🎙️ Episode 17:  Tibial Bone Stress Injuries: What Every Runner and Clinician Needs to Know

 

Shin pain is one of the most common complaints in runners, but not all shin pain is simply "shin splints." Tibial bone stress injuries can develop gradually, are often missed in their early stages, and can sideline runners for months if they're not recognised and managed appropriately.

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In this episode of The Rehab Runway, sports physiotherapist Beau Tyrrell joins Luke Nelson to unpack what every runner and clinician needs to know about tibial bone stress injuries. Together, they explore what is happening within the bone, why these injuries occur, and how to differentiate a bone stress injury from medial tibial stress syndrome (MTSS).

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The conversation covers the complete rehabilitation journey, including when imaging is appropriate, the role of MRI grading, relative unloading versus complete rest, strength training, cross-training, progressive impact loading, and evidence-based return-to-running criteria. Beau also discusses common rehabilitation mistakes, RED-S and low energy availability, training load management, and practical strategies to reduce the risk of recurrence.

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Whether you're a runner dealing with persistent shin pain, a coach guiding an injured athlete, or a clinician looking to improve your management of bone stress injuries, this episode provides practical, evidence-informed advice that you can immediately apply.

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In this episode you'll learn:

• How to recognise the early signs of a tibial bone stress injury

• The difference between shin splints (MTSS) and tibial bone stress injuries

• When imaging is warranted and how useful MRI grading is

• The principles of effective rehabilitation

• How to safely return to running after a bone stress injury

• Common mistakes that delay recovery

• Practical strategies to reduce the risk of future bone stress injuries​

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🎧 Listen to The Rehab Runway

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If you enjoyed this episode, please consider following, rating and sharing the podcast. It helps us continue bringing evidence-informed conversations to runners and health professionals around the world.​

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🧠 Upcoming Courses​

• Physio Running Camp Kenya 2027

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Guest Links

Beau Tyrrell

Instagram: @stressfracturephysio​​

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🎙️ About the Host

Hosted by Luke Nelson, Sports & Exercise Chiropractor, running coach, and strength coach.​​​​​​​

• 📱 Follow Luke on Instagram: @sportschiroluke

• 🌐 Learn more & explore upcoming courses: www.healthhp.com.au​​​​​​​​​