I suffered with shin splints too and I went to see a really good physio as soon as they started. She told me my calves were tight and therefore putting extra strain on my shin muscles, particularly where it inserts down near my ankle.
She gave me a sports massage to help loosen up my calves, ultra sound on the inflamed areas and also some stretching exercises to do. Once I had a couple of weeks of this, she gave me some strengthening exercises for my shins using one of those tension bands.
Touch wood, I've been back running for about 3 weeks and my shins have been fine. She said I may get some aching in the area for the first few runs but provided it wasn't painful and wasn't sharp pains to continue. I've been back to her a couple of time since I've been back running and she is pleased with my progress.
I would definitely recommend going to see a physio. It's really worth it. I had a few weeks off initially but would have been laid up far longer had I no had them treated.