Medial Tibial Periostitis
So what is Medial Tibial Periostitis anyway? Well, some people may say shin pain , some may say shin splints.
How do I know if I’ve got it?
Pain or aches in the front of the “shin” or anterior lower limb and usually middle third of tibial border. Very common in runners, usually gradual onset, overuse injury and biomechanics play a role.
Pain usually starts just on warm up then progresses to pain after exercise and if left untreated pain before, during and after exercise.
What’s happening?
The old school of thought was inflammation of the periosteum (tissue between the muscle and bone) and /or muscles, now they are more leaning towards collagen differences at the point of pain. There is also a pulling at the muscle/bone interface called Fascial Traction.
So the latest school of thought means there could be multiple pathologies happening at the same time: from bone strain, compartments syndrome and inflammation .
So we need to look at?
From a biomechanical perspective we need to look at not just the lower limb but further up the chain to hip stability and further down the chain to ankle stability and foot stability.
How do we treat?
With soft tissue work/massage of course, and rest from your exercise initially but we may need to address strength issues in the hip, pronation issues in the foot with orthotics or de-loading the area with heel lifts and even cortisone to site of pain. Sometimes further investigations may be needed such as MRI, bone scan and/or sports physicians opinion.
A slow and steady treatment plan is needed for this type of injury as in most overuse injuries...patience is a virtue!
Massage Research
Balance Massage is proud to part of a research project which is unique and a first for New Zealand. The project has been founded by PhD student Jo Smith who is currently studying at the University of Otago and teaching massage at the Southern Institute of Technology. Jo has a physiotherapy and massage background.
Her aim of the research project is to sample the individual opinions of massage clients to develop an opinion on why client’s use, value and continue to seek massage therapy as a healthcare option. It will also examine the characteristics of visits and utilization and practice patterns of massage therapy in New Zealand.
Jane and Lisa recently met Jo at the Soft Tissue Therapy Conference in Wollongong, Australia where she presented on the importance of research for our industry. It’s such an important part of moving our industry forward and improving our service to you the client.
If you would like to take part in this study please contact Jane or Lisa for a questionnaire. It takes only 25 minutes to fill out and will be greatly appreciated
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