Shin Splints Physio Bexley North & Marrickville Get Back to Running Strong
Shin pain every time you run? Our award winning shin splints physio team finds the cause and gets you running without the ache.
- Same day appointments
- No referral needed
- Return to running plans
- ⭐5.0 Google Rating240+ reviews
- 🏆2026 Award WinnerBayside Business Awards
- ⏱️60 Minute First VisitFind the real cause
- 💳HICAPSClaim on the spot
Shin Splints explained
What Are Shin Splints?
Shin splints is pain along the inner edge of your shin bone when the bone and the muscles attached to it are overloaded by running or jumping. It usually comes on after a jump in training or a new season. The good news: with smarter loading and strength work, most runners get back to pain free kilometres.
13.6 to 20%of runners get shin splints, making it one of the most common running injuriesSource: Sports Medicine, 2012
Does This Sound Like You?
- Aching along the inside of your shin when you run
- Pain that eases as you warm up, then comes back
- Sore shins the morning after training
- Tender to touch along the shin bone
- Cutting runs short or skipping training
- Worried it could be a stress fracture
Who we help with shin splints
- 🏃New and returning runners
- ⚽Football and soccer players
- 🏀Netball and basketball
- 🪖Military and police recruits
- 💃Dancers
- 🏅Fun run and City2Surf entrants
Two Clinics, Same Day Appointments
Book a physio at Bexley North or Marrickville, whichever is closer to home, work or the gym. Same award winning team at both.
20 Shaw Street, Bexley North. Monday to Friday 7am to 7pm, Saturday 8am to 1pm.
Book Bexley North →Inside World Gym, 4 Carrington Road, Marrickville. Monday to Friday 8am to 7pm.
Book Marrickville →Real Patient Recoveries
★★★★★
I had IT Band and fluids in my knee and now im back to light interval running pain free after only 4 physio sessions. Sam is extremely knowledgeable and friendly.
Peter K.Treated by Sam · Google review
★★★★★
Saw Julian a couple times for different types of ailments… Their prescribed rehab exercises have been a game changer too and helped get me back into athletic shape in no time.
Andy C.Treated by Julian · Google review
★★★★★
Great experience with Phyzfit Physio, the team was always helpful and Ari especially, who helped me get back on track. Highly recommend!
James A.Treated by Ari · Google review
More from our 240+ Google reviews
Know the signs
Signs and Symptoms of Shin Splints
Shin splints usually build slowly, so it helps to know what to look for. Here are the signs our shin splints physio team sees most often in runners and active people.
- 📍
Where You Feel It
- Along the inner edge of your shin bone
- Lower half of the shin, often both legs
- A wider tender area, not one spot
- Sometimes in the calf muscles behind the shin
- ⚡
What It Feels Like
- A dull, spread out ache rather than sharp pain
- Sore when you press along the bone
- An ache that eases once you warm up
- Tight, tired lower legs after a session
- 📈
What Makes It Worse
- Running on roads and hard surfaces
- A sudden jump in kilometres or sessions
- Jumping, hopping and landing drills
- Worn out shoes or a brand new pair
- 🔍
Other Signs to Look For
- Pain returning after you finish running
- Mild swelling along the inner shin
- Calves that tire early during runs
- Pain in one small spot may mean bone stress
Book with our physio if your shins have ached for more than a week or two, flare up every season, or keep cutting your runs short.
Common Causes of Shin Pain
Not all shin pain is shin splints. Your physiotherapist works out which of these is driving yours, because each one needs a different plan.
01Classic Shin Splints
Feels like: diffuse ache along the inner shin that eases as you warm up, then returns.
Overload of the bone and muscles along the inner shin. Smarter training and calf strength usually settle it in weeks.
02Tibial Stress Fracture
Feels like: sharp pain in one small spot that gets worse with every run and aches at night.
The bone has more stress than it can handle. This needs a scan, time off impact and a careful plan.
Read about stress fracture physio →03Front of Shin Pain
Feels like: ache in the muscle on the front of the shin, worse running downhill.
The muscle that lifts your foot is overloaded, often after hills or a new shoe. Load changes and strength work help.
