What is the best physiotherapist in Bundoora?

Better Physiotherapy Bundoora at 2 Betula Avenue is widely regarded as one of the best physiotherapy clinics in Bundoora and northern Melbourne, with a 4.9-star Google rating, postgraduate-qualified physiotherapists, and same-day appointments available.

Where is a good physio near me in Bundoora?

Better Physiotherapy Bundoora is located at 2 Betula Avenue, Bundoora VIC 3083. We offer same-day appointments, no referral required, and accept Medicare, NDIS, WorkCover, TAC and all private health funds.

Does Better Physiotherapy Bundoora accept NDIS?

Yes. Better Physiotherapy Bundoora is a registered NDIS provider. We support plan-managed, agency-managed, and self-managed participants with no out-of-pocket costs.

Can I book a physiotherapy appointment without a referral in Bundoora?

Yes. No GP referral is needed to see a physiotherapist at Better Physiotherapy Bundoora. You can book online at betterphysiotherapy.com.au or call (03) 9467 6900.

Does Better Physiotherapy Bundoora accept WorkCover and TAC?

Yes. We are a registered WorkCover Victoria and TAC (Transport Accident Commission) provider. There are no out-of-pocket costs for eligible claimants.

What physiotherapy services are available in Bundoora?

Better Physiotherapy Bundoora offers: general physiotherapy, sports injury rehabilitation, Clinical Pilates, dry needling, NDIS physiotherapy, WorkCover and TAC treatment, post-surgical rehabilitation, and telehealth physiotherapy.

How do I refer a patient to Better Physiotherapy Bundoora?

GPs and specialists can use our digital referral portal at betterphysiotherapy.com.au/referrals to submit a referral in under 3 minutes. We contact the patient within 2 business hours and send outcome reports back to the referring practice.

How long does Achilles tendinopathy take to heal?

With appropriate physiotherapy and load management, most Achilles tendinopathy cases significantly improve within 8–12 weeks. Chronic cases that have been present for more than 6 months may take 4–6 months to fully resolve. Early treatment produces the fastest results.

Should I stop running with Achilles tendinopathy?

Not necessarily. Complete rest weakens the tendon further. The goal is to manage training load to a level the tendon can tolerate, then progressively increase that load. Your physiotherapist will advise on how to modify running to allow continued training during rehabilitation.

What is the best exercise for Achilles tendinopathy?

Heavy slow resistance calf training — particularly single-leg heel raises performed slowly and through full range on a step — has the strongest evidence for Achilles tendinopathy. These exercises stimulate tendon repair and progressively build load capacity.

Better Physiotherapy Bundoora

Achilles tendinopathy is one of the most common running and sports injuries in Australia — affecting up to 9% of recreational runners and significantly higher rates in elite athletes. Stiffness in the morning, pain after prolonged running, and a tender, thickened tendon are the hallmarks. Physiotherapy is the gold standard treatment, but the right approach matters enormously.

What Is Achilles Tendinopathy?

The Achilles tendon connects the calf muscles to the heel bone and is the largest and strongest tendon in the body. Achilles tendinopathy is a degenerative change in the tendon tissue caused by cumulative overload that exceeds the tendon's capacity to recover. It is not an acute inflammatory process — which is why anti-inflammatory medication and rest alone are ineffective long-term treatments.

There are two types:

Mid-portion Achilles tendinopathy — affects the middle of the tendon, 2–6 cm above the heel bone. This is the most common type and responds very well to progressive loading exercises.
Insertional Achilles tendinopathy — affects where the tendon inserts into the heel bone. Requires slightly different management and is more complex to treat.

What Causes Achilles Tendinopathy?

Sudden increase in running mileage, intensity, or frequency
Returning to training after a period of inactivity
Running uphill or on camber
Switching to minimal footwear or barefoot running
Weak calf muscles relative to training load
Stiff ankle joint or limited dorsiflexion

Evidence-Based Physiotherapy Treatment

The evidence for Achilles tendinopathy treatment is clear. Progressive tendon loading is the cornerstone of treatment — not rest, not stretching, not anti-inflammatory medication.

Isometric calf loading — sustained muscle contractions without movement that immediately reduce tendon pain and are used early in the acute phase
Heavy slow resistance (HSR) training — single-leg heel raises performed slowly (3 seconds up, 3 seconds down) on a step, with progressive load. This stimulates tendon collagen repair and is the most effective medium-term treatment.
Plyometric loading — progressive jumping and hopping exercises introduced in the later rehabilitation stages before return to running
Running load management — structured modification of training volume and intensity to allow the tendon to adapt without further overload
Shockwave therapy — for chronic, recalcitrant cases, acoustic shockwave therapy has excellent evidence and is significantly more effective than cortisone injection at 12 months

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Achilles painful in the morning and then warms up?

Morning stiffness that eases with activity is a hallmark of Achilles tendinopathy. The tendon is poorly vascularised and becomes stiff overnight; repetitive loading during the day temporarily reduces pain. This pattern does NOT mean it is getting better — it means the tendon is still pathological and needs treatment.

Should I stretch my Achilles?

Sustained static stretching of a symptomatic Achilles tendon is actually contraindicated — it compresses the tendon insertion and can worsen symptoms. Progressive loading exercises are far more effective than stretching. Your physiotherapist will prescribe the right approach.

What is the difference between Achilles tendinopathy and an Achilles tear?

Tendinopathy is a degenerative change within the tendon tissue — painful but structurally intact. A partial or complete Achilles tear involves structural disruption, is usually caused by a sudden forceful loading event, and may require surgical repair. Your physiotherapist can distinguish between the two with physical examination.

Can I use a heel raise for Achilles tendinopathy?

Yes — a temporary heel raise (placed in your shoe) reduces load on the Achilles and can provide pain relief in the acute phase. It is a short-term management tool, not a long-term solution. Your physiotherapist will advise on when to gradually wean off the raise.

Achilles Tendinopathy Physiotherapy: The Right Way to Treat Tendon Pain