Our comprehensive, individualized OsteoFuel program is perfect for patients with stress fractures.
A Gradual Return to Activity
Progressive Loading: Once the stress fracture has healed sufficiently, athletes can gradually return to activity. It’s essential to progressively load the bone, starting with low-impact activities (e.g., walking or cycling) before advancing to higher-impact sports.
Monitoring for Pain: The athlete should not resume intense training until they can perform movements without pain. Monitoring for any discomfort or swelling is critical to prevent re-injury.
Strengthening Exercises
Progressive Loading: Once the stress fracture has healed sufficiently, athletes can gradually return to activity. It’s essential to progressively load the bone, starting with low-impact activities (e.g., walking or cycling) before advancing to higher-impact sports.
Monitoring for Pain: The athlete should not resume intense training until they can perform movements without pain. Monitoring for any discomfort or swelling is critical to prevent re-injury.
Preventing Future Stress Fractures
Footwear: Proper footwear, particularly in sports that involve running, can prevent stress fractures. Shoes that provide adequate arch support, cushioning, and fit are important for reducing excessive impact on bones.
Biomechanical Assessment: A physical therapist may conduct an assessment of the athlete’s biomechanics (e.g., running form, posture) to identify movement patterns that contribute to excessive stress on bones.
Training Modifications: Overuse is a common cause of stress fractures. Training intensity, volume, and frequency may need to be adjusted to avoid overloading the bones, especially when an athlete is recovering from a previous fracture.
Acute Stress Fractures: Offloading and soft tissue work, Active Release Techniques (ART).
Subacute Stress Fractures: EPAT/Radio Shockwave
Return to activity: Guiding the patient through proper loading of the injury, progressing with strength, and giving the patient a sound return to run schedule.
