New and seasoned runners can suffer from painful shin splints; making even walking a painful and arduous task. Shin splints cause  pain along the inner side (medial) or outer side (anterior) of your shin bone. Shin splints are typically caused from repetitive stress and inflammation to the lower leg bones, connective tissues and muscles. Some of the reasons shin splints occur: flat feet, high arches, collapsing arches, working out without warming up, standing on hard surfaces, exercising on uneven terrain, tight ankles or hips, and more.

Renew Movement™ often finds the culprit to shin splint pain in the muscles of the calf. The calf muscles (gastroc and soleus) are called reciprocal inhibitors to the muscles of the shins (anterior tibialis). When these muscles get tight they pull on the muscles of the shin, causing pain. Renew Movement™ targets the muscles that are the source of the problem through a deep tissue pin and stretch technique. Your Renew Movement™ Coach will target adhesions (knots) and coach you through moving and stretching to release/open the tight tissue. Opening this tight tissue in the calves greatly reduces the strain to the shin muscles, getting you back to running/walking/standing without discomfort.

If your shin splints have been a long term, chronic issue, it’s possible your Renew Movement™ Coach will suggest you sign up for a full Renew Evaluation to look for asymmetrical patterns in your movement that may be leading to chronic muscular tightness. Don’t let this common condition keep you off your feet and away from the things you love!