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.
Received 6 weeks treat on shoulder and I was very pleased with the outcome, Nim gave me guidance on further work after treatment which to strengthen both shoulders next and hips.
Excellent!!!!
I first found Nim and her Shockwaves treatment in 2020 when I had severe Plantar Fasciitis in one foot - I couldn’t walk at all, it was horrendous. She had me back on my feet with Shockwaves treatment and specially made insoles.
Then last October I had a bad fall and broke two vertebrae in my upper back and damaged the surrounding muscles - I was in total agony. Thankfully I was able to see Nim, and after having Shockwaves treatment for a few weeks the pain was more or less gone. She also gave me stretching exercises etc.
I will always return to Nim whenever I need to. I say she has “magic hands” as she finds the problem immediately and her massages are second to none!
I highly recommend her as she’s also a really lovely person.
I am delighted with the results on my Dupuytren's nodule. After 5 sessions of shockwave therapy with Nim, the nodule in my hand has reduced to a fraction of its size, it is no longer painful and is not pulling my finger in. It was a massive relief to find a treatment that can be done early for this condition and without the need for invasive painful surgery, injections or radiation. Several weeks after the treatment finished it is still continuing to improve. Shockwave therapy does feels a bit strange and uncomfortable at first but you very quickly get used to it and I had no ill effects from the treatment. I can highly recommend Nim and shockwave therapy.
I’ve been seeing Nim since 2019 for various badminton-related injuries, and I can’t recommend her enough! Not only is she incredibly knowledgeable and professional, but she always takes the time to explain exactly what she’s doing and why. I really appreciate her approach—she believes that the more you know, the better you can take care of yourself, and I’ve learned so much from her over the years.
Nim is also a shockwave treatment specialist, and I’ve recommended her to many of my badminton colleagues, especially those who could benefit from this particular therapy. Her friendly demeanor combined with her expertise makes every session comfortable and effective. If you’re in need of physiotherapy or considering shockwave treatment, Nim is definitely the person to see!
My Morton's Neuroma : NHS cortisone injections made no difference to my painful stiff and inflamed foot pad. I did not want surgery so found Shockwave and Nim. She gave me a very thorough examination and identified issues with my spine and hips that did not help. After a series of Shockwave treatments and advice on stretching, my right foot improved becoming soft and much less painful. I decided to have a follow up series of treatment this summer. Although not cured, compared to 2 years ago when I could not walk for more than 10 minutes if at all, I can now be on my feet wslking for hours. Plus the stretching advice and motivation has helped with my hip mobility too.
