Unpain Podcast

Episode #4

Erase your Achilles pain with the Unpain method.

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The Hidden Truth About Achilles Tendonitis

Achilles tendon pain can make even the simplest activities feel impossible. Whether it’s the sharp pain with the first steps in the morning, the burning sensation when running, or the deep, nagging ache after any physical activity, it’s a condition that refuses to be ignored. If you’ve tried everything—physiotherapy, massage, stretching, orthotics—and you’re still in pain, you’re not alone. The Achilles tendon is one of the thickest and strongest tendons in the body, yet when it becomes injured, healing can seem painfully slow, if it happens at all. The key to fixing it isn’t just focusing on the tendon itself but understanding why it became damaged in the first place.

Why Achilles Tendon Pain Keeps Coming Back

Most people assume Achilles tendon pain is simply a tendon issue. It makes sense—the pain is in the tendon, so the problem must be there, right? But that’s not how the body works. The Achilles tendon is just the middleman, the bridge between the muscles and the bones. If the muscles above it aren’t working properly, the tendon has no choice but to absorb extra stress until it eventually becomes inflamed, thickened, and painful. The real problem almost always starts higher up in the body.

One of the biggest culprits is the glute muscles. If your glutes aren’t activating properly, they aren’t absorbing impact when you walk, run, or exercise. That forces the hamstrings to take on more work. When the hamstrings become overworked, they push that strain down to the calves. The calves, now forced to do more than they were designed for, tighten up and start pulling on the Achilles tendon. This constant tension creates microtears in the tendon, leading to inflammation, pain, and degeneration over time.

Many people also develop Achilles tendon problems due to prolonged sitting. If you sit for long hours at a desk, in a car, or on a couch, your glutes and core muscles weaken while your hip flexors shorten. This disrupts the natural movement pattern of walking and running, shifting excessive strain onto the lower leg and foot. By the time the Achilles tendon starts hurting, the problem has been building for months, even years.

Why Traditional Achilles Tendon Treatments Fail

Most Achilles tendon treatments focus on symptom relief rather than fixing the root cause. Doctors often prescribe anti-inflammatory medications, but these only mask the pain rather than repairing the damage. Cortisone injections, commonly recommended for chronic cases, may provide temporary relief, but they also weaken the tendon, making it more prone to further injury.
Stretching is another popular approach, yet it often does little to resolve the issue. If the tendon is inflamed, stretching can actually make things worse by aggravating the microtears. Strengthening exercises can help, but if the underlying muscle dysfunction isn’t corrected first, they may just add more stress to an already overworked system.

Orthotics and special footwear may provide short-term relief by altering how weight is distributed, but they do not fix the muscle imbalances that are causing the strain in the first place. In many cases, they can even make the problem worse by making the foot muscles weaker and more dependent on artificial support.

The Real Solution: Fixing the Root Cause with Shockwave Therapy

At Unpain Clinic, we take a different approach to Achilles tendon injuries. Instead of just treating the pain, we look at why the pain developed in the first place. This means assessing the entire kinetic chain—starting from the lower back, through the hips, hamstrings, and calves, all the way down to the foot.

One of the most powerful tools we use to treat chronic Achilles tendon problems is true shockwave therapy. Unlike other treatments that only manage symptoms, shockwave therapy stimulates real healing at the cellular level. It works by sending high-energy sound waves deep into the tissue, breaking down scar tissue, increasing blood circulation, and triggering the body’s natural repair mechanisms.

Shockwave therapy has been scientifically proven to promote angiogenesis, or the formation of new blood vessels, in the Achilles tendon. Since tendons naturally have poor blood supply, this is a game-changer. More blood flow means more oxygen and nutrients, which accelerates healing. Additionally, shockwave therapy stimulates collagen production, helping the tendon rebuild itself stronger and more flexible.

At Unpain Clinic, we don’t just treat the Achilles tendon in isolation. We also address the root dysfunctions that caused the problem in the first place. This includes releasing tight calf muscles, restoring proper glute activation, and improving movement patterns. By treating the entire kinetic chain, we ensure that once your Achilles tendon heals, the pain won’t come back.

