Tendon Loading Decision Guide
Omniathlete Applied Series
This free guide accompanies the article "The Reactive Strength Paradox of the Healthy Achilles Tendon" by Jarred Boyd, DPT. It organises the decision framework described in the article into a three-page PDF for performance, medical and coaching staff working with team-sport athletes.
What the guide includes
- Decision tree
A sequence of questions that leads from the sensitivity of the tendon and the strain that muscle size allows to the loading option described in the article, with adjustments when an option is not tolerated.
- Loading themes and exercise examples
Strain tolerance, strain magnitude and strain rate, with example exercises for each loading option.
- Execution principles and reference table
Length loaded, moment matching and region reach, together with the relation of maximal, repetition, submaximal and reactive work to tendon loading.
- Decision record
Optional fields to document the option selected and the review date.
How it is intended to be used
The guide is intended to structure clinical reasoning when a loading method is selected or reviewed for the Achilles tendon. Staff may use the tree to document why an option was chosen, to review it when the athlete's response changes, and to share a common language across physiotherapy, strength and conditioning, and coaching. It does not prescribe sets, repetitions or weekly doses.
Download your free copy
The download is a single PDF file (about 0.1 MB). Complete the form to receive it.
Evidence and limitations
The guide summarises the framework described in the article, which reflects a practitioner perspective supported by the literature cited there. The article provides no numerical thresholds, no weekly doses for maximal work, no separate pathway for midportion versus insertional tendinopathy and no specific in-season plan. The guide supports, and does not replace, the judgement of qualified clinical and performance staff.
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