Achilles tendinopathy (AT) is a common condition both in athletes and the general population. The purpose of this study is to highlight the most effective form of exercise in managing pain-related symptoms and functional capacity as well as in a return to life activities, ensuring the quality of life of patients with AT, and creating a protocol to be used in rehabilitation. We conducted a systematic review of the published literature in Pubmed, Scopus, Science Direct, and PEDro for Randomised Controlled Trials concerning interventions that were based exclusively on exercise and delivered in patients 18–65 years old, athletes and non-athletes. An amount of 5235 research articles generated from our search. Five met our inclusion criteria and were included in the review. Research evidence supports the effectiveness of a progressive loading eccentric exercise program based on Alfredson’s protocol, which could be modified in intensity and pace to fit the needs of each patient with AT. Future research may focus on the optimal dosage and load of exercise in eccentric training and confirm the effectiveness of other type of exercise, such as a combination of eccentric–concentric training or heavy slow resistance exercise. Pilates could be applied as an alternative, useful, and friendly tool in the rehabilitation of AT.
Myofascial pain syndrome (MPS) is a common muscle condition characterized by a form of musculoskeletal pain [1]. MPS occurs when a muscle is in repetitive contractions due to continuous movements due to work, exercise or stress [2]. It results in the formation of sensitive tight muscle fibers in the muscle, these sensitive points are called pain trigger points [3]. Clinical symptoms presented by patients due to the syndrome are muscle spasm from trigger points, referred pain, and a hyperirritable nodule in the muscle [4]. The trapezius muscle, especially its upper part, often shows trigger points, resulting in pain and reduced range of motion in the area [5].
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