Runners Shin Splints Easing Up Tense Leg Muscles

Elaine,

I have a question about a person who suffers with shin splints. He is a very young runner (17 yrs old) and troubled so much that his training is reduced to aquatic running only.

Q. Is there something associated with this and what is there to look for - other than working with him? I wondered whether tightness in the calf and hamstrings may be associated with this condition. His calf and hamstring muscles are rock hard. Foot alignment problems and imbalance are also a concern, but is there a person he should see to help him diagnosis this? I was told he works very hard and much to his mom’s dislike pain and treatment are getting expensive. She has tried acupuncture, rest and other suggestions from medical personnel.

I had his mom look online at EPM for products and asked her to have him look it over and call with any questions. Are there any tips I should mention on EPM – or any other routines to use in conjunction with EPM for his condition? I also can have him look at other therapies perhaps. I personally have had loads of success with trager.com..this along with EPM has been the only relief for the QL (quadratus lumborum) muscle that has been irritated since the injury in 1983.

Thanks.
Albert Innamorati
EPM Certified Instructor-Level 2

Hi Albert

Good to hear from you and I look forward to working with you again. As for this young person with shin splints, your observations give you the answer as to what he needs to do. His leg muscles are tight so when he runs, the shock of his movements are all landing in his shins.

This can become chronic and of course painful. It is very common. He MUST ease up the tension in his legs so that he can feel the difference in his running afterwards. Simply beginning to use the balls under the back of the pelvis and down the legs is a must. If you

are working with him you can guide him to use the correct pacing. Obviously this might seem ineffective to him at first. Nevertheless it is his overworking of his muscles that is preventing his body from naturally recovering on a day to day basis.

Each day he adds more and more effort and tension to his workouts and he gets less and less satisfaction. The pendulum has swung one direction and he has to stop holding it there and let it swing the other way. That means he needs to allow his muscles to release. That understanding is thru the weight and the breath. It almost doesn't matter which ball placement he does. He needs to have an expereince that will begin to lead him to another wayof working. The sssss sound will guide his responses.If you have any more questions please feel free to ask.

Hope this helps.

Elaine