Shin Splints Treatment NYC
Shin splints or medial tibial stress syndrome
Imagine waking up to a dull, aching pain along your lower leg that worsens during exercise and lingers afterward. Shin splints, also known as medial tibial stress syndrome (MTSS), is characterized by inflammation of the muscles, tendons, and bone tissue around the tibia, and can sideline athletes and disrupt daily routines.
At Morningside Acupuncture, our integrated approach—combining acupuncture and dry needling—is designed to relieve pain, reduce inflammation, and restore proper biomechanics in the lower leg.
Overview of Shin Splints
Shin splints are characterized by:
Dull, aching pain along the inner or outer edge of the shin
Tenderness and mild swelling along the tibia
Pain that worsens during and after exercise
Discomfort during weight-bearing activities
They commonly result from overuse, improper footwear, or sudden increases in training intensity.
Understanding the Biomechanics & Mechanisms of Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome
Key factors contributing to shin splints include:
Overuse and Microtrauma:
Repetitive stress on the tibia and surrounding tissues leads to inflammation.
Muscle Imbalances:
Weakness in the calf muscles or tightness in the anterior tibialis can increase strain on the shin.
Impact Forces:
High-impact activities, especially on hard surfaces, exacerbate the condition.
Referred Pain:
Trigger points in the lower leg muscles may refer pain along the shin.
Treatment Options: A Broader Perspective
Conventional treatments for shin splints typically include:
Medications:
NSAIDs to reduce pain and inflammation
Rest & Ice:
Resting and applying ice to decrease swelling
Physical Therapy:
Stretching and strengthening exercises for the calf and lower leg
Footwear Adjustments:
Proper supportive shoes or orthotics to improve shock absorption
Differential Diagnosis:
Shin splints symptoms can mimic conditions such as:
Stress fractures
Compartment syndrome
Tendinopathies of the lower leg
Our integrated approach—combining acupuncture with dry needling—is introduced as a first-line option to address both the inflammatory response and the underlying muscle imbalances without invasive procedures.
How Acupuncture & Dry Needling Can Help
Our dual-modality approach offers comprehensive benefits:
Acupuncture:
Fine needles are inserted at specific TCM points to modulate pain pathways, enhance local circulation, and reduce inflammation.
Dry Needling:
Targets trigger points in overactive lower leg muscles to mechanically release tension and improve muscle function.
Treatment for Shin Splints Ideas:
| Treatment Component | Techniques Used | Mechanism/Benefits | Example Points/Targets |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acupuncture | Insertion at TCM points | Modulates nerve pathways; increases blood flow; reduces inflammation | SP6 (Sanyinjiao), ST36 (Zusanli), local Ashi points on the lower leg |
| Dry Needling | Insertion into trigger points | Releases muscle tension; improves biomechanics; reduces referred pain | Trigger points in tibialis anterior, tibialis posterior, soleus, and calf muscles |
Acupuncture Points for Shin Splints
Our sessions may include these key acupuncture points, chosen for their relevance to lower leg pain:
ST36 (Zusanli):
Located on the lower leg, ST36 enhances overall leg circulation and supports muscle recovery.
SP6 (Sanyinjiao):
Found above the medial malleolus, SP6 helps regulate local energy and reduce inflammation.
Local Ashi Points:
Tender, patient-specific points along the shin are targeted to relieve pain and tightness.
Learn more about Acupuncture for Shin Splints in this post.
Trigger Points for Shin Splints
We also focus on specific trigger points that contribute to shin splints:
Tibialis Anterior:
Overactivity or tightness in the tibialis anterior muscle can increase strain on the shin.
Dry needling helps release tension and improve muscle balance.
Tibialis Posterior:
Tibialis posterior trigger points may affect the medial shin area
Dry needling helps to restore function and relieve pain that may refer to the shin area.
Calf Muscles (Gastrocnemius and Soleus):
Trigger points in the calf muscles can contribute to abnormal impact forces on the tibia.
