How effective is physiotherapy for stress fracture?

A stress fracture is a small area of bone damage caused by repeated loading. Physiotherapy is usually not the first step for continuing to exercise through suspected fracture pain. The early focus is medical assessment and protection of the bone, which may include changing weight-bearing or impact. Once healing is progressing, rehabilitation can address strength, flexibility, balance, running or walking mechanics and the gradual demands of work or sport.

Follow the clinician’s instructions about weight-bearing and activity before beginning exercises. When cleared, a physiotherapist may start with non-impact conditioning and nearby muscle work, then increase standing, walking, jumping or running in stages. Pain during activity, increasing tenderness at the injury site, swelling or pain that lingers into the next day means the load may be too high. Nutritional, footwear and training changes may also be discussed when relevant.

Stop impact activity and seek clinical advice if pain returns at the fracture site, becomes sharper, causes limping, or appears at rest or during the night. Urgent assessment is appropriate after a new injury with inability to bear weight, marked swelling, deformity or severe pain. Ongoing symptoms despite following the rehabilitation plan warrant reassessment before progression.

Ask what weight-bearing is allowed, what signs show healing is ready for progression, how to cross-train without impact, and which return-to-activity step should come next.