ITB syndrome

Our Illiotibial Band (IT Band Or ITB) is a long thick band of tissue that extends from our hip to the outside of our lower shin bone (our tibia) just below the knee. It is possible for the ITB to get irritated near the outside attachment. This usually occurs in higher levels athletes and long distances runners, or those who just began an exercise program that is too intense. It is thought that the root cause of ITB Syndrome is tightness in the IT Band. The IT Band gets tight due to weakness in the internal hip muscles (similar to the hamstring). Our internal glute muscles stabilize our hip and when these internal glute muscles are weak the IT band and the hamstrings try to compensate for this weakness. They get very tight and constricted to try and stabilize the hip (this is why nearly everyone has tight hamstrings). When the ITB gets tight its attachment to the tibia at the knee rubs back and forth over the bone repeatedly causing friction and the development of pain and inflammation in the area on the outside of the knee. The IT Band may also constrict and compress the tissue underneath causing pain. Treatment for ITB Syndrome tends to get excellent results. We first work to release the IT Band. We can do this via dry needling, soft tissue massage, and stretching. Once the IT Band has been released we work on strengthening the internal glute muscles. Once these muscles become stronger the IT Band no longer needs to constrict to stabilize the hip and will no longer develop the same tightness. Please see photos below for examples of how we treat ITB syndrome in our clinic. If you would like to schedule an appointment please reach out to us.