Immediate effects of Compressive Myofascial Release versus Talocrural Joint Mobilization on passive mechanical properties and functional outcomes in participants with Achilles tendon repair

Objective: To compare the immediate effects of two manual therapy techniques - Compressive Myofascial Release (CMR) and Talocrural Joint Mobilization (TJM) - on passive mechanical properties, ankle mobility, and functional performance in individuals following Achilles tendon repair. Methods: Twenty participants with surgically repaired Achilles tendons received a single session of either CMR or TJM. Passive mechanical properties (tone, elasticity, stiffness) of the medial/lateral gastrocnemius and Achilles tendon were assessed via handheld myotonometer. Functional outcomes included the Weight-Bearing Lunge Test (WBLT), Achilles Tendon Resting Angle (ATRA), and heel-rise height. Patient-reported outcomes were the Achilles Tendon Total Rupture Score (ATRS) and Foot and Ankle Outcome Score (FAOS). Results: Demographic variables were similar between groups (p > .05). The mean time since surgery was 12.8 +/- 10.3 months in the TJM group and 16.8 +/- 13.25 months in the CMR group. CMR led to significantly greater improvements in MG stiffness (p = .007, r = 0.85), MG tone (p = .032, r = 0.68), and LG stiffness (p = .005, r = 0.89), with changes exceeding minimal detectable change (MDC) values. Although Achilles tendon stiffness also decreased significantly (p = .037, r = 0.66), this change did not exceed its MDC. Both groups showed statistically and clinically meaningful gains in ATRA, heel-rise height, and WBLT (all p < .01, r > 0.85). ATRS and FAOS indicated high functional recovery. Conclusion: CMR yielded greater short-term improvements in clinically relevant muscle-tendon mechanical properties than TJM and may be a valuable therapeutic option following Achilles tendon repair.