Postoperative Achilles Tendon Rehabilitation Using Class 4 Laser Therapy: A Comprehensive Case Study

Introduction
This case study highlights the successful application of class 4 laser therapy in postoperative Achilles tendon rehabilitation, utilizing a high-powered laser therapy machine to address pain, inflammation, and functional impairments following surgical repair.

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Case Presentation

Basic Situation:
The patient is a male in his 30s who presented four weeks after left Achilles tendon surgery with:

• Significant redness and swelling at the distal Achilles tendon and heel region
• Provoked tugging pain after prolonged sitting
• Markedly restricted ankle dorsiflexion and plantarflexion

Evaluation and Examination:

1. Functional Assessment:
   • Severely limited left ankle mobility with painful tugging sensation during movement
   • VAS Scores:
     • Incision site: 4/10 (pressure pain)
     • Medial Achilles tendon insertion: 6/10 (pressure pain)
     • Heel region: 6/10 (numbness/pain)
2. Structural Observations:
   • Notable left lower limb muscle atrophy
   • Persistent left ankle edema
3. Visual Documentation:
   • Pretreatment photos clearly demonstrated erythema, swelling, and angular deformities

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Intervention Strategy

Multimodal Treatment Approach:

1. Manual Therapy:
   • Focused myofascial release techniques for the Achilles tendon and triceps surae complex
2. Class 4 Laser Therapy Protocol:
   • Equipment: Advanced laser therapy machine (Class IV)
   • Treatment Parameters:Power (W)Duty CycleFrequency (Hz)TechniqueDuration (min)Frequency3040%1,000Non-contact102×/week for 4 weeks
   • Target Areas:
     • Inflamed Achilles tendon insertion
     • Heel pain foci
3. Functional Rehabilitation:
   • Progressive mobility exercises to restore ankle range of motion

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Treatment Effect

After just two weeks of combined class 4 laser therapy and rehabilitation:

Clinical Improvements:

• Visible reduction in redness and swelling
• Heel pain essentially resolved (0/10 on VAS during daily activities)
• Occasional mild pressure pain at Achilles tendon insertion (2/10 VAS)
• Significant improvement in ankle mobility

Objective Comparison:

(++) = Severe limitation/symptoms, (+) = Mild limitation/symptoms, (-) = No significant symptoms

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Therapeutic Rationale

The class 4 laser therapy system demonstrated exceptional clinical efficacy due to its:

• Deep Tissue Penetration: 30W output enabled optimal energy delivery to deep tendon structures
• Anti-Inflammatory Action: Significant reduction in swelling after just 4 sessions
• Pain Modulation: Rapid laser therapy for pain relief effects (VAS scores reduced by 50-75%)
• Tissue Repair Stimulation: Improved mobility suggests enhanced collagen remodeling

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Conclusion

This case demonstrates that class 4 laser therapy, when delivered via a medical-grade laser therapy machine and combined with manual therapy, can:

1. Accelerate inflammation resolution
2. Provide effective laser therapy for pain relief
3. Restore functional mobility in postoperative Achilles tendon cases

The treatment protocol yielded measurable improvements in both subjective symptoms and objective functional measures within two weeks, with no reported adverse effects.

Keywords: class 4 laser therapy, laser therapy machine, laser therapy for pain relief, postoperative rehabilitation, Achilles tendon repair