How effective is physical therapy for short heel tendons in children?

Not very: An awful lot depends on the age of the child and the accuracy of the diagnosis. In general I am a big fan of physical therapy in the hands of a good therapists because it can do a great deal of good and minimal or no harm. My answer would be more definitive if i knew the age range, why you believe the child has short tendons and what symptoms or signs exist.

Effective: Physical therapy for short achilles tendons can be beneficial but typically dynamic splinting can also allow for a prolonged low load stretch. Therapy and splinting may be needed for as long as 6 months depending on the severity of the contracture.

Tight achilles: Below is a good answer and stretching can help. I would like to add that often if there is a real equinus (tight achilles) surgery is required. Physical therapy for short achilles tendons can be beneficial but typically dynamic splinting can also allow for a prolonged low load stretch. Therapy and splinting may be needed for as long as 6 months depending on the severity of the contracture.

Very: Usually, tight or short achilles tendons can be effectively treated with physical therapy. Good luck.

Can avoid other rx: It works for some and can restore normal function. If I remember correctly they could skip it all & operate on the tendons to lengthen them, as they do in some cerebral palsy patients. However, this is not a minor procedure & getting a good result for both sides is a problem.My advise is to do the PT.