A Recent Case Study in Clinic of a Stress Fracture we Picked up

Chelmsford Physio • March 26, 2024

BSI in runners are more prevalent than you might think. We had an interesting case in clinic recently, a 27 year old runner, training for the London Marathon.


A very fit, active & healthy, Experienced athlete, good training history and works as a Personal Trainer. Presented with anterior hip pain, complaining of a hip flexor strain.

Based on the history and physical examination, it clearly wasn’t a hip flexor strain and we arranged an MRI to assess the hip joint, it confirmed an early stress fracture to the neck of his femur.


These are relatively common overuse injuries in runners. Often seen in running and jumping athletes and are associated with increased volume or intensity of training workload


Common sites for a BSI include:

  • Femur
  • Tibia (Shin Splints)
  • Fibula
  • Metatarsals


Shin splints is the most common form of early stress injury. This diagnosis reflects a spectrum of medial tibial pain in early manifestations before developing into a stress fracture.


BSI can often take weeks and sometimes months to be diagnosed. An Xray is probably not the best way to investigate, as changes can take months. An MRI or a Bone Scan is more sensitive at detecting changes.


Through early diagnosis and a structured management plan, the prognosis should be a full recovery and a return to running in 6-12 weeks. If not diagnosed at the right stage and poor management, these can worsen and worst case end up needing surgery.


If you suspect a BSI or would like any help with a pain or an injury, get in touch now and speak to an expert Physiotherapist:


Call: 01245 895410

Email: hello@chelmsfordphysio.co.uk

The Benefits of Using VALD Force Decks to Assess Athletes: What Physios Get Right Away

By Chelmsford Physio • May 13, 2026
If you work with athletes, you already know that “good enough” testing isn’t enough. Performance changes quickly, technique varies from session to session, and fatigue can quietly shift how someone moves—even when they feel fine. That’s where force platforms like VALD Force Decks can be a game-changer for physio-led assessment and ongoing monitoring. Below, we break down the key benefits physios can use when assessing athletes with VALD force decks—from clarity in sprint and jump performance to smarter return-to-play decisions. If you are not testing, you are guessing! 1) Objective data beats guesswork Athletes and coaches often have great intuition, but clinicians need more than “it looked better.” VALD force decks provide quantitative, repeatable measures of force and performance through movements like jumping, landing, and dynamic tasks. Why it matters: When you’re tracking change over time, objective metrics reduce uncertainty and help you answer questions like: - Is this athlete actually improving, or just moving “better” subjectively? - Are their landing mechanics more stable because strength improved, or because the movement strategy changed temporarily?

Unlocking Elite Performance with VALD Dynamo Strength Testing at Chelmsford Physio

By Chelmsford Physio • May 12, 2026
Chelmsford Physio uses the VALD Dynamo — the world’s most advanced handheld strength and movement testing system for patients and athletes.

Normatec Compression Therapy in Chelmsford

By Chelmsford Physio • May 12, 2026
Recover faster, feel lighter, and boost circulation with Normatec Leg Recovery Sessions – now available to rent at Chelmsford Physio.