Q: I love to run, but I’ve developed “Shin Splints.” What are they? What can I do?

A: Shin Splints are one of those recurring injuries that can really take the fun out of running. In the lower leg, its tissue acts as shock absorbers, easing the effect of all the weight and impact that running creates. If the tissue is too tight, that stress is transferred directly to the shinbone (tibia). Besides the pain you feel on either side of the tibia, it is possible to develop hairline fractures on the bone itself in the most serious injuries.

TAKE TIME OFF!
This is not the kind of injury to be stoic or macho about.
“Running through it” is the wrong thing to do.
Once you rest, rehab and recover, you can return to running.

This injury generally responds well to Deep Therapeutic Bodywork. A Deep Stretching technique like “Myofascial Release” will work great. Myofascial Release will gently open up the muscular fascia to unwind and unbind the entire structure.

When this technique is combined with some deep, slow massage, you’ll be on the right path to healing those areas.

Initially, these areas will be quite sensitive and just a little bit of pressure might be all that you can stand. This is the time when it should feel “good deep,” not like torture.

Injury prevention, however, the best idea. Here are some general tips for prevention:

1. Warm up before you work out. Cool down afterwards.

2. Don’t overdo it. Working out or stretching, be gentle to your body.

3. Take care of yourself in every way. Eat right, get enough rest and enjoy life!

4. Pay attention to what you body feels like so you can share this with your health practitioners when they work on you.