In this blog we are going to discuss ‘shin splints’ or what we as physio’s call Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome (MTSS).

Now, before we dive in to how we manage this injury, let’s discuss what it is and how it comes about.

MTSS is a common condition that affects a variety of people including athletes, runners and high impact sports participants.
It is characterised by pain along the shinbone (tibia), typically on the inner edge. MTSS can be debilitating if left untreated, hindering sports performance and daily activities.

MTSS occurs due to repetitive stress on the shinbone and the connective tissues that attach the muscles to the bone.

The condition is often caused by overuse, improper biomechanics, or sudden changes in activity levels.

Common risk factors include:

running on hard surfaces
rapid increase in training volumes or intensities
and muscle imbalances from the trunk all the way down to the lower limbs, including the feet!

Symptoms of shin splints usually manifest as a dull, aching pain along the inner part of the shin.

The pain may worsen during physical activity and subside with rest. In severe cases, swelling, tenderness, or small bumps may be present.

It is crucial to seek medical attention if the pain persists or escalates.

How do I manage shin splints?

Great question! The number 1 thing you need to do is de-load the bone!

For a lot of people and athletes in particular this is a hard pill to swallow. However, without de-loading from training there is no chance for the area to heal and symptoms to settle.

“De-loading doesn’t have to mean complete rest from activity!”

Depending on how far progressed your injury is, the de-load phase can range from:

taping techniques
a slight reduction in load
a modification to training to a complete removal from aggravating activity.

If you stop you decondition, it is our job to keep you fit while also fixing your shin splints!
Here at Fighting Fit Physiotherapy our goal is to keep you as active as possible while continuing to manage your injury.

During the de-load phase we can address all the other causative factors and problems further up or down the chain that need to be addressed.

Typically, strengthening exercises for your ankle, calf, knee hip and core muscles will be targeted to correct the imbalances.

Every presentation of MTSS is different.

We use a wide range of testing technology to assess, locate and target these imbalances specifically. This takes the guesswork out of it and saves you time and money on wasted or failed treatment!

“Once pain is gone the work is not over!”

A common mistake by runners is to think – “once pain is gone I can just get back to it”. As a result, they do too much, too soon and the pain returns.

If this happens, the process will be extended and symptoms will take even longer to settle this time.

It is important, that once pain and symptoms are eased. A gradual return to training must be followed.

Each week, the load will continue to increase, symptoms are monitored and exercise progressed until the person is back to their full potential and performing at 100%. If not higher when done really well!

“Don’t stop your exercises or gym work when returning to running following shin splints!”

What’s helped you over come your issue, needs to become part of your routine to keep you running long term.
If you put in a lot of effort to over come it, make sure you maintain it. A maintenance running program is ideal!

Take action now and don’t let your shins bring you down with unbearable pain!

Don’t wait for the agony to strike before taking charge. Book a consult with our Physiotherapists who will conduct a comprehensive assessment to nip the shin pain in the bud.

Embrace the cutting-edge techniques and advanced tools offered by our phenomenal team at Fighting Fit Physiotherapy. Witness the power of technology as we delve deep into the strength of each muscle, unleashing their full potential.

With our tailored exercises, meticulously designed to target and strengthen those areas, you’ll break free from the never-ending cycle of pain and dysfunction and find the ultimate relief you’ve been longing for!

See you in the clinic.

Brenda Samosa

05:52 07 Nov 24

I had a really bad shoulder and had been seeing a different physio for 3 months (from a different place) I got told Tyson was good. After just a few sessions the movement was coming back. I’m 66 and was worried I would have to stop surfing. But with a lot of help from Tyson I’m back in the waves ( thank you so so much)

Cyana Ferguson

08:16 30 Oct 24

Steve Harris

22:33 15 Oct 24

Great team, all friendly, super helpful and first class clinical advice and a big shout out to my Physio Noah with my shoulder issue

Andrea Bell

05:33 19 Sep 24

These guys are the best in the biz 🎉

Ryan Brockett

04:20 18 Sep 24

Shout out to Max from fighting fit physio. He helped me out massively straight after shoulder surgery and back into work and sports in no time. Couldn’t recommend anyone better!

