Acupuncture for Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome in the Primary Care Setting

Acupuncture treatments will be utilizing the KB-2 points with manual manipulation accomplished by vigorously running the acupuncturists thumb nail up and down the handle until a perceived sensation change is noted in the subject's posteromedial tibia. A single, sterile 100mm needle will be inserted into the upper third of the medial tibiofibular ligament, followed by a second needle approximately 2-4 cm below the second needle. The needles will be manipulated as detailed above to achieve the sensation change along the posteromedial tibia. The needles will then be irregularly stimulated over the course of 5-7 minutes. The needles will be removed after the treatment is complete, which will last approximately 5-10 minutes (standard care).

Subjects will be given a study diary to document the number of times they performed the standard of care prescribed home exercise program. Subjects will be advised to complete the stretching exercises daily and the strengthening exercises every other day.