Does transverse friction massage add benefit to loading exercises for Achilles tendinopathy? A pilot and feasibility study

Purpose: Achilles tendinopathy (AT) affects over 150,000 people per year in the UK and is signified by pain on weight bearing activity resulting in disability and limited function. It may affect 9% of recreational runners. Clinical guidelines currently recommend a loaded exercise programme to reduce pain and disability. Although commonly used in clinical practice, there are no clinical trials investigating the effectiveness of performing transverse friction massage (FTM) in addition to exercise, resulting in a quicker return to normal function.