Ask a PT Response: "The calf muscle is are made up of the gastrocnemius and soleus muscles. The gastrocnemius muscle is the more commonly injured muscle. It performs plantarflexion at the ankle and flexion at the knee. For my patients that have initially sustained this injury, I would start out with very low level exercises to help maintain range of motion and strength. Range of motion exercises include AROM ankle dorsiflexion/plantarflexion (ankle pumps) & knee flexion and extension, gentle PROM ankle dorsiflexion/plantarflexion. Gentle isometric strengthening exercises for ankle DF/PF are prescribed as well. Modalities such as ice and some manual therapy along with massage can be performed on these patients as well. As the patient continues to heal, exercises are progressed. I hope this helps and I wish you the best of luck with your recovery."