BodyTechnician.com → Shin Splints
'Shin splints' is a non-specific term used to describe pain in the leg. (In anatomy, 'leg' refers to the part between the knee and foot.) Mostly when people say shin splints they mean pain on the front-outside area of the leg, but sometimes it's the back-inside part.
Shin splints are usually caused by postural distortion. The pelvis is tipped forward (ie. the top of the pelvis goes forward). This makes the knees straighten too much (hyperextension), causing the soleus muscles in the leg to tighten. It also tends to flatten the arches in the feet, so there's less shock absorption. Shoes with raised heels tip the pelvis forward even more.
Often the pelvis is displaced forward as well. This places the center of
gravity too far forward, creates instability, and the toes grip the ground to stabilize. More tight leg muscles.
So before you even begin to run or jump, everything's tense. You go out and exercise, and the increased muscle activity goes over the pain threshold. Massage of the tight, painful areas produces some relief, but the problem returns when you exercise.
I'll correct the postural distortion first, then do some deep massage of the leg muscles, and you can get lasting relief. You'll be able to train and play harder without hurting yourself.
NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) are often used to treat shin splints. They cause a lot of harm to the internal organs.
Massage Therapy for Pain Relief · Berkeley · © Jordan Rothstein CMT