Hi there so I was contemplating getting a massage gun I’m a sevens rugby player and I have been suffering with shin splints rather a lot so I currently am using a foam roller to loosen the muscles, so the question is if it would be more effective or should stick with the manual approach
Hi Haden, Sorry to hear you're suffering shin splints. I can only make general comments rather than on your particular case and always suggest getting individual advice from your healthcare professional. - The foam roller tends to spread the pressure and while it can be effective, may not be specific enough around the calf. - The massage gun, with the different types of attachments that can be used, will be more specific than the foam roller and a little easier to move around, meaning you may be able to get to areas that are difficult to get to with the foam roller and so may find it's more effective. - Potentially, dry needling/acupuncture could also be an option as that's even more specific and can get in a little deeper into the muscles compared to the foam roller/massage gun (although a lot of people don't like this option!) - I'd always look at ankle flexibility too for anyone suffering shin splints as this can contribute to the symptoms.
