Pilot Investigation to Evaluate Effectiveness of SWT, Photobiomodulation and Physical Therapy in the Management of Non-insertional Achilles Tendinopathy: A RCT with Elective Cross-Over Design

This pilot study will evaluate efficacy of shockwave, photobiomodulation treatment, and standard physical therapy for the common veruse injury Achilles tendinopathy (AT). This pilot will recruit runners with chronic (>3 mo) mid-portion AT randomized into three equal groups (N=15): 1)physical therapy, or physical therapy combined with 2) 3 weekly shockwave treatments or 3) photobiomodulation therapy (twice per week for 3 weeks). At 3 months, patients may elect to cross-over to different treatment arm. The pilot study will evaluate efficacy of shockwave, photobiomodulation treatment, and standard physical therapy for the common overuse injury Achilles tendinopathy in a military treatment facility setting.