Since Covid our clinic in Oakville has been treating more runners with more aches and pains. From ITB issues to Shin Splints and Achilles Tendinopathies we have treated it all. More people have been hitting the trails and streets to run and get the blood pumping, and with that our Oakville chiropractors and physiotherapists have seen an influx in running injuries.
The list of running related injuries is long and complicated. If you are suffering from any of the below conditions, follow the link to the specific treatment pages. If you are suffering from Shin Splints, Achilles Tendinopathy or Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome continue reading below.
The Achilles in a big tendon that connects your calf muscles into your heel. When the calf muscles are put under too much stress, the tendon can become irritated. This irritation can cause pain and inflammation, and make the back of the heel during walking and/or running very painful. If you’re a new runner, have recently increased your distance, or started running hills, be on the lookout for this condition!
Our chiropractic treatment approach to Achilles tendinitis closely mirrors plantar fasciitis treatment, incorporating IFC, heat, shockwave therapy, instrument-assisted soft tissue work, shoe recommendations, and ice. Watch the video below for additional treatment insights.
4 Steps to Achilles Tendinitis Treatment:
Our approach to Achilles tendinitis closely mirrors plantar fasciitis treatment, incorporating IFC, heat, shockwave therapy, instrument-assisted soft tissue work, shoe recommendations, and ice. Watch the video below for additional treatment insights.
Interferential Current Therapy (IFC) & Heat – Applied to the calf to improve circulation, loosen tissue, and reduce pain.
Shockwave Therapy– A high-frequency, air-powered device targets the injured area, penetrating deep to accelerate healing—considered the gold standard for tendinitis treatment.
Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Therapy (“Scraping”) – A metal tool is used to break up adhesion’s and scar tissue in the Achilles and calf.
Active Release & Trigger Point Therapy – Our specialists use hands-on techniques to relieve knots and tightness in the calves and Achilles tendon.
2. Shin Splints:
Shin splints or “front shin pain” is usually a result from over training, poor footwear or bad biomechanics of the legs/foot or hips. The pain is located on the inside of the front part of the lower leg. Dr. Steve and our Oakville physiotherapy team recommends shin splint injury patients to seek treatment as soon as they notice symptoms as the injury could lead to an avulsion fracture pulling a piece of bone by the affected Tibialis Anterior muscle.
4 Steps to Shin Splint Treatment:
Interferential Current Therapy (IFC) & Heat – Applied to front of the lower leg and shin to improve circulation, loosen tissue, and reduce pain.
Shockwave Therapy– A high-frequency, air-powered device targets the injured area, penetrating deep to accelerate healing—considered the gold standard for treatment of shin splints.
Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Therapy (“Scraping”) – A metal tool is used to break up adhesion’s and scar tissue in the Tibialis Anterio/Posterior and Soleus.
Active Release & Trigger Point Therapy – Our specialists use hands-on techniques to relieve knots and tightness in the front of the lower leg inlcuding the Tibialis Anterior, Soleus and Flexor Digitorum Longus..
Severe shin splints can lead to Anterior Compartment Syndrome, which can be a life and death situation and unfortunately cannot be treated at our clinic. If this is the case and you present with anterior compartment syndrome, we send you to OTMH right away.
What is the Best Treatment for Shin Splints Oakville?
Treatment for shin splints at our Oakville clinic involves a combination of treatments. Most patients will receive 10 – 15 minutes of Suction IFC on the affected leg. After that, Shockwave Therapy will be performed on the area of pain. ART and Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue will also be performed on the injured area. If you have ever had Dr. Steve’s “scraping” you know this is relatively painful, buts Dr. Steve is conscience of his patients pain tolerance.
I was initially reluctant to try another chiropractor after a series of bad experiences that left me in more pain. However, my husband visited Dr. Steve at Nottinghill Family Wellness Centre following a scary knee injury and had nothing but amazing things to say about his care. He booked me... read more an appointment, and I've been looking forward to my sessions ever since. I cannot express enough gratitude for the exceptional service from the staff, who assist every step of the way, provide thorough follow-ups, and patiently answer every question I have. Dr. Steve is the most professional and knowledgeable chiropractor I've ever encountered. He takes the time to explain the process every step of the way and builds a relationship of trust with each patient, ensuring you leave feeling better. I was so impressed with the improvement in my back pain after just one session that I encouraged my teenage children to book sessions with Dr. Steve as well. One has an ankle injury from basketball, and the other has a shoulder injury from work. Both are more committed to their sessions more than anything else and have experienced significant improvement. Dr. Steve excels not only during treatments but also in providing detailed and thorough follow-up instructions. This morning, after a wrong move, I injured my back and had difficulty walking. I called Nottinghill Family Wellness Centre to see if I could see Dr. Steve urgently due to the pain. They booked me an appointment and stayed open past their closing time to accommodate me. I entered the clinic barely walking and left feeling ready to rock and roll (though I won't!). I couldn't be more grateful. Thank you, Dr. Steve, and the whole Nottinghill team, for being so wonderful! Ingy
Ingy ES September 7, 2024
Steve and his team are absolutely amazing. Very efficient. Absolutely knowledgeable and corrected my issue Very quickly. Steve and team are so friendly and such positive high energy in the office. Love seeing everyone 💕
Linda Paul December 7, 2024
Dr Steve and team have transformed my neck and upper back. They worked their magic to help release tension and my sleep is much better. Bonus - they love dogs so mine come to appts for social visits!
