Tearing your Achilles tendon is a major injury that may require surgery. But do you need to have surgery to repair a torn Achilles tendon? Surgery is not the only answer and it is possible to return to powerlifting and continue to hit PRs if you work hard and continue to barbell train during the rehabilitation process.

 

Martin Hsieh is a physical therapist, parent of five children, recreational basketball player, and competitive powerlifter. In July of 2022 he sustained a full rupture of his Achilles tendon. Like most foot and ankle injuries that affect one's ability to barbell train, this injury was not sustained while powerlifting, but during a recreational league basketball game. 

 

After the shock of the injury wore off, Martin consulted with a few of his physical therapy associates, and two orthopedists regarding his options for recovery. After a few weeks he decided that it was in his best interest to approach his Achilles rehabilitation without surgery and shares the story of his return to competitive powerlifting in less than a year. 

 

In this episode of the PRS Podcast we discuss:

1. How he tore his Achilles tendon playing basketball and what factors played into the injury presenting itself in that moment

2. The role that fatigue accumulation plays in injury development

3. The two injuries he wouldn't want to sustain given his experience as a physical therapist

4. Why he elected not to have surgery to repair a full rupture of his Achilles tendon and how he approach rehab insead

5. When he resumed barbell training and what modifications he to help him continue without interruption

6. What he would differently if he tore his Achilles again

7. If and how he plans to go back to playing basketball after an Achilles rupture

8. His best piece of advice for injured athletes when determine what course of action to take next

 

The purpose of this podcast interview is to help athletes feel less alone when experiencing serious injuries affecting one or both limbs. As well, we provide coaches and clinicians with tools to help barbell athletes process their injuries and continue to train even when training is not ideal. 

 

Martin graduated from University of Maryland College Park in 2008 with a BS in cell biology and molecular genetics. He received his Doctor of Physical Therapy degree in 2012 from University of Maryland Eastern Shore. Martin is a board certified myofascial trigger point therapist who performs trigger point dry needling as well as a level II certified instrumental assisted soft tissue mobilization clinician. 

 

He believes that making his patients stronger and moving better with less pain is the key to improving their quality of life. He is an advocate for strength training for patients of all ages and incorporates barbell, kettlebell, and body weight exercises into his treatment regularly. Physical therapy does not have to be therabands and boring table exercises!

 

In his free time Martin enjoys spending time with his family, basketball, and golf. Since 2014 he has become a semi-competitive powerlifter and is currently a top 100 lifter in the nation in his weight class. He continues to pursue his powerlifting goal in his free time and plans to compete nationally if the timing is right.

 

Connect with Martin on Instagram @needles_and_deadlifts

 

 

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