Can I Swim with a Torn Achilles?
Good news: swimming can be one of the best exercises during Achilles recovery
Swimming is actually ideal for Achilles recovery - your foot naturally stays in the safe position while you get a great workout
- Zero impact on your healing tendon
- Maintain cardiovascular fitness
- Natural foot position while swimming
When Can You Start Swimming?
A timeline for safe return to aquatic activities
"Swimming is excellent cardiovascular exercise with minimal tendon loading. It's one of the safest ways to build fitness during recovery. The water supports your body weight, making it ideal for early cardio."
Typical Swimming Timeline (varies by individual)
Once your surgeon approves, start with walking in waist-deep water. Begin with short sessions.
Progress to freestyle and backstroke when comfortable. Start slowly and build up gradually.
Gradually increase duration and try different strokes as your physiotherapist advises.
Zero Impact
Water supports your body weight, eliminating impact stress on your healing tendon while allowing exercise.
Cardiovascular Fitness
Maintain or build cardio fitness during recovery when running and cycling aren't options.
Resistance Training
Water provides natural resistance for strengthening without weights or machines.
Mental Health
Swimming improves mood and provides a sense of normalcy during the frustrating recovery period.
Before You Swim
- Get explicit approval from your surgeon or physiotherapist
- Surgical wounds must be fully healed
- No open wounds or skin issues
- Comfortable and confident in water
- Boot phase completed (timing varies by individual and treatment protocol)
Important
Always get medical clearance before swimming. The timing depends on your individual recovery and whether you had surgery. Your surgeon or physiotherapist will advise when it's safe to start.
Why Swimming is Ideal for Achilles Recovery
Your foot naturally stays in the safe plantar flexed position while swimming
Natural Foot Position
Flutter kick and swimming strokes keep your foot naturally pointed (plantar flexed) - the safe position for healing
Maintain Fitness
Stay fit during recovery - it's hard to exercise with one leg, but swimming allows you to stay active safely
Better Than Boot Covers
Unlike Limbo covers that just protect your boot, our splint actually supports your Achilles while being fine with water
Works in Pools & Sea
Our splint handles water well (though not fully waterproof), keeping your Achilles supported in pools and sea
We Made the Splint to Help You Stay Active
We know how frustrating it is to lose fitness during recovery. The Thetis Splint is waterproof so you can get back in the pool safely while maintaining Achilles protection.
Swimming is ideal for Achilles recovery because your foot naturally stays in the safe position. Our splint adds an extra layer of protection for those who want peace of mind in the water.
Always get medical clearance before swimming. Timing depends on your individual recovery.
View product detailsTrusted by Medical Professionals
Surgeons and clinicians recommend the Thetis splint for aquatic activities
Mr James Davis
Past President of the British Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society
A fantastic alternative to uncomfortable hospital boots for night wear
"When I tore my own Achilles tendon, the hardest part was wearing the hospital boot in bed. This splint is certain to improve the recovery experience for patients."
Dr Robbie Ray
Foot and Ankle Surgeon
Setting a new standard in Achilles tendon rehabilitation
"A game-changer in my practice. The splint's design prioritizes both comfort and functionality, enabling controlled, progressive recovery."
Professor Matthew Welck
Foot and Ankle Surgeon
An excellent piece of equipment
"Patients sometimes find sleeping in a boot uncomfortable, and having an alternative, more lightweight option is well received."
Mr Ian Gill
Foot and Ankle Surgeon
Get a good night's sleep!
"Worth every penny as it stops the misery of trying to get good nights sleep in an uncomfortable boot!"
Mr Sohail Yousaf
Foot and Ankle Surgeon
Excellent tool for enhancing recovery and comfort
"Lightweight and effective, it provides relief during sleep and protects the foot outside the boot."
Mr Andy Roche
Foot and Ankle Surgeon
Comfort and usability all round.
"Makes complete sense to use something like this and I highly recommend this product. Comfort and usability all round."
Mr James Davis
Past President of the British Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society
A fantastic alternative to uncomfortable hospital boots for night wear
"When I tore my own Achilles tendon, the hardest part was wearing the hospital boot in bed. This splint is certain to improve the recovery experience for patients."
Dr Robbie Ray
Foot and Ankle Surgeon
Setting a new standard in Achilles tendon rehabilitation
"A game-changer in my practice. The splint's design prioritizes both comfort and functionality, enabling controlled, progressive recovery."
Professor Matthew Welck
Foot and Ankle Surgeon
An excellent piece of equipment
"Patients sometimes find sleeping in a boot uncomfortable, and having an alternative, more lightweight option is well received."
Mr Ian Gill
Foot and Ankle Surgeon
Get a good night's sleep!
"Worth every penny as it stops the misery of trying to get good nights sleep in an uncomfortable boot!"
