Ep 380: Bone Stress Injuries: Recovery, Rehabilitation & Return to Running (Part 3)

In episode 380 of The Physical Performance Show, host Brad Beer and Pogo Physio physiotherapist Tim Studley conclude their three-part expert series on bone stress injuries by focusing on what happens after diagnosis. From imaging and prognosis to rehabilitation, return to running, and long-term prevention, this episode provides a practical roadmap for athletes, coaches, and clinicians managing these complex injuries.

Brad explains why identifying the underlying causes of a bone stress injury is just as important as healing the bone itself. The discussion covers deloading, progressive reloading, strength and conditioning, bone-building exercise, and the simple but powerful strategies that can dramatically reduce the risk of recurrence.

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In this episode, you'll hear

• Why MRI remains the gold standard for diagnosing bone stress injuries and guiding treatment
• When a clinical diagnosis may be sufficient—and why imaging usually provides better certainty and prognosis
• The three-step rehabilitation framework: identify risk factors, deload appropriately, then progressively reload
• Why treating the underlying cause is essential to preventing repeat bone stress injuries
• How rehabilitation differs depending on injury severity and high-risk versus low-risk bone sites
• Practical principles for returning to running, including restoring volume before introducing intensity
• Why the opposite limb also requires strength and bone loading during rehabilitation
• The role of strength training, plyometrics and osteogenic exercise in rebuilding bone capacity
• Why bone responds best to short, novel loading sessions rather than long continuous exercise
• The concept that "bone cells get bored easily" and how to optimise bone adaptation
• Why multidirectional movement remains important long after returning to sport
• The impact of childhood sport participation and bone geometry on lifelong injury risk
• Brad's personal journey with osteoporosi