The experience of Prof. Alfredo Benso (Torino), Full Professor at the Polytechnic University of Turin, trail runner with chronic Achilles tendinopathy and a partial tendon tear.
I’ve been into sports ever since I was a kid, and like every enthusiast knows, injuries often come with the territory. After logging thousands of miles of mountain trail running, I developed a severe case of Achilles tendinopathy that resulted in about a 2mm tear. The risk of a full rupture was real, and it was clear that without some kind of intervention, I’d have to give up running for a long time. Training during that period was often painful, and the days after each session were sometimes even worse.
On the advice of a physiotherapist friend, who was absolutely thrilled with it, I began a high-frequency proprioceptive training program using the Riva Method with the Delos system. And here’s the short version: after just three months with Delos, not only had all traces of pain vanished, but the tendon lesion itself had completely healed (to the great surprise of the ultrasound specialist). Even better, running felt more enjoyable than it ever had before.
I have to admit, the Riva Method is quite demanding both physically and mentally—but it’s also fun, much more so than any therapy I’ve ever tried. Having instant feedback on your progress in every session gives you a huge boost in motivation.
Beyond the obvious therapeutic benefit for my tendon, what really amazed me were the “side effects” of the Riva Method. Over the past six years, I’ve completed the Tor des Géants three times (a nonstop 350 km endurance race in Italy’s Aosta Valley with 30,000 meters of elevation gain, to be finished in under 150 hours). The first two times were great experiences, but pain—in my ankles, shins, knees, and more—was a constant companion throughout most of the race.
The third time, however, after training with the Delos system, was probably the best race of my life. I rediscovered the joy of running completely pain-free for days and nights, savoring every single step. I shaved seven hours off my previous time, and when I crossed the finish line I was tired, but in surprisingly good physical shape. Recovery was fast, without the limping that had marked my previous races.
What I realized from this experience is that the Riva Method not only produces tangible effects on the specific body structures being trained but also brings about an extraordinary improvement in movement ergonomics and coordination. After just a few weeks with the Delos System, I noticed that my movements had become far more fluid and controlled—from balancing on one foot while putting on pants in the morning, to handling downhill sections on my mountain bike with ease, to carving faster and sharper turns on skis.
To me, this proves one thing: Delos strengthens that critical connection between the nervous system and the muscles. A training method that can reprogram your “operating system” while also healing your body is, in my opinion, simply fantastic.
In the end, what began as therapy for a physical problem has turned, through systematic training with the Delos system and the Riva Method, into an indispensable ally—helping me prevent future injuries and keep trail running for the pure joy of it, instead of just building tolerance to pain.
Delos Riva Method Specialist: Alessandro Nebbiai (Centro propriocezione – Torino)