04Compartment Syndrome
Feels like: tight, bursting ache that builds during exercise and eases soon after you stop.
Pressure builds in the muscles during exercise, sometimes with numbness. We screen for it and refer to a sports doctor if needed.
05Calf Overload
Feels like: tight, tired calves and shins that ache after runs.
When your calves tire early, the shin takes more load. Building calf capacity takes the pressure off.
06Achilles and Calf Tendon Pain
Feels like: stiff ache low in the calf or above the heel, worst in the morning.
Sometimes lower leg pain is coming from the achilles. We check so you treat the right thing.
Read about achilles physio →Not sure which one you have? Call (02) 8021 0969
How Our Shin Splints Physios Get You Running
Every shin splints physiotherapy plan is built around your running, sport and life, whether you are training for a fun run, a new footy season or your first 5 km.
- 1
Find the Cause
A full 60 minute assessment of your load, strength, shoes and running, so we treat what is driving the pain.
- 2
Settle the Pain
Adjust your training and use hands on care to calm things down while you stay fit.
- 3
Build Strength
Calf, foot and hip strength so your legs can handle the kilometres.
- 4
Back to Running
A graded return to runs and sport so the shin pain stays away.
Treatments we may use
- Shockwave therapy
- Dry needling
- Hands on therapy
- Individualised rehabilitation programming
Related conditions we treat
Your options
Why See a Physio First for Shin Splints?
Waiting it out, painkillers and massage can all take the edge off. Only physiotherapy finds the cause and builds legs that handle your running.
Questions first? Call (02) 8021 0969
Free home exercises
3 Exercises for Shin Splints You Can Start at Home
These gentle starters build up the muscles that support your shins while you ease back your running. Our shin splints physio team can then tailor the plan to your training.
- EXERCISE 01🪑
Seated Calf Raise
- 3 sets of 15
- Daily
- Sit on a chair with your feet flat and a light bag on your knees.
- Lift your heels up slowly as high as you can.
- Lower them down over three seconds.
✓You should feel it in your calves, not along the shin bone.
!Stop if shin pain sharpens, rises above about 3 out of 10 or is worse the next morning.
- EXERCISE 02🦶
Wall Toe Raise
- 3 sets of 12
- Daily
- Stand with your back against a wall and your heels about a foot out.
- Lift your toes and the front of your feet towards your shins.
- Lower slowly and repeat.
✓You should feel the muscle on the front of your shin working.
!Stop if shin pain sharpens, rises above about 3 out of 10 or is worse the next morning.
EXERCISE 03🦵Standing Calf Raise
- 3 sets of 15
- Every second day
- Stand on both feet holding a bench or wall for balance.
- Rise up onto your toes, pause for a second, then lower over three seconds.
- Build towards single leg raises once both legs feel easy.
✓You should feel a strong burn through both calves.
!Stop if you feel sharp pain in one small spot on the shin, as that needs checking.
Also helps
🚴Swap Some RunsCycling, swimming or pool running keep your fitness up while your shins settle.
📉Cut the Load, Not EverythingRun shorter, slower and on softer surfaces like grass or trails, as long as pain stays mild.
🦵Start Calf RaisesSlow calf raises on both legs, building to 3 sets of 15, help your lower legs handle more.
This advice is general in nature and is not a substitute for a proper assessment. Speak to a physiotherapist or your doctor before starting, and stop if your pain increases. If you notice any of the red flags on this page, see a doctor first.
?Quick answers
Shin Splints Quick Answers
Short answers to what people search most about shin splints, from our physios in Bexley North and Marrickville.
Should I use ice or heat for shin splints?
Ice after runs
Ice your shins for 15 to 20 minutes after running to ease the ache. It helps comfort but won't fix the cause. Managing your running load and building calf strength usually matter most.
What exercises help shin splints?
Calf strengthening
Calf raises, single leg balance and hip strengthening usually help your legs absorb load better. Our physio Bexley North team builds the program and plans a gradual return to running.
Can I walk with shin splints?
