Calf muscles help extend your ankle and make it possible to perform maneuvers such as pointing your toes. Your calf muscles attach to your heel bone via your Achilles tendon, and a torn calf muscle can be severe enough to hinder your walking ability. Physical therapy for a torn calf muscle needs to be done diligently to properly prepare your body for returning to a healthy and active lifestyle. Not all exercises may be suitable for you, so check with your doctor first.
Protocol
The standard procedure for immediate treatment of a torn calf muscle involves the acronym known as RICE, which stands for rest, ice, compression and elevation. As part of your physical therapy program, you need to rest your calf muscle and avoid activities to allow your injury a chance to heal. Apply ice to your calf in 20-minute intervals to reduce swelling, pain and inflammation. Taking anti-inflammatory drugs such as aspirin will also help reduce swelling and pain. Apply compression to your torn calf muscle by wrapping an elastic bandage from your toes to below your knee. Elevating your leg above the level of your head will also reduce swelling.
Walking
After resting your leg for 48 hours, start walking as part of your physical therapy for a torn calf muscle. While wearing well-fitted, comfortable walking shoes, start walking at a slow pace for five minutes. Walking indoors can provide a safe environment until you feel comfortable enough to deal with possible outdoor hazards such as gravel, uneven pavement or other people. Increase your comfort level by putting a heel lift on both shoes. If too uncomfortable or painful to walk without assistance, walk with someone else or use a walking aid such as a crutch or cane. Walk using your normal gait. Gradually increase your time and speed as you become stronger.
Wall Stretching
Do gentle stretching exercises as soon as possible after resting your calf for the appropriate time. You need to stretch out your calf muscle to relieve tightness in your torn calf muscle. Stand facing a wall, and gently lean forward and place both hands onto the wall, palms open wide. Place your non-injured leg in front of your injured leg, with your knee bent. Keep the knee of your injured leg straight. While keeping both heels firmly on the ground, gently lean into the wall. Slowly and gently move your hips toward the wall to stretch your calf muscle. If done properly, you will feel a strong pull in your injured calf area. Hold this position 10 seconds. Return to a standing position. Relax 10 seconds. Repeat this exercise 10 times.
Yoga
Physical therapy for a torn calf muscle may involve yoga. Gently stretch out your calf muscle by doing a pose known as the downward-facing dog. Get down onto the floor and get into position as if you are going to do a pushup by placing your hands shoulder-width apart and your palms open directly beneath your shoulders. Keep your elbows straight. Extend your legs and keep your knees straight. Place your body weight onto your toes by lifting your heels from the floor. Tighten your abdominal muscles. Slowly exhale and lower your head while moving your body backward until you form a "V" between the floor and your body. Hold this position 20 seconds. Slowly return to your original position. Do not do this exercise if you have blood pressure concerns.
