February 11, 2010
Active Release
Dr. William Booker D.C.
Dr. William Booker D.C. holds a
Doctorate of Chiropractic from the
Cleveland College of Chiropractic,
Los Angeles. He completed his
undergraduate studies at the
University of Virginia, where he
graduated with a major in
psychology and a minor in Biology.
After completing his internship in
Philadelphia, Dr. Booker relocated
to Arlington to open the first
Capitol Rehab inside of Gold’s
Gym. Dr. Booker established
Capitol Rehab-Arlington as the
flagship for what would be the
eventual opening of eight
additional Capitol Rehabs located
throughout Virginia, West Virginia
and Maryland.
Capitol Rehab of Arlington : 801 N. Quincy, Suite 130 : Arlington, VA 22203 : 703.527.5492 : @capitolrehab : drbooker@capitolrehab.com
Technique
Athletic Injuries & Shin Splints
By Dr. William Booker, D.C. and Dr. Ed Beck, DC
WHAT ARE SHIN SPLINTS?
Shin Splints is a general term used to refer to a painful condition of the shins.
The most common cause is inflammation to the periosteum, the outer sheath of
the shinbone (tibia). Specifically, the pain associated with shin splints is the result
of fatigue and trauma to the muscles and tendons where they attach to the tibia.
The most commonly affected muscle is the tibialis anterior, with secondary
involvement of the tibialis posterior, extensors hallicus and digitorum longus, and
flexors digitorum and hallicus longus.
WHY TRADITIONAL TREATMENTS MAY NOT PRODUCE LONG
TERM BENEFITS FOR SHIN SPLINTS
Traditional treatments include:
• Rest
• Ice or cold therapy to reduce inflammation
• Improving the shock absorption in the shoes
• Stretching the muscles of the lower leg
• Prescribing anti-inflammatory medicines
• Taping the shin for support
The above remedies may produce results in the initial stages of the injury, but
often do not achieve long lasting benefit. In order to affect long term changes, the
biomechanical flaws of the lower leg must be addressed and corrected.
Common flaws include:
• Weaknesses of the gluteal muscles, in particular the gluteus medius
• Tight/weak calf muscles
• Poor balance and proprioception of the feet
The result of these imbalances is unusual load to the tibialis muscles
and stress to the anterior region of the shin.
Active Release
Athletic Injuries
& Shin Splints
continued
Dr. Edward Beck, D.C.
Dr. Beck received his doctorate in
chiropractic from Palmer
Chiropractic College in Davenport,
IA. He completed his Bachelors of
Science degree from Concordia
University in Exercise Science
majoring in Adapted Physical
Activity. While at Concordia he
volunteered with different
organization from the YMHA to the
Golden Age Association.
After completion of his doctorate
degree he worked in Winamac,
Indiana with a practice specializing
in the Gonstead system of
chiropractic. Dr. Beck has
completed many hours of
certification from the Gonstead
seminar based in Chicago, IL.
Capitol Rehab of Arlington : 801 N. Quincy, Suite 130 : Arlington, VA 22203 : 703.527.5492 : @capitolrehab : DrBooker@CapitolRehab.com
Where proper rehabilitation should be incorporated to correct the biomechanical
flaws and weaknesses associated with Shin Splints, Active Release Technique
should be introduced early in the rehab process to reduce scar tissue formation in
the overworked muscles.
WHAT IS ART OR ACTIVE RELEASE?
ART is a patented, state of the art approach developed by Dr. Michael Leahy for
treating soft tissue injuries, in particular, repetitive stress and overuse injuries.
WHY DOES ACTIVE RELEASE WORK?
When a person has biomechanical or training flaws such as over-pronation, weak
gluteals, tight muscles of the calf and Achilles tendon or has suddenly increased
training mileage or intensity, a repetitive stress syndrome of the lower leg and foot
can occur. This repetitive stress creates three important changes in the soft
tissues:
• An acute condition in the leg and foot (strains, pulls or tears)
• There is an accumulation of small tears (micro-trauma)
• And there is a decrease in oxygen to the damaged area (hypoxia)
The end result is the production of a tough, thick scar tissue to the affected area,
in this case, the shin. As scar tissue develops, muscles become weaker, tendons
become irritated and nerves can become entrapped. ART uses a movement
based massage technique that:
• Breaks up the scar tissue
• Increases the functional range of motion
• Increases circulation to the damaged area
HOW WOULD I KNOW IF I HAVE SHIN SPLINTS?
Patients often describe Shin Splints as follows:
* Tenderness, soreness or pain along the inner part of your lower leg.
* Mild swelling
* Pain may be worse with pointing foot downward
* Pain at the start of exercise that may ease as the session continues
* Pain may return after activity and be worse the next morning.
WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I THINK I HAVE SHIN SPLINTS?
It is recommended that you identify a provider who is trained in Active Release
Technique, ideally one who incorporates a functional rehabilitation program. In
order to achieve long-term results, he patient must be instructed on home care
and self care exercises that address how to strengthen weak muscles and release
the overactive muscles as well.
Active Release
WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I THINK I HAVE SHIN SPLINTS?
Athletic Injuries
& Shin Splints It is recommended that you identify a provider who is trained in Active Release
Technique, ideally one who incorporates a functional rehabilitation program. In
order to achieve long-term results, he patient must be instructed on home care
and self care exercises that address how to strengthen weak muscles and release
the overactive muscles as well.

WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I THINK I HAVE SHIN SPLINTS?

It is recommended that you identify a provider who is trained in Active Release

Technique, ideally one who incorporates a functional rehabilitation program. In
order to achieve long-term results, the patient must be instructed on home care
and self care exercises that address home to strengthen weak muscles and release
the overactive muscles as well.

If you continue to experience pain and discomfort, consider a second opinion

from an integrated practice that incorporates the best in physical therapy,
chiropractic and rehabilitation.

For more information feel free to visit us at our website,

www.CapitolRehabofArlington.com.

You may also call us directly at 703.527.5492 or send an email to

DrBooker@CapitolRehab.com.

Dr. Edward Beck is a chiropractor Certified Active Release Technique.

Dr. Bill Booker is a member of the International Society of Clinical Rehabilitation
Specialists

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Capitol Rehab of Arlington : 801 N. Quincy, Suite 130 : Arlington, VA 22203 : 703.527.5492 : @capitolrehab : DrBooker@CapitolRehab.com