Blog 2: Shin Splints
Say Bye To Shin Splints: How Dr. Keirstyn’s Approach Can Get You Back On Your Feet!
Shin splints can be a real pain for many types of endurance athletes. If you’re dealing with this frustrating condition, you’re not alone. As a chiropractor, I’ve seen many athletes suffering from shin splints, and I want to share how we can tackle this issue head-on. Let’s explore my approach of how I build a unique plan of care to treat shin splints through a combination of muscle work, joint alignment, functional exercises, and education.
1. Muscle Release Techniques:
What It Is: Soft tissue techniques help alleviate tightness and tension in the muscles surrounding the shin.
How It Works: Using methods like Myofascial Release Therapy (MRT), muscle scrapping, ischemic compression or trigger point therapy, we target specific areas of tension. This helps improve blood flow, reduces pain, and promotes healing getting you back to your sport as fast as possible.
Key Point: Releasing tight muscles can relieve pressure on the tibia and surrounding tissues, making your shins feel lighter, more agile and decrease pain!
2. Joint Assessment and Alignment:
What It Is: A thorough examination of your joints and alignment ensures everything is functioning properly.
How It Works: I assess your lower limbs, hips, and spine for any misalignments or restrictions. Proper joint function is crucial for balanced movement, especially as an endurance athlete.
Key Point: Restricted joints can lead to improper biomechanics, increasing the risk of shin splints (as well as many other injuries). Getting these joints moving better helps to restore balance and function.
3. Functional Exercises:
What It Is: Targeted and functional exercises designed to strengthen the muscles around the shins and improve flexibility. Take a look at our previous blog post on glute activation!
How It Works: I’ll guide you through specific movements, such as glute activation, ankle mobility exercises, and core strengthening. These exercises help build resilience in your lower legs and prevent future injuries.
Key Point: Strong and flexible muscles are key to supporting your shins during physical activities. It’s all about building a solid foundation!
4. Education and Empowerment:
What It Is: Understanding your body and how to care for it is crucial for long-term success.
How It Works: I believe in empowering my patients with knowledge about biomechanics, training techniques, and recovery strategies. We’ll discuss how to listen to your body and recognize early signs of shin splints. This helps you know when you need to incorporate strength or stretching, or if your body just needs to rest.
Key Point: Knowledge is power! The more you understand your body, the better you can prevent injuries.
Shin splints don’t have to derail your athletic journey! Through targeted muscle release, joint mobility, functional exercises, and education, we can work together to kick those pesky pains to the curb. If you’re ready to get back to doing what you love without the nagging discomfort, I invite you to schedule an appointment at my clinic. Let’s keep you moving smoothly!