Heal Faster and Run Stronger: How Pursuit Physical Therapy and Shockwave Therapy Help Runners Recover from Stress Fractures
Are you a runner sidelined by a stress fracture?
You’re not alone—and more importantly, you’re not out of options. At Pursuit Physical Therapy in Orlando, FL, we help runners like you recover faster, avoid surgery, and get back to the sport you love—with a comprehensive treatment plan that includes advanced Shockwave therapy.
In this post, we’ll explain:
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What stress fractures are
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Why runners are at high risk
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The proven benefits of Shockwave therapy
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How Pursuit Physical Therapy’s one-on-one care can accelerate your recovery
Let’s get started.
What Is a Stress Fracture?
A stress fracture is a small crack or severe bruising within a bone, typically caused by repetitive loading and overuse. In runners, these fractures most commonly occur in the tibia (shinbone), metatarsals (foot), and femur (thighbone). Unlike a traumatic fracture, stress fractures develop over time due to cumulative stress on the bone, often without a specific injury event.
Common Signs of a Stress Fracture in Runners:
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Localized pain that worsens with running
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Tenderness to touch over the bone
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Swelling or inflammation
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Pain that decreases with rest, but returns when activity resumes
Why Runners Are at Risk
Running is a high-impact, repetitive activity. When the stress placed on a bone exceeds its ability to recover, micro-damage builds up—eventually leading to a stress fracture. Risk factors include:
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Sudden increases in training volume or intensity
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Poor footwear
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Inadequate nutrition (especially low Vitamin D or calcium)
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Biomechanical imbalances or poor running form
But here’s the good news: with the right treatment approach, stress fractures don’t have to keep you on the sidelines for long.
Evidence-Based Recovery: What the Research Says
In a landmark study, Maretti et al. (2009) investigated the use of Shockwave therapy in treating stress fractures in runners. The study found that Shockwave therapy not only accelerated bone healing, but also reduced pain and allowed athletes to return to running faster compared to traditional treatment alone.
Key takeaway: Combining Shockwave with individualized physical therapy significantly improves healing timelines and outcomes.
Why Shockwave Therapy Works
Shockwave therapy delivers high-energy acoustic waves to injured tissues. For stress fractures, it:
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Stimulates bone healing by increasing local circulation and cellular activity
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Reduces inflammation and pain
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Accelerates tissue regeneration
At Pursuit Physical Therapy, we use the latest high-end Shockwave therapy device in conjunction with a personalized rehab program to maximize your healing potential.
How Pursuit Physical Therapy Helps You Recover
We go beyond cookie-cutter programs. Here’s how we approach stress fracture recovery for runners:
✅ One-on-One Sessions with a Doctor of Physical Therapy
You’ll never be handed off to an aide. Every session is with a licensed PT focused on your specific needs and goals.
✅ Biomechanical Analysis
We assess your gait, running form, and strength to identify the root cause—so the injury doesn’t come back.
✅ Progressive Loading Programs
We don’t just rest you—we build you back up safely and effectively, restoring strength and impact tolerance.
✅ Shockwave Therapy Integration
As part of your plan, Shockwave accelerates bone healing, allowing you to return to running faster and stronger.
Real Results, Real Runners
We’ve helped countless runners in Orlando, FL and beyond overcome stress fractures and get back to peak performance. Whether you’re training for a marathon or just want to enjoy your morning jog again—our team is here for you.
Don’t Wait—Start Healing Today
Stress fractures are treatable, and with the right care, you can run pain-free again. At Pursuit Physical Therapy, we combine cutting-edge technology with evidence-based rehab to give you the best shot at full recovery.
💥 Ready to get started?
Click the link below to schedule your initial evaluation or to learn more about how Shockwave therapy and expert physical therapy can help your stress fracture heal—faster.
