Acupuncture for Shin Splints
Shin splints, also known as tibial stress syndrome, can be a debilitating condition for runners and athletes. While traditional treatments like rest and ice can help, exploring alternative therapies such as acupuncture can offer additional benefits. Traditional acupuncture has been used for centuries to treat various ailments, and its potential to alleviate shin splint symptoms is worth considering.
Key Points
Acupuncture targets specific acupoints to relieve pain and reduce inflammation in shin splints.
Acupuncture improves blood circulation and enhances the healing process for shin splints.
Typical acupuncture sessions for shin splints involve specific acupoints like ST36, ST37, ST38, SP6, and SP7.
Research supports the efficacy of acupuncture for reducing pain and improving function in shin splints.
Combining acupuncture with other treatments like physical therapy provides a comprehensive approach.
Choosing a qualified acupuncturist ensures safe and effective treatment.
A person with shin pain
How Acupuncture Works
Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese medicine practice that involves inserting thin needles into specific points on the body, known as acupoints. The primary goal is to restore balance to the body by affecting physiological change via the nervous system, and local tissues like muscles and fascia.
According to traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), the flow of Qi (pronounced "chee") is considered the body's vital energy. Qi flows through pathways called meridians. When these pathways are blocked or imbalanced, pain and illness can occur. Acupuncture aims to unblock these pathways and restore the natural flow of Qi, promoting healing and pain relief. Modern research has shown that this corresponds to the nervous system and its effect on various physiological processes.
In the context of shin splints, acupuncture targets acupoints along the meridians associated with the lower leg. By stimulating these points, acupuncture can reduce inflammation, relieve pain, and enhance blood circulation. There are also local points that can release muscle tightness and promote better range of motion. This holistic approach not only addresses the symptoms but also helps in treating the underlying causes of shin splints.
Benefits of Acupuncture for Shin Splints
Acupuncture offers several benefits for those suffering from shin splints:
Pain Relief and Reduction of Inflammation: Acupuncture can stimulate the release of endorphins, the body's natural painkillers. Additionally, it can reduce the production of pro-inflammatory substances, helping to alleviate pain and swelling associated with shin splints.
Improved Blood Circulation: By targeting specific acupoints, acupuncture can enhance blood flow to the affected area. Improved circulation aids in delivering essential nutrients and oxygen to the injured tissues, promoting faster healing.
Enhanced Healing Process: Acupuncture can help modulate the body's immune response, facilitating a quicker recovery from injuries. It also supports the regeneration of tissues and reduces the likelihood of chronic pain developing from shin splints.
Typical Acupuncture Session for Shin Splints
During a typical acupuncture session for shin splints, the practitioner will first conduct a thorough assessment of the patient's condition. This includes discussing the symptoms, medical history, and lifestyle factors that may contribute to the shin splints. Based on this assessment, the acupuncturist will develop a personalized treatment plan.
Common Acupoints Targeted for Shin Splints:
Specific acupoints such as ST36 (Zusanli), ST37 (Shangjuxu), ST38 (Tiaokou), SP6 (Sanyinjiao), and SP7 (Lougu) are commonly used to treat shin splints. These points are believed to influence the flow of Qi and blood in the lower leg, providing relief from pain and inflammation.
Local needling in the tibialis anterior and tibialis posterior muscles may also help to release local muscle tightness contributing to the shin splint pain.
Duration and Frequency of Treatment:
Each session typically lasts between 30 to 60 minutes. The frequency of treatments can vary depending on the severity of the condition, but most patients may require 1-2 sessions per week over several weeks to achieve optimal results.
Study Summary: Acupuncture for Shin Splints
This study analyzed 40 athletes aged 18-45 with tibial stress syndrome (shin splints) to evaluate the effectiveness of different treatments on pain relief. The athletes were divided into three groups: Sports Medicine (S) with 17 participants, Acupuncture (A) with 12 participants, and a combination of Sports Medicine and Acupuncture (AS) with 11 participants.
The treatments were administered by certified practitioners and supervised acupuncture interns at the University of California, San Diego RIMAC Athletic Training Center, and Pacific College of Oriental Medicine, San Diego. Over a period of three weeks, participants were asked to fill out questionnaires before starting the treatment (Intake) and at the beginning of each week during the treatment (Follow-up 1 and Follow-up 2). These questionnaires used a ten-point Likert-type pain scale to assess pain levels ranging from None (1) to Unbearable (10), and included questions about pain intensity and duration during and between activities, as well as the dosages of anti-inflammatory medications (NSAID) taken.
Study Findings
Effectiveness of Treatment: All participants reported an increase in treatment effectiveness from Intake to Follow-up 2 across all groups.
Pain Relief: Athletes in the Acupuncture (A) and Acupuncture and Sports Medicine combination (AS) groups experienced the most significant pain relief. They reported less pain during both sporting and non-sporting activities and felt that the treatments were more effective compared to those in the Sports Medicine (S) group.
