-all eccentric protocol, but rather adopt progressive loading combining heavy strengthening and rebound exercises adapted to one’s own tolerance.

noli's read

The transition from a purely eccentric protocol to progressive loading is widely supported by movement science. Systematic reviews, notably published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine, confirm that this progressive and adapted loading offers excellent results for restoring full physical fitness. A recent expert consensus (2025) highlights that tendon adaptation depends primarily on personalized mechanical tension and high intensity (70 to 90% of maximal effort), dismissing the notion of a one-size-fits-all recipe based on fixed sets. The importance of reintegrating rebound and plyometric exercises is also validated by randomized controlled trials (such as the work of the Silbernagel team), proving that these dynamic movements are essential for regaining the ability to jump or run. Meanwhile, the old belief regarding 'fiber realignment' has been nuanced by modern imaging: observational studies show that the tendon simply becomes stiffer, stronger, and more tolerant to effort without its internal structure necessarily changing. This advice is therefore scientifically sound and perfectly adapted to current movement practices.

the sources

1. 1Gabbett TJ 2016
2. 2Carey DL, Blanch P, Ong KL, Crossley KM, Crow J, Morris ME 2016