Shin Splints Physiotherapy in Vancouver

Shin pain can interrupt a training block just as your mileage or speed starts to build. Cadence Physiotherapy & Rehab in Vancouver can assess what is driving the symptoms and help you plan a gradual return to running or other impact activity.

Book a physiotherapy assessment

Understanding shin splints

Shin splints, also called medial tibial stress syndrome, usually cause aching along a broader stretch of the inner shin. They can follow a jump in mileage, hills, speed work or other impact loads. Pinpoint pain over the bone, pain while walking or pain at rest can suggest a bone stress injury and warrants assessment before resuming impact.

Common concerns

• Aching along the inner shin during or after running
• Tenderness over a stretch of the shin rather than a single spot
• Symptoms after a change in mileage, pace, hills or jumping volume

When to get medical help

Pause running and get prompt assessment if the pain is localised to one small spot, occurs during ordinary walking or persists at rest, or is getting worse despite reducing training.

Your assessment at Cadence

We review how your training changed before the pain started, how long symptoms last after a run and whether normal walking is affected. Your physiotherapist may assess calf strength, ankle movement and single-leg loading. If a bone stress injury is suspected, we can direct you to medical assessment.

How physiotherapy can help

A plan may involve reducing impact for a period, choosing alternative activity if appropriate, and building calf and lower-limb strength. When ready, you can reintroduce impact in stages. We use your response during activity and afterward to guide the next step, along with the demands of your sport or event.

Frequently asked questions

Can I keep running with shin splints?

That depends on the symptom pattern and whether a bone stress injury is suspected. An assessment can help determine when to pause impact and how to bring it back gradually.

Would a running assessment help?

A running assessment can be useful once running is appropriate. We can look at how you move and discuss practical changes to your training and running mechanics.

Book your Vancouver physiotherapy appointment

Find Cadence Physiotherapy & Rehab at 706–550 W Broadway, near Broadway–City Hall station. Book online or call 604-738-4900.

Explore Running Assessment Program or see the other conditions we treat.

Further reading: AAOS OrthoInfo on shin splints. Individual assessment guides diagnosis and treatment.