Medication Usage: Athletes in the A and AS groups took significantly fewer doses of anti-inflammatory medications than those in the S group.
Perception of Pain and Effectiveness: The S group did not show a significant improvement in the perception of pain, pain relief, or treatment effectiveness compared to the A and AS groups.
Study Conclusion
The study concluded that acupuncture, both alone and in combination with sports medicine, is more effective in relieving pain and reducing the need for anti-inflammatory medications in athletes with shin splints compared to sports medicine alone. This suggests that incorporating acupuncture into the treatment plan for shin splints can provide significant benefits in pain management and overall treatment effectiveness.
Electroacupuncture for Shin Splints
Electroacupuncture is a modern variation of traditional acupuncture that involves the application of a small electrical current to the needles inserted into acupoints. This technique enhances the stimulation of the acupoints, potentially offering more significant therapeutic benefits compared to manual acupuncture. For athletes suffering from shin splints, electroacupuncture can be particularly effective in managing pain and promoting faster recovery.
One of the primary benefits of electroacupuncture for shin splints is its ability to provide enhanced pain relief. The electrical stimulation helps to increase the release of endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers, which can significantly reduce the perception of pain. Additionally, electroacupuncture has been shown to improve blood circulation in the affected area, which can help to reduce inflammation and promote healing. By targeting specific acupoints related to shin splints, such as those along the Stomach and Spleen meridians (e.g., ST36, ST38, SP6), practitioners can help alleviate the pain and discomfort associated with this condition.
Another significant advantage of electroacupuncture is its potential to enhance muscle function and reduce muscle tightness. The electrical impulses delivered during electroacupuncture sessions can cause muscle contractions, which may help to release muscle knots and tension. This can be particularly beneficial for athletes, as it helps to restore normal muscle function and improve range of motion. By addressing muscle tightness and imbalances, electroacupuncture can contribute to a more comprehensive treatment plan for shin splints, complementing other therapies such as physical therapy and dry needling.
In summary, electroacupuncture offers a potent and effective option for treating shin splints. By enhancing the traditional acupuncture approach with electrical stimulation, it provides superior pain relief, improves blood circulation, and aids in muscle relaxation and recovery. Athletes dealing with shin splints may find electroacupuncture to be a valuable addition to their treatment regimen, helping them to recover more quickly and return to their training with less discomfort.
Combining Acupuncture with Other Treatments
Integrating acupuncture into a comprehensive treatment plan can enhance its effectiveness. For instance, combining acupuncture with physical therapy can address both the immediate pain and the underlying biomechanical issues that contribute to shin splints.
Benefits of a Comprehensive Treatment Plan: A multidisciplinary approach that includes acupuncture, physical therapy, and lifestyle modifications can provide holistic care. This comprehensive strategy not only alleviates symptoms but also helps prevent recurrence of shin splints.
Finding a Qualified Acupuncturist
Choosing a licensed and experienced acupuncturist is crucial for safe and effective treatment:
Tips for Choosing a Practitioner: Look for practitioners who are certified by reputable acupuncture boards (NCCAOM) and have experience in treating orthopedic and sports-related injuries. Personal recommendations and online reviews can also be helpful in making an informed decision.
Importance of Professional Consultation: Always consult with your primary healthcare provider before starting acupuncture, especially if you have existing health conditions. A professional consultation ensures that acupuncture is a suitable and safe option for your specific needs.
Conclusion
Acupuncture offers a promising alternative for managing shin splints, providing pain relief, reducing inflammation, and promoting healing. Integrating acupuncture with other treatments can lead to a more comprehensive and effective approach to managing this common overuse injury. If you are struggling with shin splints, consider exploring acupuncture as part of your treatment plan to improve your recovery and overall well-being.
Over to you
If you liked this article, please share with friends and family who may be suffering with shin splints or tibial stress syndrome.
Sources:
Travell, J. G., Simons, D. G. (1993). Myofascial pain and dysfunction: The trigger point manual. London: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
Biel, A., & Dorn, R. (2010). Trail guide to the body: A hands-on guide to locating muscles, bones and more. Boulder, CO: Books of Dicovery.
Bhusari N, Deshmukh M. Shin Splint: A Review. Cureus. 2023 Jan 18;15(1):e33905. doi: 10.7759/cureus.33905. PMID: 36819450; PMCID: PMC9937638.
Deshmukh NS, Phansopkar P. Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome: A Review Article. Cureus. 2022 Jul 7;14(7):e26641. doi: 10.7759/cureus.26641. PMID: 35949792; PMCID: PMC9356648.
Callison M. Clinical study: Acupuncture & tibial stress syndrome (Shin splints) J. Chin. Med. 2002;70:24–28.
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