Physiotherapy As A Tool For Stress Fracture Prevention And Management

Overuse fractures, sometimes referred to as stress fractures, are a common ailment among sports and physically active people. Repetitive stress or overloading without enough recuperation is usually the cause of these little fractures in the bones. Although stress fractures are more frequently seen in runners, they can happen in any activity or sport where there is repeated pressure or contact. Stress fractures can be prevented and managed with the help of physiotherapy, which also reduces the chance of recurrence and promotes a quicker, safer recovery.

Stress Fractures: What Are They?
When the bone is repeatedly subjected to forces greater than its capacity for self-healing, stress fractures result. Stress fractures occur gradually over time as a result of chronic stress and microtrauma, as opposed to traumatic fractures, which are brought on by an abrupt, powerful impact. Although they can affect other sections of the body, they are most frequently detected in the spine, lower legs, and feet.

Stress Fractures' Causes
Repetitive Impact: Exercises that put the bones through repeated strain, such jogging, jumping, or dancing, raise the risk of stress fractures.

Abrupt Changes in exercise: Without enough rest, a sudden increase in the frequency, length, or intensity of physical exercise can put stress on the bones.
Biomechanical Abnormalities: Stress fractures can result from an unequal distribution of forces brought on by bad posture, improper alignment, or aberrant gait.

Weak Bones: Stress fractures are more likely to occur in those with low bone density, such as those who have osteoporosis or specific dietary deficiencies.
Inadequate Footwear: Overuse injuries can result from wearing shoes that don't offer enough cushioning or support, which can increase the force on bones.

The Function of Physical Therapy in Avoiding Stress Fractures

Enhancing Biomechanics

Inadequate biomechanics is one of the main causes of stress fractures. Physiotherapists examine a person's posture, gait, and movement patterns to find any anomalies that might be causing undue strain on particular bones. The risk of stress fractures can be decreased by physiotherapists by teaching appropriate movement strategies and enhancing alignment. A runner who has a collapsing arch or poor foot striking mechanics, for instance, may put additional strain on particular parts of their foot, increasing their risk of stress fractures.

Muscle Strengthening
Strong muscles lessen the strain on bones and aid in shock absorption. Physiotherapists provide focused workouts to build stronger ligaments, tendons, and muscles, which improve bone support and avoid overload. For example, strengthening the calf muscles, quadriceps, and glutes can reduce the impact on the shin bones during running and jumping. Similarly, exercises that focus on strengthening core strength can assist maintain appropriate posture and avoid unneeded pressure on the spine.

Training for Flexibility
Tight muscles can change biomechanics and raise the risk of stress fractures, especially in the hamstrings, calves, and hips. In order to increase flexibility and make sure that muscles, tendons, and ligaments can withstand repetitive motions without placing undue strain on bones, physiotherapy uses mobility exercises and stretching. By keeping muscles in the best possible position for activity, regular stretching can also help avoid overuse problems.

Slowly Increasing Activity

avoiding abrupt increases in activity is a crucial part of preventing stress fractures. In order to ensure that the body adjusts to the increased stress, physiotherapists can help athletes and active people gradually increase the time and intensity of their workouts. This method reduces the chance of stress fractures and helps prevent overstressing bones. In order to get the body ready for exercise and avoid injuries, physiotherapists also assist in creating appropriate warm-up exercises.

Utilizing Physiotherapy to Treat Stress Fractures

Appropriate treatment is necessary to guarantee adequate healing and stop additional problems after a stress fracture has occurred. In order to manage stress fractures during the healing phase, physiotherapy is essential.

1. Handling Pain
Physiotherapists control pain during the healing process using a range of methods. These could include techniques to lessen pain and inflammation, like electrical stimulation, ultrasound, heat therapy, and ice therapy. To ease the tension in the muscles surrounding the damaged location, soft tissue mobilisation techniques may also be employed.

2. Rehabilitative Activities
Following the initial healing phase, physiotherapists prescribe rehabilitation activities aimed at regaining mobility, strength, and flexibility. These exercises support the bone while it heals and help the injured muscles regain function. For instance, depending on where the stress fracture occurs, strengthening exercises for the calf, foot, or core muscles may be added gradually.

3. Progress in Weight-Bearing
Rest is necessary for stress fractures in order to give the bone time to mend. Starting with low-impact exercises like swimming or cycling and working their way up to more strenuous ones like jogging or leaping, physiotherapists help patients gradually resume weight-bearing activities. This methodical technique lowers the chance of re-injury and guarantees that the bone is given enough time to mend.

4. Prevention of Injuries and Education
Teaching patients the right techniques, footwear, and training habits to prevent further fractures is an important element of addressing stress fractures. Physiotherapists assist people in understanding their bodies, avoiding overloading, and using the right form and technique to reduce bone stress while exercising.

By Dr.Ayush Ranjan (Physiotherapist)