Management of medial tibial stress syndrome with osteopathic manipulative treatment in a basketball player: Case report

Abstract

Introduction: Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome (MTSS) is one of the most common and disabling leg injuries in military personnel and in athletes participating in sports that involve running and jumping. The objective of this case report was to verify the efficacy of osteopathic manipulation as sole treatment in a basketball player suffering from Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome (MTSS).

Study type: Case report.

Case presentation: The patient in the study was a 26-year-old basketball player who reported a 6-week history of MTSS pain. MTSS diagnosis was made clinically, based on the patient's medical history and pain on palpation. A postural and biomechanical evaluation was also performed in order to study the patient's gait cycle and identify possible risk factors for MTSS. MTSS treatment is mainly conservative. From the initial diagnosis to the end of the follow-up period, no other therapy was performed other than osteopathic manipulative treatment. Overall positive results were obtained after a 2-month follow-up: VAS scores gradually decreased pain during exercise and daily activities diminished and an increase of game statistics was recorded.

Conclusions: Considering the results obtained, osteopathic manipulative treatment has proven highly efficient in the treatment of MTSS, without the use of drugs and a decisive role in avoiding suspension from sports.

Keywords: Basketball player; Fascia; Medial tibial stress syndrome; Osteopathic manipulative treatment; Pain.