Yes, usually
Walking is usually fine and keeps you active while your shins settle. If walking itself hurts, or the pain is in one small spot on the bone, get it checked to rule out a stress fracture.
Should I run on grass or concrete with shin splints?
Mix it up
Softer surfaces like grass or trails may feel easier, but changing surface suddenly can cause problems too. Keep surfaces varied and change your load gradually rather than relying on one perfect surface.
Do compression socks help shin splints?
Maybe, for comfort
Some runners find compression sleeves ease the ache, but research shows only small benefits. They're fine to use if they help. Load management and strength remain the main treatment.
What causes shin splints?
Too much, too soon
Shin splints usually come from increasing running too quickly, especially with more hills, speed work or hard surfaces. Our physio Marrickville team reviews your training plan to find the trigger.
How Long Do Shin Splints Take to Get Better?
Every runner is different, but this is what recovery usually looks like with a physiotherapist guiding you.
- First 1 to 2 weeks
Settle the Pain
We cut back running and swap in cycling or swimming. Everyday walking and stairs stop hurting.
- Weeks 2 to 6
Build Strength
Calf, foot and hip strength work, plus hopping drills. Many people start short, easy runs again.
- Weeks 6 to 12
Back to Full Running
A graded return to distance, speed and sport so your shins handle real training and stay pain free.
If a stress fracture is found, recovery takes longer and needs your doctor's input. Your physio will give you your own timeline at your first visit, or call (02) 8021 0969 to ask.
Your first appointment
What to Expect at Your First Shin Splints Physio Appointment
60minutes, one on one
with your physio
Unlike many clinics, your first visit is a full 60 minutes. That time lets your physiotherapist go in depth, find the root cause and build a clear, structured plan with you.
What to wear and bring
- Shorts and the shoes you run in
- Your training log or running app if you have one
- Your health fund card, HICAPS lets you claim on the spot
Same day appointments available
- 0 to 10 min
Your Story
We listen to how your shin pain started, your training load, and the runs or sport you want to get back to.
- 10 to 30 min
Full Assessment
We check your shins, calf strength, hopping, feet and running, and screen for a stress fracture.
- 30 to 40 min
Clear Explanation
You find out exactly what is overloading your shins, in plain English, and what recovery will look like.
- 40 to 55 min
Hands On Treatment
Hands on therapy, dry needling if it suits you, and exercises to ease your pain that same day.
- 55 to 60 min
Your Plan
A structured plan, training limits and two or three simple exercises, so you know exactly what to do next.
When to See a Physio, a Doctor, or Get a Scan
Most shin pain is not serious, but knowing the warning signs matters. Here is how your physiotherapist decides what you need.
✓Book a Physio If
These are the most common reasons people see us.
- Your shins ache every time you run
- Pain has lasted more than a week or two
- It keeps coming back each season
- You want a safe plan back to running
!See a GP or Hospital Now If
These red flags need urgent medical care.
- Severe, tight shin pain that keeps getting worse after exercise or a knock
- Numbness, pins and needles or weakness lifting your foot
- The leg looks deformed after a fall or hit
- A hot, red, swollen calf, especially after travel
- Fever with a red, swollen shin
?Do You Need a Scan?
Most people with shin splints do not.
- Shin splints are usually diagnosed in clinic without a scan
- If pain sits in one small spot, hurts at rest or at night, or hopping is painful, we refer for an MRI to check for a stress fracture
- If you need one, we liaise with your GP or sports doctor for you
Unsure if it is urgent? Call (02) 8021 0969
🏆 2026 Award Winner
Meet Your Award Winning Shin Splints Physios
Winners of Outstanding Health Improvement Services at the Bayside Local Business Awards 2026, treating shin splints and running injuries in Bexley North and Marrickville every day.
Julian De Rosa
Physiotherapist Head physio for Fraser Park FC with a Master of Physiotherapy. Has competed in ICN natural bodybuilding and is passionate about helping people with lower back pain and chronic pain.
Read bio →
Sam Nunan
Physiotherapist Head physio for the Wests Tigers reserve grade team in the NSW Cup, and formerly with the Canterbury Bulldogs junior pathways. Loves powerlifting, cricket and rugby league.
