KAATSU for Shin Splints

For who? Tactical athletes, competitive athletes, physical therapists, chiropractors
For what? Shin splints, recovery

Young military recruits, new triathletes, distance runners or anyone beginning a new fitness program occasionally experience shin splints (medial tibial stress syndrome).

The pain runs along the inner edge of the shinbone (tibia) due to inflammation of the muscles, tendons, and bone tissue around the tibia. While resting, icing, stretching, and over-the-counter pain relievers are the most common treatments, doing KAATSU Cycles are also a faster way to return to a pain-free state and can help prevent shin splints in the first place.

The constant (or increased) pounding on pavement or wherever you are running overworks the muscles, tendons and bone tissue. Tenderness, soreness, swelling and pain occurs. If the intensity or distance continues, the shin splints can progress to a stress reaction or stress fracture.

Prevention
Because shin splints are caused by repetitive stress on the shinbone and the connective tissues that attach the muscles to the bone, it is critical to strengthen these muscles, tendons, and bone tissue.

Athletes can start doing repeated KAATSU Cycles using the KAATSU Cycle 2.0 (or KAATSU Wearables in the future) while walking (i.e., KAATSU Walking). It is recommended to place the KAATSU Air Bands snugly on the upper legs (not allowing more than 2 fingers to put placed between the KAATSU Air Bands and the skin) and then do the first KAATSU Cycle on the GROUP LOW level while walking comfortably. This first cycle runs for 4 minutes.

When the first cycle is completed, then increase the pressure to the GROUP MEDIUM level while walking comfortably. After 4 minutes, this second cycle is completed and the pressure can be increased to the GROUP HIGH level. At this point, the athlete can begin a slow jog or do faster (power) walking.

After the third cycle is completed, then increase the pressure to the PRO LOW level while walking fast or jogging slowly. After 4 minutes, this cycle is completed and the pressure can be increased to the PRO MEDIUM level on the fifth cycle while jogging or walking as quickly as possible (depending on one’s stamina).

For the last and sixth cycle, the pressure is increased to the PRO HIGH level.

Recovery
If you are already experiencing shin splints, you should do 3-6 KAATSU Cycles both before and after running. This can be in combination with icing, stretching and taking over-the-counter pain relievers. It is important to begin at a lower pressure (e.g., Group mode on the KAATSU Cycle 2.0, and then proceed to higher pressures in the latter cycles).

Many athletes also find great relief in doing another set of 3-6 KAATSU Cycles less than an hour before going to bed at night.

Others also find additional relief in doing a set of 3-5 KAATSU Cycles on their arms while doing repeated Hand Clenches, Biceps Curls and Triceps Extensions (i.e., KAATSU 3-Point Arm Exercises).