Shin splints (MTSS) treatment at our Highams Park clinic.
Shin splints, medically called MTSS (Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome), is a common overuse injury that causes pain along the inner (medial) edge of the shin bone (tibia) - commonly seen in road runners, dancers, basketball, football and netball players.
MTSS isn’t a single structure being “injured.” It’s a stress reaction of the tibia and its surrounding tissues caused by repetitive loading.
Key features of MTSS are;
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Pain along the inside of the lower leg
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Pain that comes on during or after exercise
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Tenderness spread over a long section of the shin
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Often improves with rest or reduced activity, especially early on
What are the main causes of shin splints (MTSS)?
Shin splints is best thought of as a bone stress reaction. Repetitive impact loads (like running) stress the tibia. The bone and its covering (periosteum) can’t adapt fast enough which leads to pain and inflammation along the inner edge of the shin.
Common contributors of MTSS include:
1. Training errors
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Sudden increase in mileage, speed, or intensity
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Too much running on hard or cambered surfaces
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Inadequate recovery between sessions
2. Excessive tibial loading
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Repetitive impact forces from running and jumping
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Poor shock absorption through the foot–ankle–calf complex
3. Biomechanical factors
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Excessive or prolonged foot pronation
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Reduced ankle dorsiflexion
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Weak calf, foot, or hip muscles
4. Bone stress vulnerability
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Low bone density or poor bone health
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Energy deficiency / under-fueling (common in endurance athletes)
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Vitamin D deficiency
We can speed up your recovery from injury with a combination of Myofascial release, Radial and Focused Shockwave Therapy within the same sessions.
Depending on whether it is Acute or Chronic, 3 - 6 sessions are generally required for most people to gain complete pain relief and make a full recovery from shin splints (MTSS).
The effective way - to treat MSK.
How Shockwave Therapy helps with shin splints (MTSS).
Shockwave therapy (ESWT) can help shin splints (MTSS) mainly by reducing pain and improving the bone–tissue healing response.
How shockwave therapy helps MTSS.
1. Pain modulation
Shockwave has a strong neuromodulatory effect: It reduces pain signaling from irritated periosteum (bone lining). Decreases levels of pain-related neuropeptides (e.g. substance P) and desensitises local nerve endings. This often leads to faster pain relief, sometimes within a few sessions.
2. Stimulates tissue healing
Shockwave creates controlled micro-stress that: Increases local blood flow. Promotes release of growth factors and stimulates bone and periosteal remodeling. This supports recovery in chronic MTSS, where healing has stalled.
3. Improves tolerance to rehab loading
By lowering a persons level of pain they are able to resume graded running and strengthening sooner. Rehab exercises become more tolerable and adherence improves, so Shockwave acts as a bridge back to loading, not a stand-alone fix.
4. Reduces chronic periosteal sensitivity
In long-standing MTSS, the periosteum becomes hypersensitive. Shockwave helps reset that sensitivity, making everyday impact less painful.
Why choose Rich & Cher Pearson at The Shockwave Therapy Clinic?
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Elite technology: We use the Storz Medical Focused Shockwave system - the gold standard used by Premier League football clubs and elite athletes worldwide.
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Decades of experience: You aren't just getting a treatment; you are getting 25 years of clinical diagnostic skill (See our feedback)
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Local and personal: We are a dedicated East London clinic. Rich and Cher provide a private, professional, and patient-focused environment right here in Highams Park.
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Proven results: Whether you are looking to return to sport or seeking a discreet solution for ED, our evidence-based approach is designed to get you results fast.
Frequently Asked Questions about Shockwave for Shin Splints (MTSS)
How does Focused Shockwave therapy help with Shin Splints?
For Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome (MTSS), Focused Shockwave therapy works by stimulating a healing response in the periosteum (the sheath around the shin bone) and the surrounding muscle attachments. It increases blood flow and cellular activity in the "stress zone," accelerating the repair of tissue that has been overloaded by high-impact activity.
How can I tell if I have Shin Splints or a Stress Fracture?
Shin splints typically cause a dull, diffuse ache along the inner edge of the shin that may improve as you warm up. A stress fracture usually presents as sharp, pinpoint pain in one specific spot that worsens as you continue to move. In our Highams Park clinic, we use specialist Focused Shockwave Therapy as a highly effective treatment for both bone-stress and muscle-overload injuries.
How many sessions of Shockwave are needed for Shin Splints?
Most patients require a course of 3 to 5 sessions, spaced approximately one week apart. While many athletes feel a reduction in "shin tightness" after just 1 or 2 appointments at our London E4 clinic, completing the full course is vital to ensure the bone and soft tissues are resilient enough to handle a return to running.
Can I continue running while having treatment for Shin Splints?
We generally recommend a 48-hour period of "relative rest" after each session to allow the regenerative process to take place. During your treatment course, we work with you to manage your training load, often swapping high-impact running for low-impact alternatives to keep your fitness levels high, while your shins recover for race day.