Calf/Shin Flossing

Thank you for coming back to our blog. Over the past couple of weeks, we have been talking about using a flossing band as a helpful tool, to get some stiff joints or msucles moving. Last post, we talked about wrapping the floss band on your foot/ankle. Today we are going to talk about wrapping the floss band on your shin and when it can be benefcial.

The shin area has a bunch of muslces and tendons. Many of the muscles go down the leg and attach into the foot/ankle area. The shin are the muscles of locomotion, the ones that make walking possible. They are also the muscles used in hopping, jumping, sprinting, running, cycling, climbing stairs... You get the picture, they are used a lot in our world to get around. They are even used when we are not moving! For example, when you standing on one leg and your body tips and twists a little bit to maintain your balance. Yes, you guessed it, those are your shin muscles working hard to keep you up right.

When your calf muscle gets injured/pulled/strained/tear/torn (you do know all those terms mean exactly the same thing, don't you?), using a flossing band can help in the rehabilitation process.

Here is a video of using a floss band on the shin.

It is interesting that when the floss band is applied, it is a compression sensation and it feels as if the calf is slightly contracted, i.e. your foot will be gently forced down into plantar flexion, i.e. pointing your toes. Once the calf is wrapped up with the flossing band, you can get the client to do some exercises for example, they can start with some seated toe/heel raises for 1-2 minutes, then after they can stand up and do some toe/heel raises in standing, holding onto something solid for balance if needed, for another 1-2 minutes. Another great exercise that is very simple is simply having the client walk with the floss band on the shin. The flossing band is removed and then the client is retested in the movements previously tested. Looking for increased ease of movement, decreased pain and/or swelling. The flossing process can then be repeated a 2-3 times in a treatment session. This can also be used for medial and anterior shin splints as part of the treatment plan.

Have you injured/pulled/strained/tore your calf muscle recently? Would you like to try flossing as part of a plan to get you back moving painfree? Please call New Leaf Physiotherapy for your at home physiotherapy needs. 250-826-7300 to talk with Lyndsey, a certified Rehabiliation Assistant, to help you book your assessment.

New Leaf Physiotherapy is a mobile physiotherapy service that sees clients in West Kelowna, Kelowna and Lake Country.