Read bio →
Ari Moushis
Physiotherapist An Ironman triathlete who is excellent with runners, cyclists and swimmers, with a background in powerlifting, tennis and golf.
Read bio →
Easy Ways to Access Shin Splints Physio
Claim your shin splints physiotherapy on the spot with HICAPS and your health fund, or use a Medicare care plan, DVA, Workers Comp or CTP.
- 💳Private Health InsuranceAll major health funds. Claim on the spot if you have extras cover.
- 🩺Medicare Care PlanHave a GP care plan? Bring it along and we'll handle the rest.
- 🎖️DVAVeterans with a DVA referral are bulk billed.
- 👷Workers CompensationSIRA approved. We liaise with your doctor and insurer.
- 🚗Car Accident (CTP)SIRA approved CTP physiotherapy after a road accident.
- 🤝NDISSelf managed and plan managed participants welcome.
Not sure if you're covered? Call (02) 8021 0969 and we'll check for you.
Before You Book
Shin Splints Physio Questions, Answered
Quick answers about shin splints physio in Bexley North and Marrickville. Still unsure? Call us on (02) 8021 0969 and we'll help you out.
Physio Bexley North
20 Shaw Street, Bexley North NSW 2207
Monday to Friday 7am to 7pm
Saturday 8am to 1pm
Physio Marrickville
4 Carrington Road, inside World Gym, Marrickville NSW 2204
Monday to Friday 8am to 7pm
Most shin splints settle in 2 to 6 weeks with the right changes to your training, and a full return to running can take 6 to 12 weeks. A clear plan helps you keep active while they heal.
You may need to cut back for a while, but many people can keep some running or cross training. Your physiotherapist will set a level your shins can handle.
Pain in one small spot, pain at rest or at night, and pain when you hop can point to a stress fracture. Your physio will check and refer you for a scan or to your GP if needed.
Usually not. We refer for an MRI only if a stress fracture is suspected or you are not improving as expected.
Old, worn out shoes can add to the problem, but shoes alone rarely fix it. Smarter training load and calf strength make the biggest difference.
No. You can book straight in at Bexley North or Marrickville. You only need a referral for a Medicare care plan, DVA, Workers Compensation or CTP.
Your first visit is a full 60 minutes, one on one. That gives us time to find what is overloading your shins and build a clear, structured plan.
Yes. We have HICAPS at both clinics, so you can claim on the spot. We also see Medicare care plan, DVA, Workers Compensation and CTP patients.
Ready to Feel Like Yourself Again?
Same day shin splints physio in Bexley North and Marrickville, no referral needed, and an award winning team in your corner.
Find Your Shin Splints Physio
Two award winning clinics. Bexley North for Kingsgrove, Earlwood, Bardwell Park, Bexley and Rockdale. Marrickville inside World Gym for Dulwich Hill, Sydenham, Petersham, Tempe and the Inner West.
Physio Bexley North
20 Shaw Street, Bexley North NSW 2207
Monday to Friday 7am to 7pm, Saturday 8am to 1pm
Physio near
- Kingsgrove
- Bardwell Park
- Earlwood
- Bexley
- Rockdale
- Turrella
Physio Marrickville
4 Carrington Road, inside World Gym
Monday to Friday 8am to 7pm, private on site parking
Physio near
- Dulwich Hill
- Sydenham
- Petersham
- Newtown
- Tempe
- Enmore
Ready to Get Back to Running Strong?
Book a 60 minute shin splints physiotherapy assessment in Bexley North, close to Kingsgrove, Earlwood and Bardwell Park, or Marrickville for Dulwich Hill, Sydenham and the Inner West. Same day appointments, no referral needed.
- 2026 Award Winner
- 5.0 from 240+ Google reviews
- Same day appointments
- No referral needed
- HICAPS claim on the spot
Got a Question? Contact Us
Not ready to book, or not sure if a shin splints physio is right for you? Our admin team is happy to help.
Bexley North: Mon to Fri 7am to 7pm, Sat 8am to 1pmMarrickville: Mon to Fri 8am to 7pm