Shin Splints
Shin splints cause aching pain along the inner shin, usually during or after running. We find the cause and rebuild the strength and training habits that stop the pain at our Marple clinic.

Understanding Your Condition
Shin splints — medically known as medial tibial stress syndrome — cause aching pain along the inner edge of the shinbone, usually brought on by running or walking and easing with rest. It's common in runners building mileage and in people new to impact activity.
The good news is it responds well to physiotherapy. At Complete Recovery Physiotherapy in Marple, we settle the pain and address the strength, foot mechanics and training factors causing it — so you return to running and walking without the shin pain coming back.

What You Feel
- Aching pain along the inner shinbone
- Pain during or after running or walking
- Tenderness when pressing the shin
- Pain that eases with rest and returns with activity
- Discomfort that worsens with increased mileage
- Mild swelling along the shin
- Pain when the foot is pointed or the toes pulled up
- Bilateral shin pain in both legs
Common Causes
- Sudden increases in running or walking distance
- Inadequate strength in the calf and foot muscles
- Poor foot mechanics and overpronation
- Running on hard surfaces
- Inappropriate or worn-out footwear
- Training errors — too much, too soon
- Tight calf muscles increasing shin load
- Returning to impact activity after time off
Who Physiotherapy Can Help
Shin splints typically affect runners — particularly those new to running or building mileage — walkers, and people returning to impact activity after a break. We help with both recent onset and stubborn, recurring shin pain.
If your shins ache during or after running or walking and you're building your activity, you likely have shin splints. Targeted treatment and training changes make a real difference.
Struggling with Shin Splints?
Book your assessment today. We'll find the root cause and start hands-on treatment in your first session.
Your Assessment
Your assessment confirms shin splints and screens for more serious problems such as a stress fracture. We palpate the shin, assess your calf and foot strength, foot mechanics and — where relevant — your running gait, and review your training to understand the cause.
Distinguishing shin splints from a stress fracture matters because they need different management. We'll explain your diagnosis and build a programme to settle the pain and rebuild the strength.
How We Treat It
Our hands-on treatment approach:
- Assessment to confirm shin splints and screen for stress fracture
- Hands-on treatment to ease pain and soft tissue tension
- Strengthening of the calf, foot and ankle muscles
- Foot mechanics and footwear advice
- Training modification and a graded return to activity
- A progressive plan back to pain-free running
Expected Recovery
Most shin splints improve within 4–8 weeks of targeted strengthening and training modification. The key is addressing the underlying strength and load factors — not just settling the pain — so it doesn't keep returning.
We guide a graded return to running that respects the bone's adaptation time, so you build mileage safely without the pain recurring. Most people return fully with the right approach.
Everything You Need to Know Before Booking
No GP referral needed. Direct access appointments available — often same-day or within a few days.
What Happens at Your First Appointment
Your first session is a 45-minute comprehensive assessment. We start by listening — understanding your symptoms, your history, and what you want to get back to. We then carry out a thorough hands-on physical examination to identify the root cause of your problem. You'll receive a clear explanation of what's going on, a personalised treatment plan, and hands-on treatment begins in that very first session. You leave knowing exactly what's wrong, what we'll do about it, and how long recovery will take.
What Should I Wear?
Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that allows easy access to the area we're treating. For knee, hip, or leg problems, shorts are ideal. For shoulder, neck, or back issues, a loose top or vest works well. You'll never be asked to undress beyond what's necessary for examination and treatment, and you'll always be treated with dignity and respect in our private treatment room.
How Many Sessions Will I Need?
This depends on your condition, how long you've had it, and your goals. Many patients feel significant improvement within 3–6 sessions. Acute injuries often resolve faster, while long-standing or complex conditions may need more. We'll give you a clear treatment timeline at your first appointment — and we only ever recommend sessions you genuinely need. Our goal is to get you independent and pain-free as quickly as possible, not to keep you coming back.
Can I Claim Through Insurance?
Yes. We are recognised by most major health insurance providers including AXA, Vitality, Bupa, WPA, and Healix. We can bill your insurer directly so you don't need to pay upfront — simply bring your insurance authorisation number to your appointment. If you're not sure whether you're covered, call us and we'll help you check before you book.
Treated by a Qualified, Experienced Professional

Rob Wood
Head Physio & Clinic Owner
Meet Rob, founder of Complete Recovery Physiotherapy in Marple.
Shin Splints Frequently Asked Questions
Why Choose Complete Recovery Physiotherapy?
Stress Fracture Screening
We carefully distinguish shin splints from a stress fracture, which needs different management — so you're always in the right place for your care.
Runner-Focused Assessment
We assess runners specifically — strength, foot mechanics, training and footwear — to find the load factors driving your shin pain.
Graded Return to Running
We guide a structured return that respects bone adaptation time, so you build mileage safely without the pain recurring.
Hands-On Plus Strengthening
Manual therapy to ease your pain combined with a targeted strengthening programme — the combination that produces lasting results.
Honest, Running-Specific Advice
We understand training loads, surfaces and footwear, advising on what genuinely helps rather than generic tips.
Free Parking in Marple
Easy visits at Bowden Hall with free parking right outside — making regular rehab appointments straightforward.
Related Conditions We Treat

Achilles Tendinopathy
Achilles tendinopathy causes pain and stiffness in the tendon at the back of the heel, often worst in the morning or after running. We rebuild the tendon with a progressive loading programme at our Marple clinic.
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Calf Strain
A calf strain is a tear of the calf muscle, usually from running or sudden acceleration. We grade the strain and guide a graded recovery restoring strength and a safe return to running at our Marple clinic.
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Running Injuries
Running injuries affect the knee, hip, leg and foot, usually from training errors or biomechanics. We assess the cause and guide a graded return to pain-free running at our Marple clinic.
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Ankle Pain
Ankle pain can come from a sprain, a tendon, the joint or referred from elsewhere. We assess precisely and rebuild strong, stable, pain-free ankle movement at our Marple clinic.
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Sports Physio
Whether you're a weekend warrior, a dedicated athlete, or someone who simply loves staying active, sports injuries can be incredibly frustrating. Our specialist sports physiotherapy service is designed to help you recover fully, safely, and as quickly as possible.
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Physiotherapy
At Complete Recovery Physio, everything we do is built around high-quality physiotherapy. Whether you're recovering from an injury, dealing with ongoing pain, or looking to move more freely, we're here to support you.
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Exercise Rehabilitation
Exercise rehabilitation is the structured, progressive programme that rebuilds your strength, movement and confidence after injury or surgery — turning short-term relief into lasting recovery, guided by physiotherapists at our Marple clinic.
Learn MoreDon't Let Pain Hold You Back
Expert, hands-on physiotherapy in Marple. Free parking. Same-day and short-notice appointments often available.
Ready to Start Your Recovery?
Book your assessment today and take the first step towards a pain-free, active life. Free parking at our Marple clinic.