Releasing these points aids in restoring proper biomechanics.
New 2025 research shows that some cases of shin splints are caused by pain at the medial insertion of the soleus muscle.
Learn more about Dry Needling for Shin Splints in our detailed post.
Research & Evidence
Acupuncture Research for Shin Splints:
A study involving 40 athletes with shin splints compared treatments using acupuncture, sports medicine, and a combination of both. Over a three-week period, athletes receiving acupuncture alone or combined with sports medicine reported greater pain relief, reduced limitations during activities, and decreased use of anti-inflammatory medications compared to those treated only with sports medicine. The findings suggest acupuncture can effectively manage pain and enhance recovery for shin splints in athletes.
Dry Needling Research for Shin Splints:
A 2025 study investigated the short-term effects of dry needling targeting soleus muscle trigger points in athletes with medial tibial stress syndrome (shin splints). Results showed significant pain reduction in athletes receiving dry needling, with Numeric Pain Rating Scale scores dropping notably compared to those in the control group, who experienced increased pain levels. However, dry needling did not improve ankle range of motion. These findings support the short-term effectiveness of dry needling in managing pain associated with shin splints.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How does dry needling differ from acupuncture for shin splints?
Dry needling targets specific trigger points in overactive lower leg muscles to mechanically release tension, whereas acupuncture uses established TCM points to modulate pain and reduce inflammation.What are the typical symptoms of shin splints?
Common symptoms include dull, aching pain along the shin, tenderness, and pain that worsens during exercise.Can this integrated treatment help both acute and chronic cases?
Yes, by addressing both the inflammatory response and muscle imbalances, our approach can benefit both acute flare-ups and chronic conditions.How many sessions will I need to see improvement?
Many patients notice improvement after several sessions, although the duration of treatment varies based on severity.Is it safe to combine this treatment with physical therapy?
Absolutely. Our integrated approach is designed to complement physical therapy and other conservative treatments.What long-term benefits can I expect from shin splint treatments?
Patients often experience sustained pain relief, improved muscle balance, and a reduced likelihood of recurrent shin splints.
Ready to Take Control?
Are you ready to alleviate your shin splints pain and restore your mobility? At Morningside Acupuncture, our integrated approach combining acupuncture and dry needling targets the root causes of Achilles tendinitis.
Schedule your consultation today and take the first step toward a pain-free, active life.
Book Your Appointment Now: https://www.morningsideacupuncturenyc.com/new-patients
Call or Text Us At: (917) 830-4440
Additional Resources & Next Steps
Learn More: Visit our Blog for further insights into our treatment approach.
What to Expect: During your initial consultation, we perform a comprehensive evaluation to develop a personalized treatment plan.
Patient Stories: Read testimonials from patients who have experienced lasting relief
Sources:
McClure CJ, Oh R. Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome. [Updated 2023 Aug 8]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK538479/
Callison M. Clinical study: Acupuncture & tibial stress syndrome (Shin splints) J. Chin. Med. 2002;70:24–28.
Singh, A., Wadhwani, N., & Sharma, M. (2025). Short-term effectiveness of dry needling on pain and ankle range of motion in athletes with medial tibial stress syndrome- a randomized control trial. The Journal of manual & manipulative therapy, 33(1), 47–53. https://doi.org/10.1080/10669817.2024.2384611
Disclaimer: This web site is intended for educational and informational purposes only. Reading this website does not constitute providing medical advice or any professional services. This information should not be used for diagnosing or treating any health issue or disease. Those seeking medical advice should consult with a licensed physician. Seek the advice of a medical doctor or other qualified health professional for any medical condition. If you think you have a medical emergency, call 911 or go to the emergency room. No acupuncturist-patient relationship is created by reading this website or using the information. Morningside Acupuncture PLLC and its employees and contributors do not make any express or implied representations with respect to the information on this site or its use.
Read more from our blog
