Shin Splints: The Bane of Pre-Season
Causes, Symptoms & How Sports Physiotherapy in Townsville Can Help You Recover
Shin splints are not just painful, they can seriously disrupt your training and fitness goals. Whether you're gearing up for pre-season training or you've just committed to your New Year's fitness resolutions, the sudden onset of pain in one or both shins can stop you in your tracks. So, what exactly are shin splints, and how can sports physiotherapy in Townsville help you recover?
What Are Shin Splints?
Shin splints refer to pain along the shin bone, often caused by overuse or stress on the muscles, tendons, and bone tissue in the lower leg. There are two main types of shin splints:
Compartment Syndrome/Soft Tissue Related Shin Pain
Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome (MTSS)
Both types can arise from a variety of factors, and understanding the cause is key to recovery. Sports physiotherapy plays a vital role in identifying and treating these conditions, allowing athletes and active individuals in Townsville to get back to their training as quickly and safely as possible.
Common Causes of Shin Splints
Shin splints can occur due to several factors, including but not limited to:
Running & Impact Load: The repetitive stress from running or high-impact activities can trigger shin pain.
Training Frequency: How often you’re running, jumping, or exercising.
Duration & Intensity of Sessions: Long or intense training sessions can exacerbate shin pain, especially in athletes.
Running Technique: Poor running form, such as incorrect cadence or step length, can contribute to shin splints.
Rest & Recovery: Not allowing enough time for muscles to recover between training sessions, which is critical in sports physiotherapy.
Sleep: Inadequate sleep can hinder the healing process and recovery.
Previous Training History: A sudden change in training load, or a lack of recent physical activity, can increase the risk of shin splints.
External Factors: Changes in your training surface, footwear, or sport can trigger shin pain, all of which can be addressed through sports physiotherapy.
How Sports Physiotherapy in Townsville Can Help Treat Shin Splints
At PhysioPM in Townsville, we understand how debilitating shin splints can be, especially for athletes who need to maintain peak performance. I commonly see patients with shin splints after a sudden increase in their training load, especially during pre-season sports or boot camps. If you’re experiencing mild symptoms, now is the time to see a sports physiotherapist in Townsville before the pain becomes chronic and starts to interfere with your training.
How Do We Differentiate Between Compartment Syndrome and MTSS?
There are key differences between compartment syndrome and Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome:
Compartment Syndrome/Soft Tissue Related Shin Pain: Typically felt on the outer part of the shin. Pressing on the muscle belly may cause soreness, and it can be accompanied by tingling, numbness, or burning sensations, which can be assessed by your sports physiotherapist.
Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome (MTSS): This type of shin pain is usually felt on the inner part of the shin. It often points to stress in the bone itself, which could range from mild inflammation to more severe conditions like stress fractures.
Sports Physiotherapy Treatment for Shin Splints
At PhysioPM in Townsville, the first step is a thorough assessment. We examine your medical history, training schedule, and current symptoms. After that, we conduct a physical examination, checking your movement patterns, strength, and assessing the painful area to determine the exact cause of your shin pain.
What Does Sports Physiotherapy Treatment Involve?
In Townsville, sports physiotherapy treatment for shin splints is tailored to each individual. I take the time to explain the cause of your pain and work with you to create a rehab plan that fits your goals and preferences. My approach includes:
Modifying Your Training: If you’re running too much, we may reduce the intensity or volume, or temporarily replace running with low-impact activities like swimming, cycling, or using cardio machines. Sports physiotherapists in Townsville can help find the best alternatives for your fitness routine.
Assessing Surrounding Areas: I’ll assess your hips, knees, ankles, and feet to check for weaknesses or imbalances that might contribute to your shin pain. Addressing these issues is a key part of sports physiotherapy.
Strengthening Exercises: Focused on strengthening areas like the hips and calves to improve your ability to absorb impact and reduce strain on the shins.
Time and Recovery: Shin splints can take time to heal, so patience is essential. With a consistent exercise program and gradual reintroduction to running, most people recover fully. However, other factors such as diet, stress, and underlying conditions like diabetes or obesity can impact recovery.
How Long Will It Take to Recover?
Recovery times vary, but sticking to your rehab plan is key. Most people in Townsville who follow their prescribed physiotherapy program will return to their pre-injury training levels. However, in some cases, recovery can be prolonged due to factors like overtraining, poor diet, or co-morbidities.
Prevention Tips:
Avoid Sudden Increases in Training Load: Gradually increase the intensity and duration of your training.
See a local Physiotherapist Early: If you start experiencing shin pain, don’t wait for it to get worse. A sports physiotherapist in Townsville can help you address the issue before it becomes chronic.
Customize Your Rehab Plan: Work with your sports physiotherapist to develop a program that suits your goals and lifestyle.
Stay Consistent: Adhering to your rehab plan is essential, but be adaptable when necessary.
Sports Physiotherapy in Townsville: Helping You Recover from Shin Splints
If you’re experiencing shin splints and need sports physiotherapy in Townsville, contact us today to schedule a thorough assessment. Our experienced team at PhysioPM will work with you to help you recover and return to your active lifestyle pain-free. Whether you’re a seasoned athlete or someone getting back into fitness, we’re here to help you move better and perform at your best.
