Melbourne VIC, Australia, 19 November 2014 | samstosur.com

“Repaying a favour” to coach Simon Rea, Sam Stosur is in Melbourne this week as she takes the early steps in her return to the court following a lengthy struggle with plantar fasciitis.

Stosur had for several weeks earlier significantly restricted her load-bearing activities – no running and limited walking, all while receiving physiotherapy.

She also underwent a therapy called shock-wave treatment, delivering 2,000 hits into the injured tissue in three-and-a-half minute bursts.

“It’s not that nice, but if you can just grin and bear it then it’s alright. I had to do that once a week for five weeks,” she revealed.

After suffering from plantar fasciitis since the middle of the year – an injury that curtailed her season in October – her combined treatments and rehabilitation have allowed her to now hit, in a modified capacity, without pain.

“I wasn’t too convinced it was all going to happen this quickly, but so far, so good,” she said.

Watch the video, view the photos and read the full feature at samstosur.com.