[Cloud9Fitness]

Let me begin with saying the protocols for return to sport after Achilles rupture are being revised daily as the opinion on early mobilization continues to grow.

Now that you are weight-bearing I would suggest continuing full ROM with no load provided by a partner as tolerated to match your non-injured foot. I would also suggest beginning squats without the bar. Set the bar high and hold on to it and allow your upper-body assist your squat (imagine an assisted pull-up). The ATG squat will likely not affect your Achilles any greater than a squat to 90, but the eccentric load on the gastroc and soleus can be reduced with upper body assistance. As tolerated progress to body weight and additional weight as you feel comfortable. Patients of mine report with previous squats above 250lbs report moving to 135lbs squats within 2 weeks after full weight bearing (own weight daily for a week, 50lbs for two gym visits, 100lbs for two gym visits, 100+ etc). This schedule is completely experience based, no concrete protocols are set. Please not that their biggest complaint was the DOMs in there gluts and quads from a long layoff, not their Achilles.

In this time period you may also benefit from eccentric calf raises on a leg press machine from fully plantar flexed to neutral (no weight), fully plantar flexed to neutral (light weight) + fully plantar flexed to fully dorsi-flexed (no weight), and fully plantar flexed to fully dorsi-flexed (light weight). Non-controlled studies and experience have led people to perform similar exercises daily with weight increments of 20-30lbs/week or as tolerated.

I hope this gives you some helpful guidelines.