How to Know If You’re on the Right Path to Recovery

The key to healing an Achilles tendon injury isn’t just about pain relief—it’s about restoring proper function. If your treatment plan doesn’t address the bigger picture, chances are the pain will keep coming back. A successful recovery should include:

Improving Blood Flow to the Tendon – Shockwave therapy stimulates new blood vessel growth, bringing oxygen and nutrients to the damaged tissue.
Breaking the Cycle of Dysfunction – Addressing glute and core activation prevents stress from overloading the Achilles tendon again.
Restoring Proper Movement Patterns – Gradually reintroducing safe movement ensures long-term stability and strength.

If your Achilles tendon has been in pain for more than three months and nothing else has worked, it’s time to take a new approach. Your body doesn’t heal by chance—it heals when you give it the right conditions.

Final Thoughts: Move Better, Heal Faster

Achilles tendon pain isn’t just about the tendon itself. It’s a signal from your body that something is out of balance. Treating the tendon alone won’t provide lasting relief. You have to address the root cause—the dysfunctional muscles and movement patterns that led to the injury in the first place.

Shockwave therapy at Unpain Clinic has helped countless people overcome chronic Achilles pain by treating the real problem, not just the symptoms. If you’re tired of temporary fixes and want a real solution, it’s time to rethink how you approach healing. The key to recovery isn’t just doing more, it’s doing the right things.

Chapters

00:0000:00 Understanding Achilles Tendon and Its Significance
03:00Chronic Achilles Tendonitis: Causes and Mechanisms
05:48Muscle Dysfunction and Its Impact on the Achilles
09:04Shockwave Therapy: A Solution for Tendon Issues
11:57The Role of Collagen in Tendon Repair
14:53Rehabilitation Strategies for Achilles Tendon Pain
17:47Balancing Activity and Recovery
21:11The Importance of Whole-Body Functionality
23:54Self-Assessment and Healing Techniques
26:50Final Thoughts on Pain Management and Recovery

Key Takeaways

Achilles tendon pain can feel debilitating and stubborn.
Chronic tendonitis often stems from muscle dysfunction.
Shockwave therapy can effectively treat tendon issues.
Collagen is essential for the healing of tendons.
Rehabilitation should focus on strengthening the glutes and core.
Balance between activity and rest is crucial for recovery.
Self-assessment can help identify areas of dysfunction.
Holistic health practices support overall well-being.
Understanding the interconnectedness of body systems is vital.
Living without pain is achievable with the right approach.
ABOUT THE HOST

Uran Berisha

Uran Berisha is a highly respected and renowned pain management and musculoskeletal therapy figure. As the Founder of Unpain Clinic, he has dedicated his career to helping individuals suffering from chronic pain find effective and lasting relief. With his extensive knowledge and expertise in Shockwave Therapy, Uran has become one of North America’s foremost experts in this innovative treatment modality.

With a deep passion for improving the lives of others, Uran Berisha has made it his mission to provide cutting-edge solutions for those who have been unable to find relief through traditional methods. His unwavering commitment to understanding the complexities of chronic pain has led him to specialize in treating musculoskeletal conditions that have proven resistant to other forms of therapy.

As a pioneer in Shockwave Therapy, Uran has spearheaded groundbreaking research and developed revolutionary techniques to address chronic pain. His expertise allows him to provide tailored treatment plans targeting the underlying causes of musculoskeletal conditions, promoting faster healing and enhanced recovery.

Uran Berisha’s success as a Shockwave Therapy application expert is a testament to his unmatched dedication and compassionate approach to patient care. With his profound understanding of the human body’s intricate mechanics and ability to analyze complex pain patterns, he has transformed the lives of countless individuals who had previously lost hope.

Beyond his clinical work, Uran actively contributes to advancing the field by conducting workshops, seminars, and speaking engagements to educate other healthcare professionals about the immense potential of Shockwave Therapy. His innovative methods have gained recognition and respect from colleagues and experts worldwide.

Uran Berisha’s accomplishments have earned him widespread acclaim and gratitude from patients, medical professionals, and the healthcare community as a whole. Through his unwavering pursuit of excellence and commitment to changing lives, he continues redefining the landscape of pain management and empowering individuals to regain control over their health and well-being.