Myotherapy & Remedial Massage For Shin Splints

Shin Splints, medically referred to as “medial tibial stress syndrome” is a general name given to pain that is felt between the knee and ankle, along the shinbone. An injury or inflammation of the connective tissues and muscles that are attached to the lower leg bone (tibia) is generally what triggers this pain.

Shin splints are common among dancers, runners, footballers, tennis players, gymnasts, and other people who participate in sports or activities involving repetitive actions like lots of running or jumping. Shin splints are a nightmare for active people as they can adversely affect their performance and fitness.

Although a number of treatment options are available for shin splints, many professional athletes choose myotherapy or remedial massage for shin splints as it can help reduce pain and inflammation and release tension in the lower leg muscles quickly without the use of drugs or invasive therapies.

What Causes Shin Splints?

• running/performing on hard or uneven surface
• improper biomechanics
• weakness in the arch of the foot
• bad / incorrect shoes
• excessive stress

Symptoms of Shin Splints

• pain and tenderness over the inside lower half of the shin
• redness over the inside lower half of the shin
• lumps and bumps over the bone
• mild swelling
• numbness and weakness in the feet

Why Myotherapy or Remedial Massage?

Often the cause of shin splints are the deep muscles of the lower leg, myotherapists and remedial massage therapists are able to easily isolate and reach the deeper affected muscles of the lower leg. In addition to stretching the deep muscles, Myotherapists are also able to release the tension of the affected muscles by using deep transverse friction and dry needling to speed up the healing process.

Effective Self Treatment

• rest
• ice
• compression
• non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications
• orthotics
• proper footwear
• corrective exercises

Shin Splints – Prevention Tips

There are many things you can do at your end to reduce the risk of shin splints in the future:

• don’t go too hard too fast – build your fitness levels slowly
• if possible try using shock-absorbing orthotics in your shoes
• perform stretching exercises on a regular basis pre and post activity
• thoroughly warm-up before participating in any intense sports activities

If you are experiencing shin splints give us a call to book in for a myotherapy assessment.

Melbourne Natural Therapies
Myotherapy & Remedial Massage For Shin Splints
Myotherapy Melbourne