Shortening of the triceps calf muscle - a case study

Shortening of the triceps calf muscle with the help of physiotherapy and serial casting

Many specialists recommended that Luke undergo surgery to lengthen his Achilles tendon, saying that without it he would never be able to put his heel up.

At the Paley European Institute, instead of surgery, we subjected the boy to physiotherapy and serial plastering, the goal of which was to increase the length of the muscle. After 3 weeks, we achieved the results you can see in the second photo - the boy started to put his heel when walking! We secured the achieved results with a specially prepared orthosis.

Every surgical procedure and every anesthesia are a major intervention in the human body. Therefore, at PEI, we use surgical treatment only according to the indications developed through our experience, but whenever possible, we work out the results with conservative methods such as physiotherapy, occupational therapy, plastering or orthotics.

We achieved the result only thanks to the great cooperation of Luke and his parents. Applause for hard work and perseverance!

See other entries

April 20, 2026

Strength That Doesn't Require Perfection: Asia's Story and a Discussion on Empathy in Medicine

Let’s imagine a child who, from a very young age, learns to navigate a world that isn’t always adapted to their abilities. A child who sees challenges instead of limitations, and curiosity instead of fear. This is the story of Asia—the protagonist of the Medical Talks podcast episode “Conversations from the Heart.” It is a story about a child’s strength, the role of family, and the importance of […]

April 20, 2026

Osseointegration: A New Quality of Life After Amputation

What is this article about? In this article, we discuss an interview with Jacek Tadrzak—a physical therapist at the Paley European Institute—on osseointegration, one of the most innovative treatment methods for amputees. The article explains what this procedure entails, who it is intended for, what the rehabilitation process looks like, and what challenges patients face when they decide to […]

April 20, 2026

MPD and hip prevention in children

What is this article about? In this article, we discuss the key points raised in a conversation with Olga Pietryca—a physical therapist who works with children with cerebral palsy (CP). The text focuses primarily on hip problems in children with CP, the importance of early diagnosis, the role of physical therapy, and the collaboration between the entire therapeutic team and the family in the treatment process. Cerebral palsy […]