Iliotibial Band Syndrome Treatment

Iliotibial Band Syndrome Treatment in MD

Medical Name

The Condition

What is Iliotibial Band Syndrome

Pain located at the outer portion of the knee that often “locks up” during or after runs. The pain is often described as burning as well. This condition is believed to be as high as 12% of runners*.

This condition is still believed by the mainstream to be a friction syndrome of a bursae underneath the IT band insertion at the knee.

*Fredericson M, Wolf C. Iliotibial band syndrome in runners: innovations in treatment.Sports Med, 2005;35:451-459.

Iliotibial Band Syndrome Treatment

Typical Treatment: Treatment often focuses on icing the area, stretching of the band and strengthening of the quadriceps and hips

Research shows there is no inflammation located at this area and the IT band tenses with flexion, so treatment should release this tension at the knee. Graston therapy to the ITB as it crosses the knee, along with the surrouding musculature (quads, hamstring, popliteus, etc) will get the area functioning better.

Treatment should also involve the Tensor Fasciae Latae (TFL) and gluteal strengthening, which help take the tension out of the IT band. This is key because it reduces strain (or the pulling) at the knee which reduces the pain.

Dr. Josh Bross’ Take

This is another injury I like seeing (again, not because I like to see you in pain, but because we can fix it fast). People with this injury will have gone to physical therapy multiple rounds, other chiropractors, etc, with not much luck. They still get pain (usually running) and are very frustrated that it won’t go away.

What we do is look elsewhere for the problem, since clearly the ITB hasn’t responded to care. Is it coming from the joint of the knee? Is it coming from the ankle not moving right, or the foot not functioning right? You have to look at all aspects, and when you fix them, the problem usually will go away.