Vidya B September 7, 2024
Dr. Steve was amazing! He listened to my issues & addressed them according. He was friendly and empathetic.
Sabrina Hasan August 7, 2024
Really great service! Dr. Steven is very humorous and treats all your issues. The staffs are all super friendly and will check up on your health regularly. Overall very enjoyable experience.
Crystal Zhao February 13, 2025
I have had the pleasure of working with Vinaya at Nottinghill Family Wellness Centre over the last five months, and I can’t recommend her highly enough! From the moment I walked in, the atmosphere was warm and welcoming. Vinaya took the time to listen to my concerns and thoroughly assessed... read more my condition. Her expertise and approach were impressive. Each session was tailored to my specific needs, incorporating a mix of manual therapy, targeted exercises, and education about my injury. I appreciated how she explained each technique and its purpose, which really helped me understand my recovery process. Not only did my pain significantly decrease, but I also gained strength and confidence in my movements. Vinaya was encouraging and motivating, making every appointment a positive experience. If you’re looking for a knowledgeable and caring physiotherapist, look no further than Vinaya! I’m so grateful for her help and support on my journey to recovery.
Jeff Barbosa October 7, 2024
so good!!! the people are lovely and the service is so effective! felt results after session one!
lilly montelongo August 7, 2024
Dr.Steve and his team are very professional, focused. I came with severe pain in my knee, and he quickly got to the point, and in three sessions, I have recovered considerably- from not being able to walk and pain to a level of 10/10 in some positions, to being able... read more to walk pain free. A good professional staff helped build confidence in the care.
Prashant Bhatt November 7, 2024
Another great experience, thanks for keeping me going!
Guillaume Grincourt June 7, 2024
3. Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome
Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome, this condition accounts for the majority of knee pain in runners. It is caused by an imbalance in the knee that causes the patella to track through its groove improperly. This created an irritation of the cartilage behind the kneecap and can cause pain. There are a number of biomechanical factors that contribute to this condition including over pronation of the feet/ankles, weakness of the medial (inside) knee muscles and weak glutes. Think your knee pain is coming from over pronation, get in today and see if some custom foot orthotics will get you back pumping out the miles!
4 Steps to Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome Treatment:
Interferential Current Therapy (IFC) & Heat – Applied to front of the knee and quad to improve circulation, loosen tissue, and reduce pain.
Shockwave Therapy – A high-frequency, air-powered device targets the injured area, penetrating deep to accelerate healing—considered the gold standard for treatment of Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome. This can be a little annoying towards the front of the knee where it is mostly bone.
Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Therapy (“Scraping”) – A metal tool is used to break up adhesion’s and scar tissue in the front of the knee including the patella ligament and quads..
Active Release & Trigger Point Therapy – Our specialists use hands-on techniques to relieve knots and tightness in the front of the knee and quads. At times they will find trigger points in the hamstring and popliteus muscle.
The hamstrings help to move us forward when we run. If you’re new to running, or have recently started a more difficult running routine, your hamstrings may tighten or become strained as a result. The pain can be felt anywhere down the back of the upper leg, from right underneath the butt to the back of the knee.
Shockwave Therapy, Muscle release techniques, IFC, Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Therapy, acupuncture and a home exercise programs can help make your return to running easier. The hamstrings aren’t the only muscles that can become strained from running; the quads and hip flexors are also common sources of running-related pain. If you are experiencing muscle pain, come visit the clinic today!
The best treatment of shin splints would involve a combination of IFC, stretching, shockwave, Graston and ice.
You get shin splints from overuse or excessive force on the skin from running. This can be more pronounced when you are not wearing proper footwear or do not prepare yourself properly for a run.
Shin splints can be mistaken for compartment syndrome which is overuse from weight bearing activities.
Yes and no, you should avoid any activity while your shin splints are acute and very painful. his allows them to get the rest they need to heal, but after about a week walking is good to help loosen the calf and maintain activity.
Everyone is different ion regards to healing, so every treatment and healing trajectory is difference. Although you will usually see a difference in your shin splints after about 2-4 weeks.
You can stretch your shin splints by stretching the muscle called the anterior tibialis, which is the muscle that runs along your shin. This can be seen by pointing your toes and turning your foot inward. Also, stretch your calves too.