Does physiotherapy treat stress fracture?

A stress fracture is a small crack or area of bone stress caused by repeated loading. It often affects weight-bearing bones and may produce pain that becomes more noticeable with activity and improves with rest. Pressing the area or continuing impact can aggravate symptoms, even when the skin looks normal.

A clinician should confirm the diagnosis and advise how much weight-bearing is appropriate. Physiotherapy is often introduced or adjusted around that plan, taking account of the bone involved, pain, strength and usual activities.

At first, treatment focuses on protecting the bone and avoiding impact or other loading that causes pain. Later, a physiotherapist may work on nearby joint movement, muscle strength, balance and walking mechanics. Resistance and impact are then increased step by step when symptoms and clinical guidance support it.

Do not use pain relief to push through a training session or return suddenly to running. Contact your treating clinician if pain returns during progression or remains present after rest.

Seek medical assessment for focal bone pain that persists, pain at rest or at night, swelling, or pain that is worsening despite reducing activity. Get prompt help if you cannot bear weight, develop marked swelling after an injury, or have severe pain with fever or feeling unwell.

Ask how the fracture was confirmed, what weight-bearing is allowed, which activities must pause, and what signs indicate that loading is progressing too quickly. Ask when strength, walking, running or sport can be assessed for return.