Shin splints—known medically as medial tibial stress syndrome (MTSS)—are a common overuse injury, especially among runners, dancers, and athletes. Characterized by pain and tenderness along the inner edge of the shinbone (tibia), shin splints can sideline your performance and compromise your quality of life. While rest, ice, and physical therapy are often the first lines of treatment, more people are turning to acupuncture as a powerful complementary therapy. But how exactly does acupuncture help with shin splints? And what does the research say?
In this article, we'll explore how acupuncture can reduce pain, accelerate healing, and restore mobility in those struggling with shin splints.
Shin splints result from repetitive stress on the tibia and surrounding muscles, especially the tibialis posterior and tibialis anterior. This stress can cause microtears in the muscle and inflammation in the connective tissue.
Common causes include:
Symptoms include:
If not treated properly, shin splints can progress to stress fractures, which require a much longer recovery period.
A 2021 case series published in Medical Acupuncture explored the use of interosseous membrane acupuncture for treating medial tibial stress syndrome (MTSS), commonly known as shin splints. In this study, needles were inserted through the interosseous membrane between the tibia and fibula. Two physically active adults reported significant pain reduction immediately after treatment, with effects lasting up to four weeks. This suggests that targeting deeper anatomical structures can provide lasting relief for MTSS. PubMed+1PMC+1
A 2025 randomized controlled trial investigated the effectiveness of dry needling on athletes with MTSS. The study focused on the soleus muscle, a key player in lower leg movement. Participants who received dry needling experienced a significant decrease in pain levels, dropping from an average score of 7 to 2 on the Numeric Pain Rating Scale. However, there was no notable improvement in ankle range of motion, indicating that while dry needling effectively reduces pain, it may not enhance mobility. Morningside Acupuncture NYC
Recognizing the need for standardized treatment approaches, a 2024 study employed the Delphi method to develop a consensus-based integrated acupuncture protocol for MTSS. This protocol combines traditional acupuncture techniques with modern insights, aiming to provide a comprehensive treatment strategy for shin splints. E-Jar+1E-Jar+1
These studies collectively highlight acupuncture's potential in alleviating pain associated with shin splints. Patients considering acupuncture should consult with licensed practitioners experienced in sports injuries. Individualized treatment plans, possibly incorporating techniques like interosseous membrane acupuncture or dry needling, can be tailored to address specific symptoms and underlying causes.PMC+1PubMed+1
For those interested in exploring acupuncture as a treatment for shin splints, it's advisable to consult with healthcare professionals to determine the most appropriate approach based on individual needs and medical history.