Scotty

08:31 31 Jul 24

Five star service from Max & the team!
Professional & very thorough, you know that patient outcomes are of the highest priority.
I highly recommend this business.

Riley Wilson

08:27 14 Jul 24

Be AWARE they’ll immediately try to commit you to multiple follow up sessions after your initial consultation. This happened to me and then I later found out that as it just so happens, they have a cancellation policy that says you have to pay 100% of the consultation fee for cancelling. They failed to tell me this when they were pushy in committing me to 6 sessions after my consult, so that was a really nice little surprise.

I was already uncomfortable with how pushy they were in having me commit to so many sessions, so when I heard about the policy I just cancelled all together. So, I can’t speak further to the quality of their service throughout therapy phase. FYI this was also a few months ago now, it’s possible (though unlikely) they may have changed the policy. Just ask the question.

Megan Shelley

06:51 03 May 24

Fighting Fit Physiotherapy is hands down the best physio I've encountered. Having tried multiple physios for various injuries, I always find myself coming back to them. Their expertise consistently exceeds expectations, helping me get back to my sport faster than I thought possible. Their personalized approach and attention to detail make all the difference. I could not recommend a better or more exceptional physio team!

Gina Matthews

08:41 24 Mar 23

Can't recommend this place high enough. I was in so much pain with my knee an had been for months through advise an exercises I'm now looking forward to returning to gym an back riding my horses in endurance thank you so much

Courtney Halse

01:36 29 Nov 22

Kyle was knowledgeable, personable and professional. He saw me through my second pregnancy and continued to work with me until 6 months post partum on issues with my back. Would recommend anyone to go and see him.

Also shout out to Georgia on the front desk. She makes you feel welcome and brings a sense of warmth to the place!

Alli Davenport

08:07 04 Nov 22

After hip replacement surgery in February I wanted toget back into weight training legs, I started with Mitch 18 weeks ago and after a lot of hard work and sweat I am able to safely train again, I cannot thank Mitch enough for his support,encouragement and knowledge. The staff are friendly and helpful and I always looked forward to my session's

Robert Parkinson

10:50 15 Aug 22

This is the second time I have been treated by the team at FFP.
As a health professional myself I have been impressed with the level of care I have received from all members of the team.
The personalised treatment and rehabilitation programs have produced excellent results and I have completed both programs pain free and feeling stronger than before my injuries.
During the program there was constant communication and follow up and they were very accommodating with my work schedule.
All in all it was a very holistic experience and I would highly recommend the service.

Kiri Canavan

07:30 08 Jun 22

Tyson was amazing! We came up with an 8 week plan at my first consultation with weekly check ins and updates to exercises. 8 weeks later, I am pain free and able to train harder than ever. Highly recommend and the staff are all fantastic and super accomodating!

Have you ever had painful shin splints? Well, listen up - because it can be managed...

Have you ramped up your running and started to experience pain in one or both of your shins?

Or have you just started back preseason training in your respective sport and started to experience the same thing?

Then chances are this blog is for you so keep on reading!

In this blog we are going to discuss ‘shin splints’ or what we as physio’s call Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome (MTSS).

MTSS occurs due to repetitive stress on the shinbone and the connective tissues that attach the muscles to the bone.

Symptoms of shin splints usually manifest as a dull, aching pain along the inner part of the shin.

How do I manage shin splints?

Great question! The number 1 thing you need to do is de-load the bone!

Typically, strengthening exercises for your ankle, calf, knee hip and core muscles will be targeted to correct the imbalances.

Every presentation of MTSS is different.

It is important, that once pain and symptoms are eased. A gradual return to training must be followed.

Take action now and don’t let your shins bring you down with unbearable pain!

Embrace the cutting-edge techniques and advanced tools offered by our phenomenal team at Fighting Fit Physiotherapy. Witness the power of technology as we delve deep into the strength of each muscle, unleashing their full potential.

Shoulder Injuries in Motocross: What You Need to Know

Addressing Vestibular Dysfunction in Concussion

The Importance of Metabolic Testing for Athletes: Why You Should Be Testing, Not Guessing

Shoulder Pain? Physiotherapy Can Help You Move Better and Feel Stronger

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