Shockwave Therapy for Shin Splints
Focused shockwave therapy (fSWT) is an effective treatment option for shin splints, particularly in chronic cases where other treatments have not been effective. By addressing pain, inflammation, and tissue damage, it can help individuals recover faster and with less discomfort.
fSWT is particularly useful for athletes or individuals whose activities require them to return to high-impact or repetitive movements quickly.
Early use of fSWT can enhance healing which helps prevent the condition from progressing to a more chronic state or leading to stress fractures.
How does it work? | Treatment protocol | Benefits | When to consider fSWT
What Are Shin Splints?
Shin splints, also known as Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome (MTSS), are a common condition that involves pain along the inner edge of the shinbone (tibia). This pain is typically caused by inflammation of the muscles, tendons, and bone tissue around the tibia due to repetitive stress.
MTSS is characterised by:
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Pain along the shinbone
Typically felt along the inside edge of the tibia.
Tenderness
The area may be tender to touch.
Swelling
Mild swelling can occur in some cases.
Worsening pain
Pain often worsens with activity and can persist after activity.
If you think you have shin splints and would like some advice then book your FREE phone consultation online now, drop us an email or phone us on 07760 536155 for a quick chat.
How Focused Shockwave Therapy Treats Shin Splints
- Reduces pain
- Reduces inflammation
- Promotes tissue healing
- Breaks down scar tissue
Book your FREE 30 minute phone consultation online now or drop us an email to find out more about how we can help.
Treatment Protocol for Shin Splints
Typical Course
A course of shockwave therapy for shin splints usually involves 5 to 8 sessions, spaced about one week apart. Each session lasts 30 minutes. The exact number of sessions may vary depending on the severity of the condition and the client’s response to treatment.
Intensity And Frequency
The intensity and frequency of the shockwaves are carefully adjusted based on the client’s pain tolerance and the characteristics of the condition.
Minimal Downtime
Clients can usually resume normal activities immediately after treatment, although they will be advised to avoid strenuous or high-impact activities for a short period if possible.
Post-Treatment Sensation
Some clients may experience mild soreness or swelling in the treated area. This typically resolves within a few days.
Benefits of Shockwave Therapy for Shin Splints
Pain Reduction
Significant pain relief is often reported after a few sessions, with improvement in the ability to engage in physical activities.
Faster Healing
Shockwave therapy accelerates the healing process, reducing the time needed for recovery.
Prevention of Recurrence
By promoting proper tissue repair and addressing underlying issues, fSWT combined with physiotherapy can help prevent the recurrence of shin splints.
Non-Invasive
Focused shockwave therapy is a non-surgical treatment, avoiding the risks and recovery time associated with surgical intervention.
High Success Rate
Clinical studies and/or client outcomes indicate that shockwave therapy is highly effective in treating shin splints, especially in cases where other traditional treatments have failed.
When to Consider Shockwave Therapy for Shin Splints
Faster recovery
For active individuals or athletes who wish to avoid further injury and expedite their return to activity.
Chronic inflammation
If shin splints are associated with significant soft tissue involvement, such as chronic inflammation or muscle tightness.
Recurrent condition
In cases where shin splints are recurrent, a combination of physiotherapy and fSWT can be a useful intervention to address underlying tissue damage and help prevent further episodes.
Persistent pain
If shin pain persists after a period of rest and activity modification, or persisted for more than 3-6 months despite traditional treatments.
Focused shockwave therapy introduced early can reduce pain and promote healing in the affected muscles and periosteum, preventing the condition from worsening.
No commitment, pressure or obligation! Book your FREE 30 minute phone consultation online now or call us for a quick chat.
Having previously tried radial shockwave treatment, which was painful (due to the hammering action) and ineffective, I did some research and decided to try FSWT. I noticed an immediate pain reduction in relation to my plantar fasciitis, which had been persistent for over 6 months. The improvement to my knee pain came more gradually, but it had been an issue for many years. But after 5 treatments I was almost pain free. Nim was very professional and friendly and also offered advice on when to avoid and start normal activities and also included stretching programmes. I'm glad I made the investment and managed to get myself back to my outdoor hobbies before summer.
After almost two years of either living in (sometimes debilitating) pain with plantar fasciitis (PF) and not doing anything about it or having some unproductive and even counterproductive osteopathy and physiotherapy sessions/advice, I did some research into best treatments for PF and found Nim's focussed shockwave therapy (FSWT).
After 3 sets of FSWT sessions I'm now almost pain free, and I'm certain that a few more sessions will completely eradicate the PF. Unfortunately, at the end of last year I was hit with painful sciatica, and an MRI confirmed that I have two herniated discs (HDs). Nim advised me that FSWT works wonders with HDs, and since this is now my main complaint, we decided to focus on the sciatica, and will then intercalate the PF treatment. I'm feeling very positive about it!
Nim is a very knowledgeable, competent and professional physiotherapist, and an incredibly kind and caring person. She is always patient and keeps reassuring me every time I get frustrated. In addition to the FSWT sessions, I was given a tailored home stretch and self-treatment programme, both for the PF and for the HDs/sciatica.
I cannot recommend Nim and her magical machine enough! Thank you for everything, Nim :)
I came to Nim several months ago frustrated and in pain with a herniated disc what just wasn't healing. I arrived with restricted movement and pain everyday, even when I coughed of sneezed! I paid for 2 sets of shockwave therapy and it is the first time in a year where I feel like myself again. She not only provided the treatment but also was kind, and incredibly reassuring in my moments of frustration. Thank you for everything!
I had started to develop pain in the ball of my foot when I ran and then the pain continued when I walked. I went to the docs and got a diagnosis of a mortons neuroma. After trying various ways to manage the pain, I did some research and found Nim's focussed shockwave therapy. It was a tough commitment to come to 5 sessions in London when I live in Redcar (North East of England) but totally worth it. The pain I had when I run has gone and hopefully it won't come back as I start to increase my distance and frequency.
I 100% recommend Nim, she is such a lovely caring person and made me feel very comfortable during the treatment and also gave me plenty of good advice ☺️
I was struggling with bi-lateral achilles tendinopathy and retrocalcaneal bursitis which was impacting my ability to play sport. Over a number of sessions the Shockwave reduced the swelling, scar-tissue and most importantly the pain and both issues are now completely resolved. I also found Nim extremely professional and really nice to deal with. Recommended.
