How Myofascial Release Can Keep You Running
Whether you’re hitting the pavement on a casual Sunday jog or training hard for your next race, pain can derail your progress faster than a missed stride. Two of the most common complaints among runners - shin splints and knee pain - are often brushed off as “part of the sport.” But they don’t have to be. At the Optimum Movement Centre, we’ve helped countless runners find lasting relief through one powerful method: myofascial release therapy.
Backed by a deep understanding of the body's fascial system - and enhanced through expert training in Anatomy Trains by our own Johnny - this form of therapy goes beyond surface-level symptoms to uncover and resolve the root cause of pain. If you're a runner tired of fighting through shin or knee issues, here's why myofascial release may be the missing piece in your recovery puzzle.
What Causes Shin Splints and Knee Pain in Runners?
Let’s start with the basics. Shin splints (technically known as medial tibial stress syndrome) cause pain along the shinbone, usually from overuse or excessive impact. Runner’s knee (patellofemoral pain syndrome) presents as pain around or behind the kneecap. While these may seem like separate issues, they share a common culprit: tight or dysfunctional fascia.
Fascia is a web-like connective tissue that surrounds and links muscles, tendons, ligaments, and bones. It plays a key role in force distribution and movement efficiency. When fascia becomes restricted - from overtraining, poor movement habits, or insufficient recovery - it can pull unevenly on muscles and joints, creating hotspots of pain and inflammation.
In runners, tight fascia in the calves, quads, hamstrings, or even the feet can tug on the shins and knees, leading to chronic discomfort.
How Myofascial Release Therapy Works
Myofascial release is a hands-on technique that applies gentle, sustained pressure to fascia to help it regain its normal glide and function. Unlike deep tissue massage, which primarily targets muscle, myofascial work focuses on the entire fascial network - especially the areas that connect seemingly unrelated regions of the body.
This is where Johnny’s advanced training in Anatomy Trains really shines. Using this model, he maps your body’s fascial lines - like the Superficial Back Line and Lateral Line - to identify where imbalances or restrictions are contributing to your shin or knee pain.
In some cases, the real issue isn’t in your legs at all. It could stem from fascial tension in your hips, glutes, or even your feet. With this holistic view, myofascial release doesn’t just treat the sore spot - it fixes the source.
The Optimum Movement Centre Advantage
At Optimum Movement Centre, we specialise in myofascial release for runners - from recreational joggers to elite athletes. What sets us apart isn’t just our deep understanding of the fascia, but how we integrate this therapy into a complete movement and recovery system.
Johnny combines his Anatomy Trains expertise with in-depth movement assessments to track exactly how your fascia is impacting your gait, stride, and postural alignment. Then, he applies targeted myofascial techniques to relieve pressure, improve mobility, and reduce pain.
Our approach is also highly personalised. We understand that no two runners are the same, so whether your shin splints flare up after 5km or your knees hurt after hill sprints, your treatment plan is tailored to your body, goals, and training load.
What Runners Say After Treatment
Runners who’ve come to us with persistent shin or knee pain often report:
- Immediate relief after the first session
- Increased flexibility and ease of movement
- Reduced post-run soreness
- Greater awareness of body alignment
- Fewer injuries and better running consistency
One client, a social runner training for their first half marathon, struggled with knee pain every time they increased their mileage. After just three myofascial release sessions with Johnny and a couple of adjustments to their warm-up routine, they completed their event pain-free and faster than expected.
Why Myofascial Release Works When Other Treatments Don’t
You may have tried foam rolling, ice packs, anti-inflammatories, or even orthotics - with little or temporary success. That’s because these solutions often address symptoms, not systems.
Myofascial release gets results because it works on the body as a whole. It doesn’t just release tight calves; it ensures the entire kinetic chain - from your feet to your core - is functioning smoothly and efficiently. And with Johnny’s guidance, the sessions double as a masterclass in your own movement patterns.
This therapy helps retrain your body, not just relieve it. And when you're serious about running - or even just pain-free movement - that kind of change matters.
Ready to Run Without Pain?
If you’re tired of managing shin splints or knee pain with temporary fixes, book in for a myofascial release session at Optimum Movement Centre today. Let Johnny’s unique combination of hands-on expertise and Anatomy Trains knowledge help you move better, feel better, and finally leave pain behind.
Because running shouldn’t hurt - and your recovery shouldn’t be guesswork.