In 40 seconds
Pars interarticularis stress fracture is the most career-threatening injury in fast bowling — particularly in young, growing fast bowlers. PEMF therapy is FDA-cleared for fracture healing (1979) and well-evidenced for stress fracture recovery. Always alongside bowling load management (per ECB guidelines) and orthopaedic specialist care.
Quick facts
- At-risk: Young fast bowlers (teens/early 20s)
- Most-affected: Pars interarticularis (lumbar)
- FDA-cleared: Bone fracture healing since 1979
- Sessions: 3× per week × 6–12 weeks
- Always with: ECB load monitoring + specialist care
Why this injury happens in this sport
The bowling action's combination of side flexion, rotation, and impact loads the pars repeatedly. Young growing spines are particularly vulnerable.
Recovery and return to sport
Strict bowling cessation. Cross-training (bat, field, gym work without spinal loading). PEMF 3× per week directly over the lumbar spine. Imaging follow-up confirms healing before return to bowling.
Contraindications
Hard exclusions — do not have PEMF if any apply:
- Pacemaker, implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD), or any cardiac electronic device
- Cochlear implant or other implanted electronic hearing device
- Spinal cord stimulator, deep-brain stimulator, vagus nerve stimulator
- Intrathecal pump or implanted drug pump
- Insulin pump (continuous glucose monitors are usually fine — confirm with the clinic)
- Active infection at the treatment site
- Pregnancy — when treatment would be over the abdomen, lumbar spine, or pelvis
Discuss with your GP or specialist before booking if any apply:
- Active malignancy or recent cancer history (oncologist clearance required)
- History of seizures or epilepsy
- Multiple sclerosis or other neurological condition under specialist care
- Anticoagulant therapy (PEMF itself does not thin blood, but bruising risk if local circulation is already compromised)
- Children under 14 (most UK clinics will not treat under-18s without paediatric specialist input)
- Recent surgery within the last 14 days at the treatment site (confirm with surgeon)
NOT contraindications — these are commonly misunderstood:
- Plates, rods, screws and other passive metal orthopaedic hardware
- Dental implants and dental crowns
- Joint replacements (hip, knee, shoulder)
- IUDs (copper or hormonal)
- Tattoos and piercings (jewellery should be removed for the session)
Specific to this condition: pacemakers, defibrillators, cochlear implants, insulin pumps, electronic implants; active malignancy without specialist clearance; pregnancy (over the abdomen); active infection; epilepsy without GP clearance.
Frequently asked questions
Can I keep playing cricket while recovering?
Batting and fielding usually fine. Bowling — no. The action perpetuates the injury.
Looking for a PEMF clinic near you?
We list every credible PEMF therapy provider in the UK so you can find one near home.