What is a stress fracture?

A stress fracture is a small crack in the bone caused by repeated loading over time. It develops gradually when bone is unable to heal from exercise. The cause of this can be multifactorial and our team is trained to help identify all the components.

How do I know if it’s shin splints or a stress fracture?

Shin splints usually cause more diffuse pain along the shin, while stress fractures tend to be more localised and painful with impact or hopping. Assessment helps differentiate the two.

If bone stress injury is suspected, imaging may be recommended to confirm severity and guide management. Early assessment helps determine whether a scan is necessary and what type (X-ray/CT/MRI).

Can I keep training with a stress fracture?

Impact activity is usually paused temporarily. However, cross-training and strength work are often maintained under guidance to protect overall fitness.

How long does it take to return to running?

Return-to-run timelines vary depending on severity and location of the injury. A staged progression ensures bone tolerance is rebuilt gradually.

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Stress Fracture

Stress fractures don’t usually happen in one moment.

They build gradually, increased training load, more running volume, surface and shoe changes, dietary imbalances, reduced recovery. What starts as a dull ache can slowly become pain that stops you training altogether.

At Valley Physio, we focus on accurate diagnosis, involving sports physicians, load management and progressive return-to-run planning to protect bone health and rebuild performance safely.

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Signs you should get it checked

Pain builds during or after running

It becomes sharper or more localised over time

Hopping or impact feels painful

Rest improves it, but it returns when you load again

You've recently increased training volume or intensity

Common Stress Fractures
conditions we treat

Tibial stress fractures

Pars stress fractures (low back)

Metatarsal stress fractures

Femoral stress injuries

Navicular stress injuries

Shin pain progressing toward bone stress

Pelvis or sacrum stress injuries

Return-to-run after bone stress injury

How we help

Every plan is built around your diagnosis and goals, combining hands-on care with progressive, evidence-based rehab so you recover fully and stay that way.

Our goal is to get you back to your sport with the confidence that your body — and bones — are ready.

01

Appropriate offloading and structured rest phases

02

Manual therapy and soft tissue work for secondary tightness

03

Gait retraining and running technique refinement

04

Cross-training and load management during rest phases

05

Strength training targeting hips, calves, and core for bone-loading resilience

06

Education around recovery, nutrition, and prevention

A safe, staged path back to running.

We don't just rest it — we rebuild it. Our team takes a multidisciplinary approach to ensure you get accurate diagnosis, full recovery, and safe return to sport. That includes sports physician involvement, nutrition support, and progressive reloading to rebuild bone health and performance.

Bone stress injuries are common in runners, footballers, dancers and high-load athletes. When identified early and managed properly, they respond well to structured rehabilitation — and most stress fractures heal within 6–12 weeks with the right plan.

Sports Physician involvement for diagnosis, staging, and bulk-billed MRI where appropriate

Referral to Compeat Nutrition for energy availability and fuelling assessment

Progressive reloading and running plans to restore bone health, confidence, and fitness

Priority appointments with trusted local Sports Physicians to streamline your care

Strength, conditioning, load, gait, and return-to-run programming to prevent recurrence

Most stress fractures heal within 6–12 weeks — with stronger foundations and smarter load progression than before.