Treatment of pain from iliotibial band syndrome
We treat pain in the outer hip, thigh, or knee from iliotibial (IT) band syndrome with the following services:
- Physical therapy and sports medicine, to improve IT band flexibility and resilience
- Massage therapy, to accelerate healing and reduce swelling
- Chiropractic adjustments, to alleviate tension in the connective tissues
- Acupuncture, to trigger the release of natural painkillers
What is Iliotibial Band Syndrome?
The iliotibial band is a long piece of connective tissue that runs down the outer edge of your thigh, from the side of the hip to just below your knee. If this tissue becomes too tight or irritated, then significant pain and inflammation can develop.
More on IT Band Syndrome
IT band syndrome is common among people who do physical activities like running, dancing, cycling. Failure to properly stretch and mobilize the IT band can lead to tightness and irritation of the band itself or the friction-reduced fluid-filled sac called bursae that are located beneath it. Likewise, not warming up properly, not getting enough rest between workouts, over-training, wearing poor footwear, using the improper running technique, or running downhill or on uneven surfaces (which can throw off hip/knee alignment) can also irritate the IT band and lead to symptoms which include:
- Pain on the outside of the knee
- Warmth and redness on the outside of the knee
- A feeling of clicking or popping on the outside of the knee
- Tenderness and pain along the outer edge of the thigh
Additionally certain postural abnormalities like having wide hips, knocked knees (genu valgum), weak core muscles, and improper foot positioning can increase tension on the IT band and lead to pain symptoms as well.