Shockwave Therapy for Stress Fractures
Focused shockwave therapy (fSWT) offers a non-invasive treatment option for stress fractures, helping to accelerate bone healing, reduce pain, improve blood flow, and improve function. When used as part of a comprehensive treatment plan, including rest and activity modification, it can lead to faster recovery and a return to normal activities.
How does it work? | Treatment protocol | Benefits | When to consider fSWT
What are Stress Fractures?
Stress fractures are small cracks or severe bruising within a bone. They are often caused by repetitive force, overuse, high impact activity, or sudden increases in physical activity and are commonly seen in athletes, military personnel, and individuals with certain risk factors like osteoporosis. Stress fractures typically occur in weight-bearing bones such as the tibia (shinbone), metatarsals (foot bones), and femur (thighbone). They manifest with:
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Localised Pain
Usually worsening with activity and alleviated by rest.
Swelling
Possible swelling around the affected area.
Tenderness
The area over the fracture may be tender to touch.
If you think you have a stress fracture and would like some advice then book your FREE phone consultation online now, drop us an email or phone us on 07760 536155 for a quick chat.
How Focused Shockwave Therapy Treats Stress Fractures
- Reduces pain and inflammation
- Promotes tissue repair
- Breaks down fibrotic tissue
- Promotes bone healing
Book your FREE 30 minute phone consultation online now or drop us an email to find out more about how we can help.
Treatment Protocol for Stress Fractures
Typical Course
A course of shockwave therapy for a stress fracture usually involves 5 to 8 sessions, spaced about one week apart. Each session lasts 30 minutes. The exact number of sessions may vary depending on the severity of the condition and the client’s response to treatment.
Intensity And Frequency
The intensity and frequency of the shockwaves are carefully adjusted based on the client’s pain tolerance and the characteristics of the tendinopathy.
Minimal Downtime
Clients can usually resume normal activities immediately after treatment, although they will be advised to avoid strenuous or high-impact activities for a short period if possible.
Post-Treatment Sensation
Some clients may experience mild soreness or swelling in the treated area. This typically resolves within a few days.
Benefits of Shockwave Therapy for Stress Fractures
Non-Invasive
Focused shockwave therapy is a non-surgical treatment, avoiding the risks and recovery time associated with surgical intervention.
Effective Pain Relief
Many clients experience significant pain reduction after just a few sessions, improving their quality of life and ability to perform daily activities.
Accelerated Healing
The therapy promotes faster healing of the stress fracture, often reducing the overall recovery time compared to other treatments.
High Success Rate
Clinical studies and/or client outcomes indicate that shockwave therapy is highly effective in treating stress fractures, especially in cases where other traditional treatments have failed.
When to Consider Shockwave Therapy for Stress Fractures
Persistent pain is restricting function
If experiencing persistent pain that limits ability to resume activity or participate in rehabilitation.
Risk of complications
If at higher risk of complications due to factors such as poor bone density (osteoporosis), high activity levels, or metabolic conditions.
Continued pain or discomfort
If the stress fracture continues to cause pain or discomfort despite rest, modification of activity, or immobilisation.
Slow healing
If follow-up imaging shows minimal signs of healing or delayed recovery in the stress fracture.
History of condition
If you have a history of recurrent stress fractures and show signs of delayed healing in the current injury.
Focused shockwave therapy can accelerate bone healing, reduce pain, and improve circulation in the affected area, providing a non-invasive alternative to enhance recovery and reduce the time needed to return to normal activities, especially when traditional treatments have proven insufficient.
No commitment, pressure or obligation! Book your FREE 30 minute phone consultation online now or call us for a quick chat.
I’ve been dealing with chronic lower back pain and sciatica for years, and after trying countless treatments, I finally found real relief here. Nim has been fantastic from start to finish — professional, knowledgeable, and genuinely caring. I recently had a series of shockwave therapy sessions combined with physiotherapy, and the results have been impressive. I’ve noticed a real reduction in pain and stiffness, and I’m finally able to move more freely again. Highly recommended to anyone struggling with long-term back issues!
I can't recommend Nim enough - she isn't just a shockwave therapist (which is an amazing type of therapy in itself) but she's also a very practised and knowledgeable physiotherapist. I've been to conventional physio (both private and on the NHS) and nothing has looked at actually solving the problem that causes the pain, leading to a worsening condition of the joint itself and ever increasing pain. Nim has stopped all of that, and been able to use a holistic approach and combine it with shockwave and her specialist knowledge to treat the problem, not just the symptoms. I regret the years spent with other treatments and wish I had found her sooner!
I have known Nim now for two years and her treatment and expertise with her shock wave machine has been exceptionally good. First and foremost, Nim is very knowledgeable about her profession with vast experience in the areas of physiotherapy and shock wave treatment. More recently I have been treated with various problems on my legs mainly tendonopathy/tendonosis around my Achilles and hamstrings /thighs. The treatment is excellent, Nim explains the problems clearly and offers advice and consultation throughout the two months I’ve been seeing her. I’m very grateful as I have had pain for several years and can finally see a path forward without pain. I can highly recommend her and her treatment/facilities!! And thank you Nim!
My trigger finger bothered me so much that I could not use my right hand. After receiving treatment from Nim for just 5 times, I regained 90% of the function. Then I waited another month for it to recover, my hand is almost completely normal now.
My trigger finger bothered me so much that I could not use my right hand. After receiving treatment from Nim for just 5 times, I regained 90% of the function. Then I waited another month for it to recover, my hand is almost completely normal now.
