Andy
have you tried The Stick (
http://www.intracell.net I think) which is a 'self massage tool' ....ahem for working on sore/injured/tight muscles. It alleges speeds recovery also.
I bought one for Deborah (my partner) as she suffers from back problems but have been using it also. She reckons its been good for her back. Can't say its had any effect on achilles problem, though I am planning to start running again next week.
This injury though has blown my Nottingham marathon out of the water. I'm going to do the half, and perhaps go for Abingdon in October. Rather imprudently (unlike you) I've already paid for Notts and don't want to see £25 dissappear down the plughole.
I'm also getting my bike fixed as I've noticed that I've put on the odd bit of weight, so that I've got some exercise even when not running.