Mr Sohail Yousaf
Foot and Ankle Surgeon
Excellent tool for enhancing recovery and comfort
"Lightweight and effective, it provides relief during sleep and protects the foot outside the boot."
Mr Andy Roche
Foot and Ankle Surgeon
Comfort and usability all round.
"Makes complete sense to use something like this and I highly recommend this product. Comfort and usability all round."
Swimming Safety Guidelines
Important precautions for safe aquatic activity
Essential Safety Rules
Always get medical clearance first
Get clearance from your surgeon or physiotherapist before swimming.
Never put weight on your injured foot
Use a pool ladder, sit and slide in, or have assistance when getting in and out.
Wait for wound healing
Make sure your surgical incision is fully healed before entering water.
Why Swimming is Perfect for Achilles Recovery
Your foot naturally stays in plantar flexion (pointed toes) during swimming—exactly the safe position for Achilles healing. The flutter kick maintains this protective position, and you can stay fit during recovery when exercising with one leg is otherwise difficult.
Where to Swim
🏊♂️ Pools (Recommended)
The safest choice. Calm water, pool edge for support, and controlled environment make entry and exit easier.
🌊 Sea (Be Cautious)
Possible but requires extra care. Watch for waves. Always rinse splint with fresh water after to remove salt.
Why Our Splint Beats Boot Covers
Limbo covers only protect your boot—you'd still wear that heavy, uncomfortable boot in the water. Our splint actually supports your Achilles tendon while handling water well. Lightweight, comfortable, and therapeutic.
💡 Did you know?
Some surgeons make custom swimming splints for their patients using moldable plastic and neoprene. It shows swimming with Achilles support isn't just possible—it's recommended by medical professionals. You're welcome to try making one yourself, but our professionally designed splint makes it much easier.
💧 After Swimming
Rinse your splint with fresh water and let it air dry. That's it!
What Patients Say About Swimming
Total game changer for sleeping while recovering!
Finally got the restful sleep I needed. The cast and heavy dirty boot made sleep tough. If you're recovering from an achilles rupture buy this immediately.
Perfect splint for achilles injury recovery
It literally takes a few secs to put on and remove. Its comfortable as well. Highly recommend.
Life Saver!
This worked great and kept me from having to wear my big clunky walking boot to bed! So glad I found this. I couldn't sleep with that walking boot at night!! Great product.
Eine absolute Erleichterung!
Nach der OP an der Achillessehne war diese Schiene eine Erleichterung in der Nacht! Würde ich auf alle Fälle empfehlen wenn man wieder durchschlafen möchte!
Superb
Really useful after my dreadful Achilles tendon tear when I didn't want to wear the boot in bed!
Night time saviour
This is a saviour for night time wearing. So much easier than the big boot. Five weeks down and another five or six to go. Would have struggled with the full boot.
Peace of mind for Achilles injuries
A great alternative to wearing the walking boot to bed, without worrying about inadvertently straightening or knocking your foot.
Wonderful device and splendid service
Brilliant device. Arrived the day after it was ordered. Delighted in all respects.
Trusted by Professional Athletes
Athletes recovering from Achilles rupture trust the Thetis splint
athleteGame changer!
The Thetis splint was really helpful for staying safe when doing my rehab exercises. I've also been sleeping in it since I came out the cast which has been an absolute game changer.Ollie LawrenceEnglish Rugby Union Player2024-01-01
athleteThe Thetis splint was an absolute saviour
After my Achilles tendon rupture surgery, I was advised by a specialist to invest in a Thetis splint as the best product to use as part of my recovery. The difference between sleeping in a big bulky boot and the Thetis splint was an absolute saviour. It made sleeping at night so much better and eas...Steff EvansWelsh Rugby Union Player2024-01-01
athleteSimple design that allows better sleep and wound breathing
The Thetis Splint has a simple design that is perfectly fit for purpose. It has allowed me to get the sleep that is so vital as I recovered from achilles tendon rupture and surgery whilst also feeling secure and protected. Apart from being less bulky than the orthopaedic boot, it also gives the surg...Kim DaybellTeam GB Table Tennis and Doctor2024-01-01
athleteSlimmer, lightweight, and allows free movement while protecting the tendon
The Thetis Splint is a lot slimmer and far more lightweight than the orthopaedic boot I was sleeping in. It allows me to move my leg more freely but still stops me from flexing my toes beyond a certain point, which is ideal whilst the tendon heals. The splint even comes in my favourite colour, so I ...Olivia BlatchTeam GB Weightlifter2024-01-01
athleteRevolutionary splint - comfortable sleep with no fear of injury
I recently began using the Thetis Splint overnight. My regular boot is good for daily use but very heavy and uncomfortable to sleep in - the splint has been revolutionary for me! It keeps my foot perfectly in place but without being bulky, meaning I can sleep more comfortably with no fear of hurting...Andrew LawrenceTeam GB Basketball2024-01-01
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