Shockwave Therapy: A New Standard for Stress Fracture Recovery
Title of Study: Current concepts of shockwave therapy in stress fractures
Authors: Carlos Leal Cristina D’Agostino, Santiago Gomez Garcia, Arnold Fernandez
Stress fractures are painful injuries often seen in athletes and individuals exposed to repetitive physical stress. While most low-risk stress fractures heal with rest and traditional treatments, some cases fail to recover and can progress to high-risk fractures. Severe cases often require surgical stabilization, a procedure that is invasive and carries risks of complications.
Shockwave therapy, also called Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy or ESWT, offers an effective alternative. This non-invasive treatment works by stimulating bone healing processes such as bone turnover, activation of osteoblasts which are bone-forming cells, and increased blood vessel formation known as neovascularization. First introduced to treat delayed bone healing and avascular necrosis, ESWT has been used for stress fractures since 1999, showing successful outcomes without complications.
In professional athletes and military personnel, focused shockwave treatments have led to high rates of recovery, significant pain relief, and a return to peak physical performance. Its noninvasive nature makes it an attractive option for patients who want to avoid surgery.
Current research and clinical experience suggest that shockwave therapy should be the primary treatment for low-risk stress fractures that do not respond to conventional methods. It provides a reliable and safe solution, helping patients recover and return to their activities efficiently.