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.

Nim's magic machine (focused shockwave) is nothing less than miraculous. I first saw Nim 2 years ago with 3 lumbar herniated and degenerated discs, degenerated facets joints and invertebratal endplate degeneration (all confirmed by MRI). The only option I was being offered was spinal fusion once I was in a wheelchair. I had just 6 sessions and I was completely cured and returned to my weightlifting. 2 years later and an accident at work and unfortunately I had new sciatica pain and a new MRI. The MRI confirned a recurring disc protrusion pressing on a nerve and I was pretty much bedridden and in extreme pain. HOWEVER, the new MRI confirmed that one of discs Nim had previously treated was now perfect and rehydrated, the facet joints were normal, the stenosis was cured and the end plates were now only "mildly" degenerated (and the others were cured). To my mind this is absolute scientific, MRI proven testimony to the effectiveness of shockwave. Nim and I are now on our 5th session and I've gone from extreme pain, unable to even wash myself, and lying on the clinic floor crying out in agony (despite very strong painkillers), to being up and about and walking each day. I'm hoping to be back to normal after a few more sessions. For anyone with disc issues seeking to avoid surgery, I can't recommend Nim highly enough! Thanks Nim!
I just recently finished treatment with Nim after suffering with plantar fasciitis and then just as I was due to begin treatment, I unfortunately sprained my foot. Nim’s knowledge and guidance was invaluable and her focused shockwave machine, a godsend. Nim was so supportive and approachable for me in a time that I found difficult both physically and mentally and she was a wonder to work with! After extensive research into other, perhaps less costly options for plantar fasciitis, I decided to bite the bullet after seeing so many great reviews and I’m so glad that I did, I’d never look back now! The treatment has delivered results even better than I could have hoped! Thank you so much Nim !
I play semi-professional cricket and was struggling with a tennis elbow injury. At first, I wasn’t sure if treatment would work, but after receiving care from NIM, I’m genuinely impressed with the results. She guided me with confidence, which really helped boost my own belief in the recovery process.
After just four weeks, the improvement was remarkable. I’m now back playing cricket pain-free. I truly appreciate her support and expertise — highly recommended! Coming from Manchester every week definitely worth for me .
Thank you so much, NIM!
I've been struggling with quadricep tendinopathy for some time, and after receiving shockwave therapy from Nim, I’ve finally been cured! Her treatment was professional, effective, and tailored to my needs. I'm now pain-free, I highly recommend her expertise!
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!