From Cassidy Phillips founder of Trigger Point Performance Therapy

Shin Splints and TP Therapy

Shin splints is often the term associated with general pain in the shins.  It is a common condition in field sports and running alike.  Shin splints are typically caused by overuse of the tibialis anterior muscle, which controls dorsiflexion of the foot.  Pain occurs when the sheath, or periosteum, surrounding the tibia becomes inflamed due to the stress the anterior tibialis puts on this connective tissue between the muscle and the bone.

Symptoms of Shin Splints:

• Pain on the medial portion of the shin
• Pain that intensifies during exercise and eases when sedentary
• Small lumps that can be felt along the shin bone
• Mild swelling
• Pain when the toes or foot are bent downward

At Trigger Point Performance Therapy we can aid in the recovery process by offering a means by which adhesions and scar tissue in the tibialis anterior can be broken down.  This is accomplished through myofascial compression techniques and the use of our TP Massage Ball. The tibialis anterior originates on the lateral portion of the lower leg and inserts on the medial portion, at the medial cuneiform.

• Place the TP Ball on the anterior lower leg on the lateral side of tibia bone.
• Keeping an upright torso, slightly lean back and allow your body weight to allow pressure to generate throughout palm and through the ball.
• Apply pressure, as tolerated, to this area as you address the extremely tight areas of this muscle.

• Place one TP Ball on the interior lower leg on the medial side of tibia bone, while the other ball rests underneath the calf and isolates the muscle from the bone.
• Keeping an upright torso,  allow pressure to generate throughout palm and through the ball by shifting body weight forward.
• Knead the muscle in this area and along the connective tissue to target extremely tight areas of this muscle.

Perform this routine up to twice daily to optimize results and get on the path to recovery!