Shin Splints Massage

SHIN SPLINTS – chronic strain on tibialis anterior and/ or tibialis posterior muscles

What Happens with Shin Splints:

Usually tiny tears in tibialis anterior where it attaches to the tibia
This generally leads to periostitis
Periostitis- inflammation of the periosteum of the tibia (sheath surrounding the bone)
Shin splints is often used as a “ blanket” term for any pain along the anterior lower leg. This includes tibialis posterior tendonitis. Tibial stress fractures, periostitis, compartment syndrome.
Due to the tearing of muscle fibers away from the periosteal attachment, anterior shin splints manifests as bumps and tender areas on the anterior leg
As these fibers heal, they become fibrotic, making it difficult for the muscle to lengthen normally.
The fibrotic patches weaken the muscle by restricting movement, perpetuating the probability of future shin splints. ( when u lengthen it, its easy to tear the fibers again)
Untreated shin splints place the individual at a greater risk for developing stress fractures.

Shin Splints Massage

Overuse: running or jogging
Muscle imbalances due to poor arch support, poor flexibility of anterior and posterior compartments
Posterior tibialis tendonitis
Hypertonic anterior compartment from overuse
Misalignment of lower leg, ankles or knees may cause microtears in the muscles with overuse ( excessive pronation)
Poor techniques when running, hard/uneven running surfaces.

Shin Splints Massage

Pain, swelling, and tenderness along the crest of the tibia, usually either posteriomedial or anteriolateral
Pain at the start of exercise which often eases as the session continues
Pain often returns after activity and may be at its worst the next morning
Lumps and bumps may be felt when feeling the inner portion of the tibia
Pain when the toes or foot are plantarflexed
A redness over the inside of the shin ( not always present)

Shin Splints Massage Therapy

Rule out stress fracture ( MD referral for massage)
Deep tissue technique to release the anterior compartment ( MFR, effl, petr)
Treat tibialis anterior with deep muscle stripping, and ischemic compressions, staying away from the bone ( you don’t want to pull the muscle away from the bone .again?)
Massage tibialis anterior with deep muscle stripping, and ischemic compressions, staying away from the bone
Massage hypertonic gastrocnemius and soleus
Massage Proximal structures ( glute, hams, quads)
also treat antagonists ( gastrocs , soleus)
Treat compensating structures: adductors, quads, hamstrings, psoas

HYDROTHERAPY: